By SALINA POST
Are you ready to embark on a journey through time and history? This Saturday, an iconic piece of railroad heritage, the 1919 Baldwin 4-6-2 “Pacific” type locomotive, Santa Fe #3415 steam engine, will make its final run before undergoing an FRA mandatory overhaul.
The Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad invites you to participate in this historic moment as we bid farewell to this magnificent locomotive.
Why is the Santa Fe #3415 so Special?
The Santa Fe #3415 steam engine is not just any train — it's a true masterpiece of engineering and a symbol of a bygone era. This locomotive has been a beloved part of our railroad's history and a cherished sight for both locals and visitors alike.
With its sleek design and powerful steam-driven heart, the Santa Fe #3415 has captured the imagination of train enthusiasts for generations. But what makes this locomotive truly special is the stories it carries.
It has traversed countless miles of track, carrying passengers and freight, witnessing the changing landscapes and cultures along the way. Its whistle has echoed through valleys, its wheels have rolled over bridges, and its smokestack has billowed steam into the sky.
Riding aboard the Santa Fe 3415 is like stepping into a living time capsule, offering a unique glimpse into the past.
History
The 1919 Baldwin 4-6-2 “Pacific” type locomotive, Santa Fe #3415, was moved to its present location at the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad yard in April 1996 from the city park in Abilene where it had spent the last 40 years.
Locomotive #3415 was built in 1919 and was in regular service in Santa Fe’s Argentine District out of Kansas City. The railroad donated the locomotive to the city of Abilene in 1954, and it was placed in the city park.
In 1996, the city donated it to the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad. It was moved from the park and placed on the railroad’s tracks near the depot, where it sat on display until restoration was started in 2005.
This is the only operating steam locomotive in the state and is one of only three operational, former Santa Fe steam locomotives. The steamer has operated about once a month on special weekends on our five-mile-long track, a former Rock Island Railroad branch, through the Smoky Hill River Valley between Abilene and Enterprise, Kansas.
Your Last Chance to Ride
On Friday, Sept. 15, 30 photographers from across the nation visited Abilene for a photography ride along the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad as a fundraiser by Dak Dillon, owner of St. Louis-based Hub & Spoke, a boutique marketing and creative agency.
"I would call the photoshoot a kind of an extension of what the steam locomotive is for the railroad and really for the entire tourism industry in Abilene because it is its symbol. It's a symbol everywhere," said Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad volunteer Steve Smethers.
The event raised $10,000 toward the locomotive's complete remodel. Smethers said this would fund the first step of the $600,000 remodel.
"I think that really illustrates just the power in the draw of the steam locomotive," Smethers said.
The Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad plans to host photography events in the future, even while Santa Fe #3415 undergoes its FRA mandatory overhaul.
This means it will be out of commission for the foreseeable torture until funding is available to complete this massive undertaking, which is essential maintenance to ensure its continued safe operation.
This last run is your final opportunity to experience the magic of this historic steam engine before it temporarily retires from the tracks.
Passengers last chance before the overhaul will be on Oct. 7 at 10 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
You may buy tickets at the railroad’s website here.
Whether you're a devoted train enthusiast or simply looking for a unique and nostalgic adventure, this is an experience you won't want to miss. Gather your friends and family, and join us for a journey through the picturesque Smoky Valley, where you'll be treated to stunning views of the Kansas countryside from the comfort of our vintage passenger cars.