What Will Happen To 3985?
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.
How many Challenger locomotives are left?
Preservation. Only two Challengers survive, both from the 4664-4 order built in 1943.
Union Pacific Challenger - Wikipedia
What happened to Steve Lee Union Pacific?
— Union Pacific steam program boss Steve Lee will retire at the end of this year after 22 years in his position. Lee has become synonymous with the program during his tenure. ... Amid the Rock's bankruptcy, Lee interviewed with UP, becoming the division general road foreman of engines at Cheyenne, Wyo., in 1980.
Union Pacific steam guru Steve Lee to retire NEWSWIRE - Trains
4014's restoration on May 1, 2019, No. 3985 was officially retired from excursion service in January 2020 due to its poor mechanical condition, with No. 4014 officially serving as the replacement for No. 3985.
Union Pacific 3985 - Wikipedia