pad

Click to enlargepadCalifornia Challenger (VHS video)

UP 3985 Democratic National Convention Special

Steam on the main line! Once more steam power thunders down the rails, making the ground shudder and filling the skies with thick, murky clouds of black smoke. The mighty Challenger 3985—the largest operating steam locomotive in the world—heads toward Los Angeles, tackling and conquering Cajon Pass on the way. It's August 2000 and the Democratic National Convention is about to convene. The Union Pacific Railroad is sending its most impressive trainset to the City of Angels to display the power and prestige of the Railroad. The route there and back takes the Challenger and its matched set of passenger cars across the deserts of California, Nevada, and Utah.

Follow the Challenger from Daggett, California, over Cajon and into L.A. and then back over the Pass to just south of Salt Lake City. Along the way you'll see some of the most dramatic images of the Challenger to be found on video, including scenes at Summit and Blue Cut on Cajon, entering Afton Canyon, and at the tunnels near Etna, Nevada. Plus, there's no shortage of freight action in this program, with many meets captured between BNSF and UP freights and the Challenger. Here's your opportunity to experience the awesome power of diesel and steam together in California Challenger!

See photos of this historic journey in our Photo Gallery.

70 Minutes
In Color with Stereo Sound and Narration
Packaged in Sturdy Vinyl Clamshell Case
Produced by Pentrex 2000


UPCCpadRegular price: $29.95padSale price: $14.95pad
Pentrex
P.O. Box 94911
Pasadena, CA 91109-4911