Union Pacific 3985
What happened to the Union Pacific Challenger?
No. 3985 was restored to operating condition by Union Pacific in 1981 and used in excursion service until mechanical problems sent it back into storage in October 2010. It was officially retired in January 2020 and is stored in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Union Pacific Challenger - Wikipedia
UP steam club article states 3985 "requires a frame up rebuild in the manner of 4014", ergo, it will be permanently retired. Financial cutbacks across railroad departments include the steam program.
UPRR announces retirement of 3985. - Railway Preservation News
3985 in excursion service for the foreseeable future. No further information about the future of the locomotive has been released and No. 3985 continues to remain stored at the Union Pacific roundhouse in Cheyenne, Wyoming as of 2021, with no plans to bring it back to operation anytime soon.
Union Pacific 3985 - Wikipedia
It is one of 105 Challengers built for Union Pacific between 1936 and 1943 and was, for many years, the only operating engine of its class in the world – the largest and most powerful operating steam locomotive. That title has transitioned to Big Boy No. 4014 now that No. 3985 is retired again.
UP No. 3985 - The Challenger - Union Pacific