http://www.everywherewest.com/UP3985_E2Large.jpg

I originally posted a thumbnail of this under the super-esoteric "railfans" thread, but in looking at it again at full size realized that it was just a cool pic and needed to post a larger version. It was pure luck - literally a grab shot with no setup at all - parked it, jumped out, ran ahead, turned around and pressed the shutter. Funny how that works sometimes.

Location is about a mile north of Gorham, Illinois.

It's so good to see Steam locomotives roaming the rails still. The 3985 trully is the largest operating steam locomotive out there, and it is a beauty to see run. I had an opertunity in 2000 when it headed back east from LA through Cajon Pass... Anotherthing that is fascinating about the locomotive, is that it is NOT SLOW! when UP runs it, they really do run it, no babying of it... Oh yeah, love the E in front of it too!

Glad to see I'm not the only one to railfan with my E...[/img]

I still remember an all-day steam train trip my dad took my brother and I on when we were kids. I was pulling little bits of burnt coal off of my scalp for days afterwards, they just embedded themselves deeply in the skin...that was so weird.

-brendan

>burnt coal

No risk to us or the E with this one - it burns fuel oil. If the fireman pays attention to what he's doing, it's mostly just steam out the smokestack. (Earlier in the day he wasn't - smoke was pure black, and the wife and I were off in the distance rolling on the floor laughing at the people crowding the tracks who suddenly needed a shower and a good scrub!)

BTW, this particular engine weighs 1,000,000 pounds.

[quote:05b7e9944c=" "]BTW, this particular engine weighs 1,000,000 pounds.[/quote:05b7e9944c]

WOW.

Is that GCRW, GVRW or Curb Weight? Did you check the side door for load capacity? :) :) :)

-brendan

But as one who's worked behind steam..

Sand often goes up the stack as well. Even with oil burners you can get those particles embedded in your scalp!

Word has it the 4449 will be out this spring going to some sort of steam shindig in Montana.

Besides Montana scenery there's the awesome Columbia River trcakage.

Perfect for the moon roof camera shots at speed from the E!

BTW, if you haven't seen the The Station Agent yet - see it!

[quote:346961e0c3=" "]WOW.

Is that GCRW, GVRW or Curb Weight? Did you check the side door for load capacity? :) :) :)
[/quote:346961e0c3]

Load capacity is 675 pounds. (What a coicidence!) Just enough for the Engineer and the fire-tender guy and a little bit of luggage.

I think it could carry more, but then it might not handle like it's on rails. Even though it is.

Mike, Nice picture. I also like your photo (other thread) of it sitting at the station because it shows how huge the locomotive really is. I'm sure it seems even bigger in person.

Bill

I'm going to see this monster in about 8 hours. It's parked right off of Holly Hall and Almeda. (About a stone's throw to the Super Bowl)

I'm planning on getting in and out before the Super Bowl partyers get moving in the morning.

BTW, Mike's picture makes for great wallpaper! I've had it on my computer screen for the last week or so!

Cool Pic, that's awsome.. there is a steam engine Museum here in CT, I hope to go to it this summer

:twisted: