What a glorious racket. Seriously, sort of hypnotic to watch the driving wheels for me
Whistle at 2:30 into vid.
The Santa Fe 3751 is a 430-ton locomotive that once played a seminal role in introducing high-speed passenger rail service to the West. Built in 1927, it ran primarily between California and the Midwest until the 1950s. To train enthusiasts' delight, the 3751 was restored in the 1980s for public display and, from time to time, passenger trips. The clip above shows an outing in 2014, when the 3751 barreled along a track that runs down the middle of the I-10 from San Bernardino to Los Angeles. Excursions have lately been on hold, but the San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society, which owns the train, said it hopes to announce new trips as soon as the spring.
From the Youtube comments:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1: Is the Metrolink diesel pushing the steam locomotive? No, the diesel is there to provide electrical power for the coaches, as well as dynamic braking. Listen at 7:55, that is the bark of a 1927 steam loco, not the rumble of a diesel.
2: Why is there no smoke? The fireman (the guy who makes the steam for the engineer to use) is firing the engine well. He is using as little fuel as possible, to make as much steam as possible. This means there is little smoke.
3: How much coal does it use? None. This locomotive was converted to burn atomized oil in 1936.
4: How fast is she going? About 55 or 60ish. This is no where near her top speed. 3751's highest recorded speed was set in 1941, when she hit 103mph.
5: How did you work the camera while driving? I didn't. My dad was driving while I was filming from the back seat.
4 Comments
newtboyWe have a steam train through the redwoods near us called the Skunk Train, an old logging rail that’s now for tourists. It’s a nice day trip into the woods between Ft Bragg and Willits, sometimes with costumed performances.
There’s another awesome one just inland from Santa Cruz with a redwood loop track in the mountains and a trip from the woods to the boardwalk (and back) on offer.
The Durango to Silverton (Colorado) steam train was another memorable trip, I went around 1980.
All gorgeous and fun rides. If you have the chance, ride a steam train.
SFOGuyI really want to! Will put this on the bucket list.
We have a steam train through the redwoods near us called the Skunk Train, an old logging rail that’s now for tourists. It’s a nice day trip into the woods between Ft Bragg and Willits, sometimes with costumed performances.
There’s another awesome one just inland from Santa Cruz with a redwood loop track in the mountains and a trip from the woods to the boardwalk (and back) on offer.
The Durango to Silverton (Colorado) steam train was another memorable trip, I went around 1980.
All gorgeous and fun rides. If you have the chance, ride a steam train.
StukaFoxsays...Ah, Wilits, home of the amazing Protopipe and pretty much everything you want to smoke in it.
We have a steam train through the redwoods near us called the Skunk Train, an old logging rail that’s now for tourists. It’s a nice day trip into the woods between Ft Bragg and Willits, sometimes with costumed performances.
There’s another awesome one just inland from Santa Cruz with a redwood loop track in the mountains and a trip from the woods to the boardwalk (and back) on offer.
The Durango to Silverton (Colorado) steam train was another memorable trip, I went around 1980.
All gorgeous and fun rides. If you have the chance, ride a steam train.
StukaFoxsays...5: How did you work the camera while driving? I didn't. My dad was driving while I was filming from the back seat.
6: Where's there turn signal?
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