3985 hasn't run for a while. Anyone know what it's status is?
UP 3985 has been undergoing some major modifications and repairs. The work is being done on a "time-available" basis and is considered secondary to other shop activities necessary to maintain UP 844 and the other equipment.
First, the modifications made to the smoke box and steam exhaust systems prior to the Minnesota trip in 2008 were considered unsuccessful and removed. The original system was re-installed.
Second, one of the springs which is necessary to center the boiler on the articulated frame as the engine comes out of a curve was damaged or lost. New springs was ordered. The new springs apparently had some sort of a defect so a second set was obtained and are being installed. This work is nearly complete or has been completed.
At least one test run will be necessary to determine the success of the modifications and repairs before UP 3985 can return to service. I don't believe the test run has been scheduled.
The next scheduled steam trips are for Cheyenne Frontier Days, July 22-25, 2010. Optimistically, It is possible the the engine could be ready for this trip or one of the future steam trips planned later in September and October. Realistically sometime in 2011 is more likely.
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