I couldn't drive south last weekend to chase Santa Fe no. 3751 on her third trip to San Diego, but a scan through the files reminded me how fortunate I was to chase her inaugural 2008 trips along the Pacific. The 1927-built Baldwin will steam to San Bernardino, Cal., on May 8-9 as part of National Train Day and the city's bicentennial "railroad days" event at the former Santa Fe station. I'll be there Saturday to cover her arrival from LA and sign copies of Route 66 Railway (believe it or not, the first printing is down to under 100 copies).
Can't wait to get a 3751 "fix" . . . for now, here are a few photos of my favorite 4-8-4 from her travels on the Surf Line in 2008. (click photos to enlarge).
Upper left: 3751 leads a long train of private cars past the bluffs at Del Mar on September 21, 2008.
After 50 years, a Santa Fe 4-8-4 once again arrives at San Diego's landmark passenger station, on June 1, 2008.
Fans document the historic return of 3751 to San Diego.
Leaving Los Angeles, 3751 and train follow the L.A. River.
Del Mar beachgoers wave to the passing steam special.
California girl . . . steaming through San Clemente.
What's a beach trip without a sunset? Cardiff, Cal., June 2008.For more information on Santa Fe 3751, visit http://www.sbrhs.org/.
