In August 1992, the Santa Fe Railway operated a special Employee Recognition train pulled by the restored steam locomotive 3751, traveling from Los Angeles to Chicago and back. This comprehensive journey celebrated railroad heritage, engaged employees and families, and showcased the power and beauty of steam and diesel locomotives across scenic American landscapes, leaving a lasting legacy in railroading history.
In August of 1992, the Santa Fe Railway organized a remarkable event known as the Employee Recognition Special. This special train journey was a tribute to the employees of the railway and their families, offering them a unique opportunity to experience a nostalgic and scenic rail trip pulled by the beautifully restored Santa Fe 3751 steam locomotive.
The centerpiece of the journey was the Santa Fe 3751, a restored steam locomotive that pulled a string of Santa Fe stainless steel passenger cars. The train traveled from Los Angeles to Chicago and then back to Los Angeles, with employees and their families able to ride various segments of the trip.
The first day began at Hobart Yard in Los Angeles, with the train departing for Needles, California. Passengers were greeted by uniformed car attendants and female attendants dressed in the traditional Harvey Girl uniforms, creating a festive and nostalgic atmosphere.
Experienced crewmen prepared the locomotive for the journey, with the tender topped off with oil and water. The train included three Superfleet diesel units (844, 842, and 840) behind the 3751 to provide additional power and dynamic braking.
The train made stops at several locations, including Fullerton, where a large crowd gathered to witness the 3751 in action. Santa Fe and local police managed crowd control to ensure safety.
The second day covered a 560-mile trip from Needles, California, to Bin, New Mexico. The train passed through scenic and historic towns such as Kingman, Seligman, Williams, Flagstaff, and Winslow in Arizona.
On the third day, the train traveled through New Mexico, passing depots such as Mountaineer and East Vaughn. The steam locomotive continued to alternate between active and passive roles, with the diesel units providing most of the power.
The journey was scheduled to continue to Topeka, Kansas, for Railroad Days, then onward to Chicago before making the return trip to California.
The entire trip was a huge success for Santa Fe and its employees. The train maintained its schedule, and passenger loading and unloading were efficient. Importantly, the special movement did not disrupt regular revenue traffic on the main line.
The event celebrated the heritage of railroading, the power of steam locomotives, and the dedication of Santa Fe employees. It also provided a memorable experience for families and rail enthusiasts alike.
The video also featured other notable railroading scenes and excursions from the early 1990s, including:
The 1992 Santa Fe Employee Recognition Special was more than just a train journey; it was a celebration of railroading history, employee dedication, and the enduring charm of steam locomotives. The event brought together current and retired employees, their families, and rail fans to experience a memorable trip across some of America's most scenic and historic rail corridors.
This journey remains a significant chapter in the story of American railroads, highlighting the blend of tradition and modernity that defines the rail industry.
The legacy of the Santa Fe 3751 and the Employee Recognition Special continues to inspire rail enthusiasts and serves as a reminder of the rich heritage of railroading in the United States.
