Santa Fe #3751 Grand Canyon Trip

[kschmidt626]

I had the chance to head out west to see the Santa Fe #3751 pull the Grand Canyon Limited. This train ran from LA to Williams, AZ. Then with Grand Canyon Railway #4960 pulled a doubleheaded steam train from Williams to the Rim of the Grand Canyon. It was quite the trip.

Unfortunately the first two days of the trip the train was heavily delayed by speed restrictions on the California and Arizona RR. It was held to speeds between 15 and 25 mph. Which meant both Monday and Tuesday the train arrived 4-5 hours late to it destination.


IMG_8960 by kschmidt626, on Flickr

My first sighting of ATSF #3751 at Hodge, CA just west of Barstow, CA


IMG_9053 by kschmidt626, on Flickr

#3751 steams along on the BNSF Transcon at Lavic, now east of Barstow, CA


IMG_9101 by kschmidt626, on Flickr

Even though its weathered the Santa Fe name is still on the bridge with a locomotive that may passed over it many years ago in regular service.


IMG_9122 by kschmidt626, on Flickr

Just after crossing the bridge the train entered a sweeping curve heading eastbound on the Transcon.


IMG_9271 by kschmidt626, on Flickr

Now on the California and Arizona Railroad heading southbound toward Parker, AZ. The train is running at 15mph and running about 4 hours late. But the sunset lights it up nicely.


IMG_9205 by kschmidt626, on Flickr

More sunset glint on the #3751 as it rolls along through the desert. It is still about 105 degrees.


IMG_9240 by kschmidt626, on Flickr

Sunsets on the Dome Observation car on the rear of the train. This train would arrive in Parker, AZ around 12 midnight, 3 hours late. But it actually ran which in itself was quite amazing.

If you want to see more photos check out my Flickr Page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/22338037@N04/sets/72157629823114720/

I will be adding to this posting with more photos as I get time.

Enjoy !!

Keith Schmidt

 

[stlgevo51]

Looks like an incredible time! I wanted to go and chase so badly, but other things got in the way. I love the shot of the 3751 on the Santa Fe bridge. Really cool. I also liked how the locomotive wasn't washed at all, so the desert dust accumulated on it. Dirt and grime really give it a regular service look.

 

[setxrailfan]

Good photos Keith. I've seen some videos on youtube from the chasers the last few days.

 

[kschmidt626]

Thanks for the nice comments. I will have to check out the You Tube videos. They didn't clean/wash the locomotive at all so by Wednesday it was looking very nice. Keith

 

[Itsed65]

Good ones! Would have love to have seen that.

 

[kschmidt626]

Here are some more photos from the ATSF #3751 Grand Canyon Limited Trip.
On Tuesday May 15th the #3751 would be running on the Arizona and California speed was raised to 25mph. Then the train would interchange with the BNSF and run northbound on the freight only Peavine Line.

Unfortunately with the 25mph and a very long servicing stop at Congress on the BNSF much of the run on the Peavine was done after dark. Arrival in Williams, AZ was close to midnight again almost 5 hours late.

Here are some shots.


IMG_8367 by kschmidt626, on Flickr
Just south of Parker, AZ the train on a nice long curve


IMG_8672 by kschmidt626, on Flickr
In the Rocks near Hope, AZ


IMG_8687 by kschmidt626, on Flickr
Running near Hope, AZ


IMG_8817 by kschmidt626, on Flickr
Northbound now on the BNSF Peavine just south of Congress, AZ


After a long stop in Congress #3751 blows some smoke as it heads towards Williams, AZ by kschmidt626, on Flickr
After a long stop in Congress #3751 heads north on the Peavine into the setting desert sun.


Into the setting desert sun just north of Congress AZ by kschmidt626, on Flickr
The Silver Solarium heads into the desert sunset with the drumhead glowing.

To see more shots check out more Flickr Page http://www.flickr.com/photos/22338037@N04/

Keith Schmidt

 

[MargaretSPfan]

Those are some very nice photos, Keith!
I especially like the glint shots!