FL9

Since we have been on the subject of UP Steam, we should not ignore the other star in the stable, 4-6-6-4 Challenger #3985.  While it is #844’s turn to be out running now, #3985 filled in for a long while as #844 was undergoing a major overhaul.  I have a large number of slides of #3985 over the years to scan, but in the meantime here are three shots I took with my first digital camera, the Canon G3.

I primarily shot slides on 6/13/04 when #3985 pulled the George Bush Sr. Birthday Train from Houston up to College Station.  Troy Minnick and I followed if from Navasota to College Station, and then on to Valley Junction and back.  The first digital shot I attempted was at Tatsie when he was northbound approaching Valley Junction.

The rear end with its special drumhead looked good also, and the camera was ready again for this shot.

I took one more digital picture as the train was being turned on the Wye at Valley Junction.

Then we raced back to Bryan to catch him running down the middle of the street on the west end of town on his way back to College Station.  I took some acceptable slides that day also, so I’ll have to fire up the scanner again soon.