What Will Happen To UP 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. UP believe two active locomotive (and what locomotives they are) is sufficient for the moment.
How many up challengers are left?
Though designed for Union Pacific, only 105 of the 252 built went to the company. The Challenger also became part of the Denver & Rio Grande, Northern Pacific, Spokane, Portland & Seattle, Western Maryland, the Western Pacific, and Great Northern railroads. Today, only two of the 252 Challengers built remain preserved.
Union Pacific Challenger: Big Boy's 'Little' Brother - National ...
Where is 4014 now?
Union Pacific reacquired No. 4014 from the RailGiants Museum in Pomona, California, in 2013, and relocated it back to Cheyenne to begin a multi-year restoration process. It returned to service in May 2019 to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad's Completion.
UP: UP No. 4014 - The Big Boy - Union Pacific
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