Big Steam & Private Varnish, First Trip of Santa Fe 3751

In the late 1920’s, The Sante Fe Railway began tests on their new Northern-type steam engine #3751 between Los Angeles, Arizona, and New Mexico. So successful were the tests, that it wasn’t long before she and her sister engines were seen in daily service all over the Southwest …right up until the end of the steam era. Then she was put on static display in a city park. That could have been “end of story” for 3751. It sure seemed so for a long, long time. But then in the late 1990’s, a dedicated team took action. The San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society began a major project to restore 3751 to the high-speed, mainline passenger engine she was meant to be. (You’ll learn all about it in the film.)

Once restored, it took another three years of meticulous planning to create a situation where 3751 could really show her stuff. And that occasion was the 62nd annual National Railroad Society convention. Not only was 3751 returning to the high iron of the Santa Fe, she was on the point of a 14-car private varnish train. (Note to newbies: “Private varnish” is the name given to vintage passenger cars that are privately owned and restored to their original luster.) Although this journey across the Southwest took place in 2002, it was the first and (as yet) only contemporary trip where 3751 could show off the glory of her days with the historic Santa Fe Railway.

Details
Big Steam and Private Varnish introduces you to this mighty Santa Fe steam engine. 3751 was the first of Santa Fe’s large Northern-type locomotives…big, powerful, technically advanced, and very fast. To someone seeing a big steam locomotive for the first time, 3751 appears to be some kind of rocket (mounted on very big wheels. Featuring scenes from trackside, onboard, pacing, and in the cab, we follow 3751 from departure at Los Angeles Union Station all the way to Williams, Arizona (the gateway to the Grand Canyon National Park). Along the way you’ll learn about 3751’s development, history, and restoration… while watching her in action. Hostler crews keep 3751 in top running order 24/7.

Private Varnish Tour: 3751 is pulling a consist of 14 historic passenger cars from the Golden Age of passenger rail travel. (These are privately owned cars nicknamed “private varnish” by rail fans.) While touring each one of these vintage cars, the passionate owners share insights about each one. The Private Varnish cars came from all over the country to be a part of this train.