(The following story appeared on the Denver Post website on January 2.)
CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The world’s largest operating steam locomotive, Union Pacific Railroad’s Challenger, will embark on a nine-state, 3,500-mile tour on its way to Houston and Super Bowl XXXVIII activities.
The Challenger, also known as No. 3985, will depart from Cheyenne at 8 a.m. Jan. 12.
The restored locomotive will head through Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas and Texas on its way to Houston. On its return trip, the Challenger will pass through Oklahoma and arrive in Cheyenne on Feb. 12.
Union Pacific officials said the engine rarely makes winter tours, but because Houston is steeped in railroad history, having the locomotive on display during the Super Bowl seemed a natural fit.