Eric Gonzales Wrote:
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> While I'm not ready to call BS on this yet, and frankly wouldn't be surprised if it is true, I am skeptical. It's been 2 days and the only places I've seen it have been on boards known for flame throwing or trolls. I've yet to see something from a reputable source. So, I appeal to webdigger, or some other informed person, can you find verified published proof? -- [www.altamontpress.com]

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Thank you, Eric, for your faith and hope. I hope APers will be charitable and not attack my reply.

My opinion is that you're correct, that most of what we're currently reading on any 3985 restoration is conjecture not supported by knowledge. Accurate information about 3985 pretty much has to come from UP, in their name, and at a time when they think it will be beneficial to them for us to know it. Here's a search tool you can use (in Firefox, at least): [www.google.com].

In my search for [up 3985 restoration] [www.bing.com] I didn't find anything with UP's name on it, but did find a couple of items from 2018 or earlier that seem realistic enough in their outlook to share here:

* [www.classicstreamliners.com] -- Update December 2017: According to UP Steam Shop employees, 3985 needs a complete firebox replacement and extensive boiler reconstruction. Restoration will largely depend on the economy once UP 4014 Big Boy is restored. The good new is that when parts were ordered for Big Boy 4014, parts were also ordered for Challenger 3985.

* [rypn.org] -- Lots of opinion here, but you may find some information you think is worthwhile. I've included this link because of the photos (from 2013) provided on this page. Note: If you're using Firefox you should be able to reduce the photos to full-screen size by right-clicking on them and then clicking "View Image" in the dropdown menu.