Union Pacific #3985

May 8th, 2010 marks the third annual celebration of National Train Day, we celebrate the occasion with some great train pictures from Ray Peacock @ Heartland Rails ----- ENJOY and RIDE THE TRAIN !!!

The National Train Day celebration, sponsored by AMTRAK and others, will have large-scale, family-friendly events that provide opportunities to explore interactive, educational exhibits that bring to life the rich narrative of how trains have transformed America and will continue to do so in the future.

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Built in 1943 by the American Locomotive Company of Schenectady, New York, Union Pacific's 3985 is a four-cylinder simple articulated 4-6-6-4 Challenger type steam locomotive. It is currently the largest operational steam locomotive in the world and was designed by UP chief mechanical engineer Otto Jabelmann in 1941.

UP 3985 crosses the Mississippi river heading to West Chicago, where it will stage for upcoming excursions to Milwaukee. June 12, 2002.

UP's challenger heads back to Chicago from Butler Yard in Milwaukee. Train is shown on former CNW "freight belt" just a few minutes after departure from Butler at West Allis. June 15, 2002.

UP 3985 blasts through the northern suburbs of Chicagoland, returning from Milwaukee alongside US 41. June 15, 2002.

UP steam special is out of Butler headed back to West Chicago on the old CNW freight belt around Milwaukee. June 16, 2002.

UP steam heads north to Milwaukee over the old CNW "new line". June 16, 2002.

Here is the link provided by Ray to the Union Pacific Steam Website.
Thanks Ray!