UP's Challenger to be mothballed?

[JOSEPH the steam buff]

As of this notice: UP CHALLENGER 4-6-6-4 3985 WILL NOT BE RETIRED. the engine is earthier being restored like 4014 or will be restord after work is done on 4014. tis is simply form the steam crew. i was there to ask. sso hope is not lost. remember up ran all three TYPES BACK THEN. AND THEY HAVE MORE MONEY NOW THEN THEY DID BEFORE.

[selector]

Thanks for all of your replies.  I would have anticipated something more widely disseminated and more official, so I was doubtful.  So far, so good.

-Crandell

[Big Boy Forever]

I talked to members of the steam crew in Pomona and they had some of the crew working on the 3985 in Cheyenne at the same time they were working on BB 4014.

[blue streak 1]

If the power shortages continue  --   CAN YOU IMAGINE 3985 & 4014 DOUBLE HEADING A REVENUE FREIGHT FOR FERRY PURPOSES ?  nO HIGH SPEED RUNNING TO WEAR EITHER OUT ?

[Leo_Ames]

Would be nice to see all three in steam in 2019 to show the ultimate evolution of Union Pacific's three primary types of modern steam road power. 

[Firelock76]

I haven't seen anything along those lines, in fact several months ago this question came up on the Forum and another poster (don't remember who) said UP's got no plans to retire 3985.  It's in rebuild right now and it will be coming back.  As it's several months back I can't quote chapter and verse on the post but that's what it amounts to.

Makes sense, it'll be years before 4014's ready to go.  The target date for 4014's return to steam is supposed to be 2019, the sesquicentennial of the completion of the transcontinental railroad.

[selector]

On another forum, a member posted a comment from someone whom he takes as a semi-official voice.  It seems that 3985 might not run for a very long time now that the effort is going into 4014.  Anyone else seen something along those lines?

-Crandell