Old Locomotives
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Vehicles -> subcategory Other.
Old Locomotives
Introduction
Locomotive number 60004 made its grand debut from Baldwin Locomotive Works, an esteemed company founded by Matthias Baldwin in 1831, in May of 1927. As the thirteenth 4-8-4 type locomotive constructed in America, it represents a pivotal piece of railway history, especially since the first twelve have been lost to time, leaving only the 3751 as the oldest surviving 4-8-4 locomotive.
The Santa Fe Railroad Era
Commissioned by the Santa Fe Railroad, number 60004 marked a groundbreaking endeavor for both builder and operator. It was the initial model of the Santa Fe 4-8-4s?"a style featuring four leading wheels, eight driving wheels, and four trailing wheels. Each unit was priced at an impressive $99,712.77.
With a 108 sq/ft firebox, 3751's design was revolutionary. It boasted a newly developed Type E superheater, a cast-steel engine bed, and separate cast cylinders, all complemented by cross-counter balanced 73-inch drive wheels. The locomotive's total weight stood at 432,240 lbs, while the combined engine-tender weight reached 724,600 lbs. This powerhouse offered a starting tractive effort of 66,000 lbs and a maximum drawbar horsepower of 3,200 at 40 mph.
Innovations and Enhancements
In collaboration with Baldwin, Mechanical Engineer Lanning and his team advanced the 3765 class models, introduced between April and June 1938. To achieve top speeds of 100 mph, they incorporated 80-inch Baldwin disc-type driving wheels and adjusted cylinder dimensions to 28 x 32 to resolve back pressure issues.
When eleven new 3765 class locomotives arrived in 1938, Santa Fe decided to upgrade the 3751 class to match this new standard. Beginning in October 1938 and concluding in early 1941, these modifications allowed for speeds of up to 90 mph and increased horsepower to 3,600 at 50 mph, enhancing both power and efficiency.
Meeting Challenges
In the wake of the heavy wartime traffic post-December 7, 1941, Santa Fe sought additional steam and diesel power from the War Production Board, which oversaw locomotive distribution.
In 1947, the I.C.C. mandated automatic train control for locomotives exceeding 79 mph. Consequently, 3751 was equipped with new machinery on the right trailer truck frame, enabling speeds up to 90 mph.
Final Years and Legacy
By 1949, a "deflector" type stack was installed for efficient navigation through the numerous tunnels over the Tehachapi grade. On August 25, 1953, 3751’s fire was extinguished, marking the end of an era. Until then, it led many iconic Santa Fe trains such as the Scout, the Chief, and more. Notably, while on standby for the Super Chief Diesel Streamliner in 1938, the 3751 outperformed the contemporary diesel engines between Los Angeles and Barstow.
In June and July of 1953, the last significant display of 4-8-4 prowess saw 64 locomotives covering a combined mileage of over 694,000 miles. This showcase marked the twilight of the AT&SF steam era.
In summary, the legacy of locomotive 3751 and its contemporaries remains a testament to an innovative and dynamic period in railway history.
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