Correspondent Larry Welch traveled to Osawatomie, Kansas in June of 2004 to take pictures of UP #3985, the largest operating steam locomotive in the world, during the town's John Brown Days celebration. A traveling museum of sorts for Union Pacific, the full train includes the engine, tender car, two water cars and 18 freight and passenger cars.
   UP #3985 was originally put into service in the early 40s and is now based in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Weighing in at 1,070,000 lbs (compared to a typical diesel engine of today which weighs 400,000 lbs), UP #3985 was considered to be a medium-sized engine of its day. As with most train engines in the early part of the century, UP #3985 originally burned coal, but was converted to No. 5 oil in the 80s. The bearings and wheels must be greased and oiled every 100 miles.
   Although retired from regular service in the 60s, UP #3985 still makes "personal appearances" throughout the country on a regular schedule.