What is happening with #3985?

In order of your questions:

1) Yes, see below.

2) No.

3) It isn't,,,,,,YET.

4) Don't know about "the plan", but the budget has reportedly been approved to contract out the necessary work on the firebox/staybolts, as well as the FRA 15 year boiler inspection/recertification. Currently, no work has been done on her, mainly since the Steam Crew has been on the road with #844 since late March.

When she comes out of the rebuild they need to paint her up in the greyhound scheme,that is one SHARP looking paint job.    

Or they could restore 3977.

I have watched the engine on several occasions. It will take quite a bit of work to ensure that this engine continues to run well.

It would be very interesting to see it come back out onto the rails again.

I sure as he%& hope not!!! That would require the wind wings (elephant ears), and neither the Engineer nor the Fireman can see a ****ed thing ahead. The UP Steam Crew made one trip with the wind wings, and IMMEDIATELY removed them due to impaired forward visibility. 

Leave the two tone gray scheme for the modelers!

Real Steam Engines are like the Oakland Raiders:  They wear BLACK!

I took the steps up to 3985 the few times she was in Houston.  It is hard to see in front of her WITHOUT the wind wings.  (I can also see why the SP came up with the cab-foreward.)

I never like that greyhound look and hope she never has it again

That is a long boiler to see around.  As for that greyhound scheme that can stay where it is...on the 3977.   And I wouldn't count on the 3977 since the UP took her burner and other goodys from her for the conversion on the 3985....that is if money wasn't an option...and the UP for some crazy idea decided they needed 2 Challengers.    I just hope they don't bring her out in a few years all "tricked" out like the 844 is...did they actually paint the forward window frames gold on the 844 or am I seein' stuff?  And yes I know others love how she looks now...this is just my taste talking.

CWEX that there is a fine picture.

SP came up with the cab forward because crews were getting asphixiated on their early articulateds in the multiple showsheds and tunnels.

Rusty

I vote for two tone grey with orange stripes.  It is just paint.  Leave the ears off. Paint it black next year.  Won't hurt a thing.  Just need a really big airbrush.

Paint 3985 in a two-tone livery?  That's like painting the cast of "The Jersey Shore" or any of the Kardashians on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel!

I think it should be just like Henry Ford's famous options:  You can have any color you want so long as it is BLACK!

Paul Fischer

Here she is today (5/20/12)

Nice photos...they have a bunch of work ahead of them.  It will be worth the wait.

I would imagine that there is a cost factor as I believe they use dupont imrom paint and that stuff is expensive.  How many gallons of paint would the engine take?

Doesn't matter. When finished, 3985 will be black!

neon pink with neon yellow running boards would look pretty good too.

I think in the grand scheme of things the cost of the paint (while not cheap) is going to be the last thing that is worried about.    Neon pink and yellow?....What is this?..Trick my Challenger?.....