Santa Fe 3759 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids ATSF 3759 |
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| Santa Fe No. 3759 on static display at Locomotive Park in 2007 | |
| Power type | Steam |
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| Builder | Baldwin Locomotive Works |
| Serial number | 60385 |
| Model | 16-54 1/4 E 9 |
| Build date | 1928 |
| Configuration | 4-8-4 |
| UIC classification | 2′D2′ h2 |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
| Driver diameter |
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| Fuel type | Coal (1928-1936), later converted to oil |
| Boiler pressure |
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| Cylinders | Two, outside |
| Cylinder size | 30 in × 30 in (762 mm × 762 mm) |
| Valve gear | Walschaerts |
| Retired | 1953 (revenue service) 1957 (excursion service) |
| Restored | 1955 |
| Current owner | The City of Kingman, Arizona |
| Disposition | On static display at Locomotive Park |
The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway 3759 is a special type of steam train. It is known as a "Northern" type locomotive. This powerful engine was built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1928.
Today, you can see it on display at Locomotive Park in Kingman, Arizona. The park is located between Andy Devine Avenue and Beale Street. The city of Kingman received this locomotive in 1957. It was given to them to celebrate Kingman's long history with the railroad.
Contents
The Life of Locomotive 3759
Locomotive 3759 was first delivered in 1928. It was part of the 3751 class of "Northern" passenger locomotives. These trains were designed to pull passenger cars.
Early Years and Changes
When it was first built, 3759 burned Coal for fuel. Its large wheels, called drivers, were 73 inches (1.85 meters) in diameter. In 1936, the entire group of these locomotives was changed to run on oil. This was a common upgrade for steam engines.
Between 1938 and 1941, the locomotive was rebuilt. During this rebuild, its drivers were made even larger, growing to 80 inches (2.03 meters).
Regular Service and Retirement
Locomotive 3759 regularly pulled passenger trains for the Santa Fe Railway. It traveled along the main line that passed through Kingman. Kingman was an important stop where the trains could get water.
The engine was retired from regular service in 1953. By then, it had traveled an amazing distance. It had covered over 2,585,000 miles (4,160,000 kilometers)!
A Special Farewell Trip
Even after its retirement, Locomotive 3759 had one more special journey. In February 1955, the Railway Club of Southern California asked for it. They wanted it for a special trip called "Farewell to Steam."
This special trip happened on February 6. It was a round trip from Los Angeles Union Station to Barstow, California. The train made stops in Pasadena and San Bernardino. This was the very last Santa Fe steam train to leave Los Angeles for a regular trip. It was also the last to travel through the famous Cajon Pass.
After this final trip, 3759 was put back into storage. Then, in 1957, the Santa Fe Railway donated it to the city of Kingman.
A Historic Landmark
Locomotive 3759 is more than just an old train. It is a recognized piece of history.
National Register of Historic Places
In 1986, the locomotive was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is officially recognized as an important historical item. It is listed as "AT & SF Locomotive." Its special reference number is 86001113.
Adding a Caboose
In 1987, a caboose was added to the display. Caboose 999520 was retired and given to Kingman. It was placed right behind locomotive 3759. To make room for the caboose, the people of Kingman actually pulled the huge locomotive forward about 30 feet (9.1 meters)!
A Proposal for Operation
In 1991, there was a plan to make 3759 run again. Max Biegert, who owned the Grand Canyon Railway, suggested leasing the locomotive. He wanted to use it on his railway. He also offered to donate his own engine, No. 19, to Kingman.
The idea was for 3759 to run on the Grand Canyon Railway. It would also pull a special "Orient Express"-style train. This train would travel between Los Angeles and Williams, Arizona. However, the people of Kingman did not like this plan. So, the idea did not go forward.
