Santa Fe 3751

Infobox Locomotive
name=Santa Fe 3751
powertype=Steam

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caption=Santa Fe 3751 passes through San Bernardino in January 1999
builder=Baldwin Locomotive Works
builddate=1927
whytetype=4-8-4
railroad=Santa Fe
currentowner=San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society
disposition=operates in occasional excursion service
retiredate=August 23, 1953

Santa Fe 3751 is a restored 4-8-4 steam locomotive that was originally owned and operated by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway.

History

Built in 1927 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works, 3751 was Baldwin's and Santa Fe's first 4-8-4. Tests showed that 3751 was 20% more efficient and powerful than Santa Fe's 4-8-2 3700 class steamer's, which at the point was the Santa Fe's top of the line steamer. In 1936, the engine was converted to burn oil. Two years later, the locomotive was given a larger tender able to hold 20,000 gallons of water and 7,107 gallons of fuel oil. In 1941, along with other 4-8-4s, 3751 received major upgrades including: 80 inch drive wheels, a new frame, roller bearings all around, and more. That same year, she achieved her highest recorded speed at 103 mph. She continued to be a very reliable work locomotive until 1953 when she pulled the last steam powered passenger train out of San Diego on August 23, where she ran on her last revenue run. Later that year she was officially retired from the roster and placed on display in San Bernadino. In 1981, the San Bernadino Railroad Historical Society was formed with intentions of restoring and operating 3751. Four years later, they achieved their goal when 3751 was sold to them for $1 with conditions, the SBRHS must restore and operate the locomotive. In 1986, 3751 was moved from its display to California Steel industries where she was restored and operated for the first time in 38 years in 1991. Ever since then she has done countless excursions, special trips and gone to many events.

The locomotive is currently owned by the San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society, the organization that performed the restoration. In 2000, 3751 was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

A second locomotive of the same class has also been preserved, AT & SF Locomotive 3759. It too is listed on the NRHP.

Historic designations

* National Register of Historic Places [http://www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com/CA/Los+Angeles/state.html #NPS–#00001178]

See also

* List of Registered Historic Places in Los Angeles

External links

* [http://www.sbrhs.org/ San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society] official website
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eVO9DlaEqA&feature=related Santa Fe Steam Locomotive 3751 - Promotional Video v2.0]

References