The Ultimate Circus Train
Sept 28, 2010

The world's longest private train pulled by the world's largest operational steam locomotive.

On September 28, 2010, history was made as the ultimate circus train plied the rails between Speers, Wyoming and Denver, Colorado. The world's largest operating steam locomotive pulled the world's longest private train.

The Ringling Blue Unit portion of the train was 61 cars long. The Union Pacific added four cars of their own, including a dome car (a first for a circus train?), for a total of 65 cars. The train weighed over 6000 tons and stretched nearly 6100 feet (there are only 5280 feet in a mile). Duty for pulling this massive train was turned over to the world's largest operational steam locomotive -- Union Pacific Challenger #3985.

The Ringling/UP train, for now, remains the longest and heaviest train pulled by a steam locomotive in the 21st century.

Seen here from a helicopter chasing the Blue Unit train September 28, 2010 between Cheyenne and Denver.

Seen here arriving in Denver with the 140th Edition of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, Barnum's FUNundrum! Show September 28, 2010.

Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson addresses the crowd gathered in Denver for the arrival of the historic train September 28, 2010.

Images: Feld Entertainment/Union Pacific joint press release, Gary Bogdon photographer.

Return to Roster...