On Day 3 of Santa Fe 3751’s first excursion following its restoration (after decades on static display in a park in San Bernardino), the excursion train slows to a stop in as it climbs over the Tehachapi Mountains, to allow a hot westbound Santa Fe freight, train 991, to pass by. After a decade or so of soot buildup in the tunnels of the Tehachapis, this steamer did a great job of steam-cleaning the tunnels and, in the process, the back gunk rained down upon the 4-8-4 and, especially, the two recently painted bright red and silver FP45s (ATSF 97 and 95), making them blend in nicely with the black steamer. (But they would look great again after a visit with a wash rack!) The crew is preparing to hit the ground for a roll-by of the oncoming piggyback train, which will be led by much cleaner red and silver diesels – in this case, ATSF Dash 8-40BWs led by ATSF 532. This was a great time to be trackside on the Santa Fe … although, in this case, the trains were operating via trackage rights on the Southern Pacific! The excursion will shortly continue its journey from Bakersfield to Barstow, finishing up with a run back to Los Angeles the next day. (Woodford, California – December 29, 1991). Click HERE to see another view.
