Union Pacific 8444 & 3985 Doubleheader to Railfair '81

The Union Pacific Steam program made its first appearance in California with its two excursion locomotives to the grand opening of the California State Railroad Museum for Railfair '81. To reach CSRM, the train operated under Southern Pacific run-through agreements from Ogden, UT into Sacramento.

Union Pacific 4-8-4 8444 was already a recognizable steam locomotive in the west. This trip marked the first public appearance for the 3985, the 4-6-6-4 Challenger, since its restoration in March of 1981. The 3985 was the then largest operable steam locomotive in the world.

This video follows the 8444 and 3985 over Donner Pass between Sparks, NV and Roseville, CA in both directions. You will see the train at many famous locations on this historic railroad line. After the trip west, we get a brief look at the two UP steam engines at Railfair, an event that won over many more fans of the Union Pacific steam program with this first major outing. At the conclusion of Railfair, the two engines are again chased east up the western slope of Donner Pass as far as Soda Springs.

These Super 8mm films were taken by John Filson and Robert Pecotich, and come from the collection of the Western Railway Museum and the private collection of Hunter Lohse. Slides were provided by Gary Perazzo.

Enjoy this look at Union Pacific Steam's first visit to Northern California!