Challenger ’82, Union Pacific’s 3985

SKU: DVD-WBV-002
(6 customer reviews)

Original price was: $24.95.Current price is: $19.95.

The first two seasons of the most famous Challenger…3985.

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Producer

WB Video
Run Time

55 minutes
Narration

Yes
Shrink Wrap

Yes, Brand New
Technical Details

NTSC, Region Free, View Worldwide on Computer

Challenger ’82 tells the fascinating story of those first two seasons of the most famous Challenger of all… Union Pacific’s 3985! It begins in 1975 as this beautiful 4-6-6-4 is removed from the Cheyenne roundhouse for display at the depot. Then you’ll see 3985 returned to the shops in 1979 for restoration. On March 18, 1981 you are there as 3985 is tested under its own steam in the Cheyenne yards. The first road test comes a week later on a freight run to LaSalle, Colorado. On April 23, 1981, one of the most significant railroad events of the decade occurs when Challenger 3985 is double headed with Union Pacific 8444 on a special train to the Grand Opening of the California Railroad Museum.

Challenger 3985’s second season in 1982 is documented in some of the most spectacular steam footage ever photographed. You are trackside between Cheyenne and Pocatello, Idaho. Then, we follow the excursions between Salt Lake City and Provo, Utah. As the train heads back to Cheyenne we pace 3985 through scenic Weber Canyon.

6 reviews for Challenger ’82, Union Pacific’s 3985

  1. Jeremy C. Schultz –

    Sure wish this program were longer, but you will still get a decent amount of early “Challenger action”…

  2. Mwdonoughue –

    This program covers the first two years of 3985’s excursion career, along with 16mm footage of the locomotive being moved into its display site near the depot.

  3. Curtis Watson –

    Always love seeing the Challengers, and this makes a good start to anyone following 3985’s extensive excursion career.

  4. Ricky –

    While many railfans remember the history of the now-retired giant due to money issues and the restoration of Big Boy 4014, I say its still an enjoable watch despite the color issues as it was shot from one of the very first hand-held/homemade videotape cameras to the troublesome U-Matic 3/4 editing. Not to Mention some 16mm film of 3985 is included as well.

  5. NRH –

    Good to see the first excursions the 3985 took, good pacing shots, cab ride.

  6. Tuscaloosa –

    This is from old tape, but the steam action is really incredible. I saw this on Facebook and liked some of the scenes.

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