07-23-2013, 03:58 PM
I honestly think this is not a great idea. The 3985 (a 4-6-6-4 Challenger) is a passenger locomotive. She has been laid up for a couple years awaiting mechanical work. I would rather see her returned to service. I have a bad feeling that this project with 4014 will cause 3985 to be placed on the back burner, we may not ever see her run again in my lifetime if that happens. The 4014 is a freight engine, always has been. It is HUGE, a 4-8-8-4. There are most certainly many places where the 4014 cannot go due to clearance issues. I doubt the 4014 will ever leave UP rails, unlike when the 3985 came east to the Clinchfield (not that CSX would let that happen again, but you get my point.)
I appreciate the effort the UP steam crew is putting forth, I also appreciate that this may be the most involved and expensive restoration ever embarked upon for a steam locomotive. But please, UP, get 3985 back on the rails first. She is a much better candidate, and was actually built for passenger work.
Incidentally, I am more excited about seeing N&W 611 come back to life than any other. I can hardly wait!
Dave
I appreciate the effort the UP steam crew is putting forth, I also appreciate that this may be the most involved and expensive restoration ever embarked upon for a steam locomotive. But please, UP, get 3985 back on the rails first. She is a much better candidate, and was actually built for passenger work.
Incidentally, I am more excited about seeing N&W 611 come back to life than any other. I can hardly wait!
Dave
-Dave