U.P. 3985

[Anonymous]

Went up to Marysville,KS on Sat.(the 23rd) to see the 3985. Man, is that one awesome chunk of machinery!!! I knew she was big, but to see it up close it boggles the mind. We got there to late to see it running & it wasn't leaving until 8am the next day (had prior plans so we couldn't stay)but I was happy just to see it & get a few photos. I also got to talk to Steve Lee briefly & let me say he is one heck of a nice guy!!
As a side note, things have changed in Marysville since I was there last. Instead of the normal flashing lights, bell & gates, all the crossings now have (in addition to the above mentioned) a "recorded" horn that sounds as the lead locomotive approaches the crossing & continues for about 10 seconds. There is also a flashing white strobe on top of the speaker box. So all you hear from the head end is the clanging bell. I assume it's a noise ordnance/reduction type of thing but quite LAME as far as I'm concerned. Sorta takes away from the whole train watching experience while in town. There are a lot great locations around Marysville, but seeing how the Marysville Sub is so busy (60-70 trains a day) & Marysville is a crew change point, it's neat sometimes to just stay in town & watch. But now as the trains pull through town instead of a earshattering, echcoing off the buildings, grin producing blast of airhorns, you get a sick sounding "hooonnk,hooonnk,honk,hooonnk" at every crossing. Just not the same. Oh well, at least the Challenger was cool!!!!!!!!!

Matt

[Anonymous]

You are so right it is awsome. Seen in Iowa early this month on a trip to Sioux City(Sergeant Bluff) chased it from Mo.Valley to Sergeant Bluff and back to Mo.Valley. Man that was cool. Watched them do 3 photo run bys, cool it was.
The horns at crossings are to reduce decibles from the units horns and the town more pleasant, not. They direct the sound towards the road and not all over the place. The stobes are so the train crews know they are working.