Yes, the 3985 may not be the equal of the 1238. However, the people who own
the 3985 have a steam program, and the money, but not the desire to restore her
to the rails. A dad blasted shame, IMO. There are a lot of steam locomotives I'd like
to see restored, and running, such as the C&O 614. Heck, for that matter, build a new NYC Hudson, one of the most handsome steam locos ever built. But that's just dreaming.
This isn't dreaming! Come on UP, do the right thing..restore 3985 to operation once more.
E
They are working on it. 3985 is on the back burner at the moment.
Here is the source page with the revelant post borrowed and quouted here...
http://www.trainorders.com/dis.../read.php?10,3081544
The 3985 is down for the mandatory 15 year FRA inspection and will be getting a complete overhaul. The steam crew has devoted all their time and effort to getting the 844 ready and the 3985 has been put on the back burner. It will likely be at least 2 years or more before the 3985 is ready. With the 838 and the 3985 parked next to each other it looked like a scene right out of the 1950's in the old roundhouse.
Cotton Belt 4-8-4 will likely never run again, more towards politics than anything else I think. It would be a good thing if the UP allows a little room. This engine kept 60+ cars at 80 mph into and out of Texas.
Regarding the other Poster with the 4 Aces, Sunset has one being produced now in the process. I think they ask for about 1500 dollars for it before taxes and shipping. A beautiful engine, but more importantly, one which was able to get 12 passenger cars across the eastern mountains without a helper. And that was a feat unmatched for a while.
To the other poster with the Burlington 4-8-4, these were beautiful engines and I think Sunset has a number of them. I think also the C&O Greenbrier has a place as well.
