The steam era on the prototype Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad
had pretty much ended in the year of 1955, but for model railroaders,it
is still there alive and well in miniature.
I took this photograph last week Wednsday night, at the Oak Park Society
of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club in Oak Park Illinois.
My good friend and fellow club member Martin, was operating his recently
acquired Broadway limited Imports model of 1927 Baldwin built 4-8-4
steam locomotive # 3751, from the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad.
This locomotive operated in regular service in the state of California until 1953.
Upon retirement, it was donated to the San Bernadino Railroad Historical Society.
After many years of being on outdoor display in a local city park, It was removed
in 1986, and mechanically restored at a local Los Angeles California area steel mill
facility. It has been pulling railfan steam powered fantrip excursion specials on and off
since 1991. I grew up near a Santa Fe owned industrial branchline in my old southwest
side Chicago neighborhood, but had missed the steam era altogether like many railfans
from my time.
Thanks for bringing this engine to the club last week Martin.
Your club buddy
Eddie K.
No comments:
Post a Comment