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OERM (SCRM) Perris CA; Grizzly Flats 3-foot gauge 'Emma Nevada' (Nevada Central 2) in front of the enginehouse while Ventura County No.2 passes by on the mainline, May 2001
Locomotive Emma Nevada (Baldwin 1881 2-6-0) at the dedication of the new 3 foot gauge turntable in the summer of 2001 at the Orange Empire Railway Museum.
The 500-foot long 3-foot gauge railroad was located in the Kimball's backyard in suburban Los Angeles and was operational for more than fifty years. The equipment is preserved today at the Orange Empire Railway Museum (now SCRM).
Basking in the sun on a beautifully warm morning is Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway SD45-2 #5704, fresh out of the paint booth at Mid-America Car. On the walkway is a hard hat from my collection that conveniently arrived with an appropriate Argentine Shop sticker from that era. Argentine is the largest hump yard facility on the BNSF system today, located just a few miles away in Kansas City, KS.
This locomotive was built 5-1973 at EMD LaGrange, IL with a builder and frame number of 72642-18, delivered in the blue and yellow warbonnet scheme. 5700-5704 were repainted at San Bernardino in January 1976 into this paint scheme commemorating the American Bicentennial that year. The Santa Fe had the largest Bicentennial locomotive fleet of all major U.S. railroads. These units saw service on priority freights and supported the American Freedom Train when it was operating on the ATSF.
After the nationwide festivities, it reverted back to standard Santa Fe paint on 6-15-1978, and was overhauled as an SD45-2u in September 1986 at the San Bernardino shops becoming ATSF 5834. It was assigned to MK maintenance in 4-1994. The unit passed to BNSF Railway with the merger in 1995, and was renumbered BNSF 6484 on 1-31-2000.
In storage pending retirement the unit was renumbered GN 6484 in 2013, and stored in various locations around the system including Temple, TX and Topeka, KS. The unit was moved for scrap, getting as far as Memphis, TN and was literally in the deadline a day from being cut up when it was given a reprieve and donated to the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris, CA.
Soon the locomotive will be moved to California by BNSF, and mechanically restored to operation at the SCRM, replacing electrical components and returning the diesel prime mover to service. Many of the skilled volunteers at the museum are former Santa Fe employees from the San Bernardino shops that worked on the 90 SD45-2's that Santa Fe once rostered.
Thanks to everyone at BNSF Railway, Mid-America Car in Kansas City, Sherwin-Williams Paint, Eagle Graphics in Wichita, KS and Class-One Model Works for donating the locomotive, time, labor, paint, decals, and design work to the project.
Growing up the bicentennial was a recent enough memory for a lot of people that its commemoration was commonly referenced. My grandparents had all kinds of stuff around with the star logo. The insignias developed for the occasion were still evident in some unlikely places. My elementary school was one of those. I used to look for bicentennial quarters in my change and collected them. It was a fascinating period in American patriotism, and it's amazing how many railroads went out of their way to honor it in such eye-catching representations on locomotives and railcars.
The ATSF Bicentennial scheme has always been in my top 5 list, probably second to the Mo-Pac's, but I'm biased since that was my hometown road. I've gotten to see the N&W 1776 in Roanoke, the SD45 restored to its own bicentennial paint by the Virginia Museum of Transportation. I never imagined I'd ever lay eyes on one of these, even a year ago when I shoved it into the 3000 Yard at Argentine on a pilot-herder job in 2021.
I already knew at the time what was in store, and it was hard to keep a secret. As I looked up at the informational placard taped to the front window while tying the handbrake, I couldn't help laugh to myself thinking about what the future held for weather beaten "GN 6484". This was especially after seeing it earlier that day at the DSF, thinking how funny it would be if we had to go take it somewhere. Turns out, that was our next move.
The 5704 is simply an outstanding looking locomotive. Thank you to all of those that worked hard to get it done, and thank you for letting me drop by that morning to have a look.
Locomotive: ATSF 5704
3-1-22
Kansas City, MO
In the Summer of 1997, Orange Empire Railway Museum (now SCRM) completed its purchase of UP E8 942 (former CNW / Metra 510) and it was moved via SP from Colton to Los Angeles to have a traction motor reinstalled at the Metrolink shops. It had received a "quickie" yellow paint job to make it look a bit more presentable (note the remaining Metra blue on around the rear door where we couldn't reach), applied with Home Depot paint and rollers at the scrap yard where it had been in storage for several years. It's seen here on the trackage connecting the Metrolink facility to the old SP Taylor Yard complex next door (seen in the background).
Today the SP Taylor Yard complex is completely gone, but happily 942 is fully restored and operational at the museum.
Basking in the sun on a beautifully warm morning is Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway SD45-2 #5704, fresh out of the paint booth at Mid-America Car.
This locomotive was built 5-1973 at EMD LaGrange, IL with a builder and frame number of 72642-18, delivered in the blue and yellow warbonnet scheme. 5700-5704 were repainted at San Bernardino in January 1976 into this paint scheme commemorating the American Bicentennial that year. The Santa Fe had the largest Bicentennial locomotive fleet of all major U.S. railroads. These units saw service on priority freights and supported the American Freedom Train when it was operating on the ATSF.
After the nationwide festivities, it reverted back to standard Santa Fe paint on 6-15-1978, and was overhauled as an SD45-2u in September 1986 at the San Bernardino shops becoming ATSF 5834. It was assigned to MK maintenance in 4-1994. The unit passed to BNSF Railway with the merger in 1995, and was renumbered BNSF 6484 on 1-31-2000.
In storage pending retirement the unit was renumbered GN 6484 in 2013, and stored in various locations around the system including Temple, TX and Topeka, KS. The unit was moved for scrap, getting as far as Memphis, TN and was literally in the deadline a day from being cut up when it was given a reprieve and donated to the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris, CA.
Soon the locomotive will be moved to California by BNSF, and mechanically restored to operation at the SCRM, replacing electrical components and returning the diesel prime mover to service. Many of the skilled volunteers at the museum are former Santa Fe employees from the San Bernardino shops that worked on the 90 SD45-2's that Santa Fe once rostered.
Thanks to everyone at BNSF Railway, Mid-America Car in Kansas City, Sherwin-Williams Paint, Eagle Graphics in Wichita, KS and Class-One Model Works for donating the locomotive, time, labor, paint, decals, and design work to the project.
Growing up the bicentennial was a recent enough memory for a lot of people that its commemoration was commonly referenced. My grandparents had all kinds of stuff around with the star logo. The insignias developed for the occasion were still evident in some unlikely places. My elementary school was one of those. I used to look for bicentennial quarters in my change and collected them. It was a fascinating period in American patriotism, and it's amazing how many railroads went out of their way to honor it in such eye-catching representations on locomotives and railcars.
The ATSF Bicentennial scheme has always been in my top 5 list, probably second to the Mo-Pac's, but I'm biased since that was my hometown road. I've gotten to see the N&W 1776 in Roanoke, the SD45 restored to its own bicentennial paint by the Virginia Museum of Transportation. I never imagined I'd ever lay eyes on one of these, even a year ago when I shoved it into the 3000 Yard at Argentine on a pilot-herder job in 2021.
I already knew at the time what was in store, and it was hard to keep a secret. As I looked up at the informational placard taped to the front window while tying the handbrake, I couldn't help laugh to myself thinking about what the future held for weather beaten "GN 6484". This was especially after seeing it earlier that day at the DSF, thinking how funny it would be if we had to go take it somewhere. Turns out, that was our next move.
The 5704 is simply an outstanding looking locomotive. Thank you to all of those that worked hard to get it done, and thank you for letting me drop by that morning to have a look.
Locomotive: ATSF 5704
3-1-22
Kansas City, MO
Basking in the sun on a beautifully warm morning is Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway SD45-2 #5704, fresh out of the paint booth at Mid-America Car accompanied by an Athearn HO Scale version of the same unit.
This locomotive was built 5-1973 at EMD LaGrange, IL with a builder and frame number of 72642-18, delivered in the blue and yellow warbonnet scheme. 5700-5704 were repainted at San Bernardino in January 1976 into this paint scheme commemorating the American Bicentennial that year. The Santa Fe had the largest Bicentennial locomotive fleet of all major U.S. railroads. These units saw service on priority freights and supported the American Freedom Train when it was operating on the ATSF.
After the nationwide festivities, it reverted back to standard Santa Fe paint on 6-15-1978, and was overhauled as an SD45-2u in September 1986 at the San Bernardino shops becoming ATSF 5834. It was assigned to MK maintenance in 4-1994. The unit passed to BNSF Railway with the merger in 1995, and was renumbered BNSF 6484 on 1-31-2000.
In storage pending retirement the unit was renumbered GN 6484 in 2013, and stored in various locations around the system including Temple, TX and Topeka, KS. The unit was moved for scrap, getting as far as Memphis, TN and was literally in the deadline a day from being cut up when it was given a reprieve and donated to the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris, CA.
Soon the locomotive will be moved to California by BNSF, and mechanically restored to operation at the SCRM, replacing electrical components and returning the diesel prime mover to service. Many of the skilled volunteers at the museum are former Santa Fe employees from the San Bernardino shops that worked on the 90 SD45-2's that Santa Fe once rostered.
Thanks to everyone at BNSF Railway, Mid-America Car in Kansas City, Sherwin-Williams Paint, Eagle Graphics in Wichita, KS and Class-One Model Works for donating the locomotive, time, labor, paint, decals, and design work to the project.
Growing up the bicentennial was a recent enough memory for a lot of people that its commemoration was commonly referenced. My grandparents had all kinds of stuff around with the star logo. The insignias developed for the occasion were still evident in some unlikely places. My elementary school was one of those. I used to look for bicentennial quarters in my change and collected them. It was a fascinating period in American patriotism, and it's amazing how many railroads went out of their way to honor it in such eye-catching representations on locomotives and railcars.
The ATSF Bicentennial scheme has always been in my top 5 list, probably second to the Mo-Pac's, but I'm biased since that was my hometown road. I've gotten to see the N&W 1776 in Roanoke, the SD45 restored to its own bicentennial paint by the Virginia Museum of Transportation. I never imagined I'd ever lay eyes on one of these, even a year ago when I shoved it into the 3000 Yard at Argentine on a pilot-herder job in 2021.
I already knew at the time what was in store, and it was hard to keep a secret. As I looked up at the informational placard taped to the front window while tying the handbrake, I couldn't help laugh to myself thinking about what the future held for weather beaten "GN 6484". This was especially after seeing it earlier that day at the DSF, thinking how funny it would be if we had to go take it somewhere. Turns out, that was our next move.
The 5704 is simply an outstanding looking locomotive. Thank you to all of those that worked hard to get it done, and thank you for letting me drop by that morning to have a look.
Locomotive: ATSF 5704
3-1-22
Kansas City, MO
Three shot sequence of Los Angeles Railway PCC 3001 passing by Pacific Electric "Blimp" 314 and PE freight locomotive 1624 at Orange Empire Railway Museum (SCRM). Taken 1-29-06.
GM "Futureliner" and LA Transit Lines PCC streetcar 3100 at the Antique Truck Show, OERM (SCRM) Perris CA May 2014
Making it's public debut on Track 27 at Kansas City's Union Station is the recently restored Bicentennial Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe Railway EMD SD45-2 No. 5704. The locomotive is on display at KCUS starting on display for six days starting on Flag Day, June 14. This also coincides with the Santa Fe Railway Historical & Modeling Society's convention being held at Overland Park, KS this same week.
Built in May of 1973 at LaGrange, IL, this was originally delievered in the standard yellow and blue "yellowbonnet" paint scheme. In January of 1976, this was one of five SD45-2's (5700-5704) that were painted at San Bernardino, CA in a special paint scheme to commemorate America's Bicentennial that same year. While wearing this scheme, these five units were found on high priority freights including the "Super C" and helped with the American Freedom Train while it ran on Santa Fe rails.
The 5704 was repainted back to the "Yellowbonnet" scheme in 1978 and rebuilt to an SD45-2u at San Bernardino in 1986, where it was renumbered to 5834. After the merger with BN in 1995, it eventually became BNSF No. 6484 in 2000, and while in storage pending retirement, it became GN No. 6484.
Eventually, it was slated for scrap, and it actually made it all the way to Memphis, TN where it was pulled from the deadline literally one day from being scrapped.
Why was it saved? Due to the efforts of a few determined people, the former ATSF No. 5704 had been donated to the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris, CA. Now that the 5704 was been repainted in its former Bicentennial paint scheme, BNSF will soon move this California where the SCRM, where many of their volunteers worked on Santa Fe's SD45-2's at the San Bernardino shops, will have this restored to operation.
Thanks to BNSF for donating the locomotive, and a big thank you to Mid-America Car, Sherwin-Williams Paint, Eagle Graphics and Class-One Model Works for all their time and effort. It was literally unbelievable to see this in person, especially after growing up seeing dozens of photos of Santa Fe's Bicentennial fleet. 6/14/22.
2-6-0 Locomotive Emma Nevada (built as Nevada Central No. 2 by Baldwin 1881) at Orange Empire Railway Museum (now SCRM) in Perris, CA.
Part of the collection of 3 foot gauge "Grizzly Flats Railroad" equipment donated to the museum by Ward and Betty Kimball. The original 500-foot long Grizzly Flats Railroad was located in the Kimball's backyard in suburban Los Angeles and was operational for more than fifty years.
2-6-0 Locomotive Emma Nevada (built as Nevada Central No. 2 by Baldwin 1881) and Coach 5 on Ward and Betty Kimball's 3 foot gauge "Grizzly Flats Railroad". The 500-foot long railroad was located in the Kimball's backyard in suburban Los Angeles and was operational for more than fifty years. The Kimballs donated the equipment to the Orange Empire Railway Museum (now SCRM) in Perris, CA.
Ward Kimball photo in my collection.
Finally got back out to SCRM (formerly OERM) at Perris yesterday to see what they've been up to. This two-car Blimp train was working the mainline.
Now a California Dreaming, the former Southern passenger station stands next the the R Line as a yard crew spins P85's train with none other than three, former Southern, High Hood GP38-2s.
The bi-level passenger cars are for the South Carolina Railroad Museum.
Basking in the sun on a beautifully warm morning is Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway SD45-2 #5704, fresh out of the paint booth at Mid-America Car, being ushered around by MAC 82, their SW1 shop switcher.
This locomotive was built 5-1973 at EMD LaGrange, IL with a builder and frame number of 72642-18, delivered in the blue and yellow warbonnet scheme. 5700-5704 were repainted at San Bernardino in January 1976 into this paint scheme commemorating the American Bicentennial that year. The Santa Fe had the largest Bicentennial locomotive fleet of all major U.S. railroads. These units saw service on priority freights and supported the American Freedom Train when it was operating on the ATSF.
After the nationwide festivities, it reverted back to standard Santa Fe paint on 6-15-1978, and was overhauled as an SD45-2u in September 1986 at the San Bernardino shops becoming ATSF 5834. It was assigned to MK maintenance in 4-1994. The unit passed to BNSF Railway with the merger in 1995, and was renumbered BNSF 6484 on 1-31-2000.
In storage pending retirement the unit was renumbered GN 6484 in 2013, and stored in various locations around the system including Temple, TX and Topeka, KS. The unit was moved for scrap, getting as far as Memphis, TN and was literally in the deadline a day from being cut up when it was given a reprieve and donated to the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris, CA.
Soon the locomotive will be moved to California by BNSF, and mechanically restored to operation at the SCRM, replacing electrical components and returning the diesel prime mover to service. Many of the skilled volunteers at the museum are former Santa Fe employees from the San Bernardino shops that worked on the 90 SD45-2's that Santa Fe once rostered.
Thanks to everyone at BNSF Railway, Mid-America Car in Kansas City, Sherwin-Williams Paint, Eagle Graphics in Wichita, KS and Class-One Model Works for donating the locomotive, time, labor, paint, decals, and design work to the project.
Growing up the bicentennial was a recent enough memory for a lot of people that its commemoration was commonly referenced. My grandparents had all kinds of stuff around with the star logo. The insignias developed for the occasion were still evident in some unlikely places. My elementary school was one of those. I used to look for bicentennial quarters in my change and collected them. It was a fascinating period in American patriotism, and it's amazing how many railroads went out of their way to honor it in such eye-catching representations on locomotives and railcars.
The ATSF Bicentennial scheme has always been in my top 5 list, probably second to the Mo-Pac's, but I'm biased since that was my hometown road. I've gotten to see the N&W 1776 in Roanoke, the SD45 restored to its own bicentennial paint by the Virginia Museum of Transportation. I never imagined I'd ever lay eyes on one of these, even a year ago when I shoved it into the 3000 Yard at Argentine on a pilot-herder job in 2021.
I already knew at the time what was in store, and it was hard to keep a secret. As I looked up at the informational placard taped to the front window while tying the handbrake, I couldn't help laugh to myself thinking about what the future held for weather beaten "GN 6484". This was especially after seeing it earlier that day at the DSF, thinking how funny it would be if we had to go take it somewhere. Turns out, that was our next move.
The 5704 is simply an outstanding looking locomotive. Thank you to all of those that worked hard to get it done, and thank you for letting me drop by that morning to have a look.
Locomotive: ATSF 5704
3-1-22
Kansas City, MO
July 2007 flashback- Bamberger Railroad Brill "Bullet" interurban 127 at Orange Empire Railway Museum (now SCRM). Taken during a switch move after finishing the trucks for the car.
One of five built in 1932 for the Fonda, Johnstown & Gloversville in New York state, resold 1937 to the Bamberger for operation between Salt Lake City and Ogden. Retired 1952 and converted to farm worker housing in Layton Utah, it was rescued by the museum in 1971.
Still missing at the time of these July 2007 photos were the aluminum skirts along the side and the numbers, since applied.
A sight over three years in the making, cosmetically restored Santa Fe Bicentennial SD45-2 5704 rests quietly at the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris, CA for the first time. Following its donation to the museum by BNSF in 2021 and the completion of its impeccable paint work and arrival in California in 2022, 5704 was housed in BNSF's Commerce Diesel Facility near Los Angeles due to there not being a rail link to SCRM's tracks from the nearby Metrolink mainline. Finally, on May 3, 2025 the long-awaited journey began as coordination between BNSF, Metrolink, and SCRM allowed for temporary panel track to be laid to connect the mainline with the museum's tracks and 5704, along with ex-Coaster F40 2105 which was also donated, made the homecoming trek from Commerce to Perris. After a long day of traveling and being the center of attention for hundreds of railfans who came to see it, 5704 was taken to SCRM's Barn 7 as dusk rolled in and safely tucked away in its new home.
I was able to attend a night shoot with the ATSF No. 5704 organized by Eric Goodman along with the folks at Class-One Model Works The numberboards, headlight and class lights were lit up for the event. Most of the people here were locals, but there were some from out of town. Though it was a very warm evening, it was definitely fun being there.
Making it's public debut on Track 27 at Kansas City's Union Station is the recently restored Bicentennial Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe Railway EMD SD45-2 No. 5704. The locomotive is on display at KCUS starting on display for six days starting on Flag Day, June 14. This also coincides with the Santa Fe Railway Historical & Modeling Society's convention being held at Overland Park, KS this same week.
Built in May of 1973 at LaGrange, IL, this was originally delievered in the standard yellow and blue "yellowbonnet" paint scheme. In January of 1976, this was one of five SD45-2's (5700-5704) that were painted at San Bernardino, CA in a special paint scheme to commemorate America's Bicentennial that same year. While wearing this scheme, these five units were found on high priority freights including the "Super C" and helped with the American Freedom Train while it ran on Santa Fe rails.
The 5704 was repainted back to the "Yellowbonnet" scheme in 1978 and rebuilt to an SD45-2u at San Bernardino in 1986, where it was renumbered to 5834. After the merger with BN in 1995, it eventually became BNSF No. 6484 in 2000, and while in storage pending retirement, it became GN No. 6484.
Eventually, it was slated for scrap, and it actually made it all the way to Memphis, TN where it was pulled from the deadline literally one day from being scrapped.
Why was it saved? Due to the efforts of a few determined people, the former ATSF No. 5704 had been donated to the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris, CA. Now that the 5704 was been repainted in its former Bicentennial paint scheme, BNSF will soon move this California where the SCRM, where many of their volunteers worked on Santa Fe's SD45-2's at the San Bernardino shops, will have this restored to operation.
Thanks to BNSF for donating the locomotive, and a big thank you to Mid-America Car, Sherwin-Williams Paint, Eagle Graphics and Class-One Model Works for all their time and effort. It was literally unbelievable to see this in person, especially after growing up seeing dozens of photos of Santa Fe's Bicentennial fleet. 6/14/22.
Kyoto tram 19 and visiting antique autos on Broadway at OERM (SCRM), Perris California. The Kyoto tram shares the 42 inch narrow gauge used by the Museum's Los Angeles Railway city streetcars.
Locomotive Emma Nevada (Baldwin 1881 2-6-0) at the dedication of the new 3 foot gauge turntable in the summer of 2001 at the Orange Empire Railway Museum.
The 500-foot long 3-foot gauge railroad was located in the Kimball's backyard in suburban Los Angeles and was operational for more than fifty years. The equipment is preserved today at the Orange Empire Railway Museum (now SCRM).
3-way stub switch and 2-6-0 Locomotive Emma Nevada (built as Nevada Central No. 2 by Baldwin 1881) at Orange Empire Railway Museum (now SCRM) in Perris, CA.
Part of the collection of 3 foot gauge "Grizzly Flats Railroad" equipment donated to the museum by Ward and Betty Kimball. The original 500-foot long Grizzly Flats Railroad was located in the Kimball's backyard in suburban Los Angeles and was operational for more than fifty years.
October 6th 2018 marked the day of completion for Santa Fe FP45 108. This locomotive received an extensive restoration in the SCRM diesel shop to put the locomotive back to its as delivered appearance.
Ward and Betty Kimball take a spin on the turntable; sitting on the pilot of locomotive Emma Nevada (Baldwin 1881 2-6-0) at the dedication of the new 3 foot gauge turntable in the summer of 2001 at the Orange Empire Railway Museum.
The 500-foot long 3-foot gauge railroad was located in the Kimball's backyard in suburban Los Angeles and was operational for more than fifty years. The equipment is preserved today at the Orange Empire Railway Museum (now SCRM).
The weekends of 11/2-11/3/19 and 11/9-11/11/19 are the annual visits for Thomas the Tank Engine and friend Percy to the Southern California Railway Museum. Having already spent big $$ in previous years taking both grandsons and family on rides with Thomas and meeting Sir Topham Hat, it was time for me to just concentrate on their trains and the assisting locomotives. Knowing that former Santa Fe FP45 108 was the helper for Thomas and just restored former SP SW1 1006 would be helping Percy, I knew I had to make the attempt, seeing as how I had not seen 108 since its restoration a couple of years ago and 1006 released just a few short weeks ago.So here are Thomas and SF108 on their first run of Sunday 11/3 and Percy and SP 1006 on their first trip of the day. The folks at SCRM have done a fabulous job restoring the two EMD's and bringing Thomas and Friend to help them raise more money has been a great event for them. Judging by the crowds arriving for the first run today, it looks to be another lucrative couple of weekends. Next up will be a first time hosting The Polar Express event there. I'm guessing that former Ventura County 2-6-0 #2 will be tapped for the duties, but I have not confirmed that.
Pacific Electric "Blimps" 314 and 418 coupled together at Orange Empire Railway Museum (now SCRM), Perris CA back in 2006
Grizzly Flats "steam up", April 1997 using the locomotive "Chloe".
The 500-foot long 3-foot gauge railroad was located in the Kimball's backyard in suburban Los Angeles and was operational for more than fifty years. The equipment is preserved today at the Southern California Railway Museum (formerly Orange Empire Railway Museum).
"Run 5", KCS train Y-KC105-12, has pulled the ATSF SD45-2 No. 5704 from Mid-America Car this morning. They'll move over to the 10 Rail at East Yard in Knoche, and "Run 20" will take it over to the BNSF at Argentine later this afternoon.
Built in May of 1973 at LaGrange, IL, this was originally delievered in the standard yellow and blue "yellowbonnet" paint scheme. In January of 1976, this was one of five SD45-2's (5700-5704) that were painted at San Bernardino, CA in a special paint scheme to commemorate America's Bicentennial that same year. While wearing this scheme, these five units were found on high priority freights including the "Super C" and helped with the American Freedom Train while it ran on Santa Fe rails.
The 5704 was repainted back to the "Yellowbonnet" scheme in 1978 and rebuilt to an SD45-2u at San Bernardino in 1986, where it was renumbered to 5834. After the merger with BN in 1995, it eventually became BNSF No. 6484 in 2000, and while in storage pending retirement, it became GN No. 6484.
Eventually, it was slated for scrap, and it actually made it all the way to Memphis, TN where it was pulled from the deadline literally one day from being scrapped.
Why was it saved? Due to the efforts of a few determined people, the former ATSF No. 5704 had been donated to the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris, CA. Now that the 5704 was been repainted in its former Bicentennial paint scheme, BNSF will soon move this California where the SCRM, where many of their volunteers worked on Santa Fe's SD45-2's at the San Bernardino shops, will have this restored to operation.
Thanks to BNSF for donating the locomotive, and a big thank you to Mid-America Car, Sherwin-Williams Paint, Eagle Graphics and Class-One Model Works for all their time and effort. It was literally unbelievable to see this in person, especially after growing up seeing dozens of photos of Santa Fe's Bicentennial fleet.
Being born 20 years too late for the American Bicentennial, I always wished I had been able to see one of these in person as I believe Santa Fe had the best Bicentennial scheme out of all the U.S. railroads. This is truly a sight to behold, and I can't thank everyone enough for time and labor put into this project. 3/11/22.
July 2007 flashback- Bamberger Railroad Brill "Bullet" interurban 127 at Orange Empire Railway Museum (now SCRM). Taken during a switch move after finishing the trucks for the car.
One of five built in 1932 for the Fonda, Johnstown & Gloversville in New York state, resold 1937 to the Bamberger for operation between Salt Lake City and Ogden. Retired 1952 and converted to farm worker housing in Layton Utah, it was rescued by the museum in 1971.
Still missing at the time of these July 2007 photos were the aluminum skirts along the side and the numbers, since applied.
Former UP E8A 942 leads the 1:00 PM train past restored PE Blimp #418 on Saturday, September 7, 2019 at the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris, CA.
July 2007 flashback- Bamberger Railroad Brill "Bullet" interurban 127 at Orange Empire Railway Museum (now SCRM). Taken during a switch move after finishing the trucks for the car.
One of five built in 1932 for the Fonda, Johnstown & Gloversville in New York state, resold 1937 to the Bamberger for operation between Salt Lake City and Ogden. Retired 1952 and converted to farm worker housing in Layton Utah, it was rescued by the museum in 1971.
Still missing at the time of these July 2007 photos were the aluminum skirts along the side and the numbers, since applied.
I was able to attend a night shoot with the ATSF No. 5704 organized by Eric Goodman along with the folks at Class-One Model Works The numberboards, headlight and class lights were lit up for the event. Most of the people here were locals, but there were some from out of town. Though it was a very warm evening, it was definitely fun being there.
Making it's public debut on Track 27 at Kansas City's Union Station is the recently restored Bicentennial Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe Railway EMD SD45-2 No. 5704. The locomotive is on display at KCUS starting on display for six days starting on Flag Day, June 14. This also coincides with the Santa Fe Railway Historical & Modeling Society's convention being held at Overland Park, KS this same week.
Built in May of 1973 at LaGrange, IL, this was originally delievered in the standard yellow and blue "yellowbonnet" paint scheme. In January of 1976, this was one of five SD45-2's (5700-5704) that were painted at San Bernardino, CA in a special paint scheme to commemorate America's Bicentennial that same year. While wearing this scheme, these five units were found on high priority freights including the "Super C" and helped with the American Freedom Train while it ran on Santa Fe rails.
The 5704 was repainted back to the "Yellowbonnet" scheme in 1978 and rebuilt to an SD45-2u at San Bernardino in 1986, where it was renumbered to 5834. After the merger with BN in 1995, it eventually became BNSF No. 6484 in 2000, and while in storage pending retirement, it became GN No. 6484.
Eventually, it was slated for scrap, and it actually made it all the way to Memphis, TN where it was pulled from the deadline literally one day from being scrapped.
Why was it saved? Due to the efforts of a few determined people, the former ATSF No. 5704 had been donated to the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris, CA. Now that the 5704 was been repainted in its former Bicentennial paint scheme, BNSF will soon move this California where the SCRM, where many of their volunteers worked on Santa Fe's SD45-2's at the San Bernardino shops, will have this restored to operation.
Thanks to BNSF for donating the locomotive, and a big thank you to Mid-America Car, Sherwin-Williams Paint, Eagle Graphics and Class-One Model Works for all their time and effort. It was literally unbelievable to see this in person, especially after growing up seeing dozens of photos of Santa Fe's Bicentennial fleet. 6/14/22.
Making it's public debut on Track 27 at Kansas City's Union Station is the recently restored Bicentennial Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe Railway EMD SD45-2 No. 5704. The locomotive is on display at KCUS starting on display for six days starting on Flag Day, June 14. This also coincides with the Santa Fe Railway Historical & Modeling Society's convention being held at Overland Park, KS this same week.
Built in May of 1973 at LaGrange, IL, this was originally delievered in the standard yellow and blue "yellowbonnet" paint scheme. In January of 1976, this was one of five SD45-2's (5700-5704) that were painted at San Bernardino, CA in a special paint scheme to commemorate America's Bicentennial that same year. While wearing this scheme, these five units were found on high priority freights including the "Super C" and helped with the American Freedom Train while it ran on Santa Fe rails.
The 5704 was repainted back to the "Yellowbonnet" scheme in 1978 and rebuilt to an SD45-2u at San Bernardino in 1986, where it was renumbered to 5834. After the merger with BN in 1995, it eventually became BNSF No. 6484 in 2000, and while in storage pending retirement, it became GN No. 6484.
Eventually, it was slated for scrap, and it actually made it all the way to Memphis, TN where it was pulled from the deadline literally one day from being scrapped.
Why was it saved? Due to the efforts of a few determined people, the former ATSF No. 5704 had been donated to the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris, CA. Now that the 5704 was been repainted in its former Bicentennial paint scheme, BNSF will soon move this California where the SCRM, where many of their volunteers worked on Santa Fe's SD45-2's at the San Bernardino shops, will have this restored to operation.
Thanks to BNSF for donating the locomotive, and a big thank you to Mid-America Car, Sherwin-Williams Paint, Eagle Graphics and Class-One Model Works for all their time and effort. It was literally unbelievable to see this in person, especially after growing up seeing dozens of photos of Santa Fe's Bicentennial fleet. 6/14/22.
Making it's public debut on Track 27 at Kansas City's Union Station is the recently restored Bicentennial Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe Railway EMD SD45-2 No. 5704. The locomotive is on display at KCUS starting on display for six days starting on Flag Day, June 14. This also coincides with the Santa Fe Railway Historical & Modeling Society's convention being held at Overland Park, KS this same week.
Built in May of 1973 at LaGrange, IL, this was originally delievered in the standard yellow and blue "yellowbonnet" paint scheme. In January of 1976, this was one of five SD45-2's (5700-5704) that were painted at San Bernardino, CA in a special paint scheme to commemorate America's Bicentennial that same year. While wearing this scheme, these five units were found on high priority freights including the "Super C" and helped with the American Freedom Train while it ran on Santa Fe rails.
The 5704 was repainted back to the "Yellowbonnet" scheme in 1978 and rebuilt to an SD45-2u at San Bernardino in 1986, where it was renumbered to 5834. After the merger with BN in 1995, it eventually became BNSF No. 6484 in 2000, and while in storage pending retirement, it became GN No. 6484.
Eventually, it was slated for scrap, and it actually made it all the way to Memphis, TN where it was pulled from the deadline literally one day from being scrapped.
Why was it saved? Due to the efforts of a few determined people, the former ATSF No. 5704 had been donated to the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris, CA. Now that the 5704 was been repainted in its former Bicentennial paint scheme, BNSF will soon move this California where the SCRM, where many of their volunteers worked on Santa Fe's SD45-2's at the San Bernardino shops, will have this restored to operation.
Thanks to BNSF for donating the locomotive, and a big thank you to Mid-America Car, Sherwin-Williams Paint, Eagle Graphics and Class-One Model Works for all their time and effort. It was literally unbelievable to see this in person, especially after growing up seeing dozens of photos of Santa Fe's Bicentennial fleet. 6/14/22.
Alco power on an OERM train in Box Springs Canyon, heading back up the hill to Perris on a May 1997 Perris-Riverside excursion via the Santa Fe San Jacinto branch. Today this is a Metrolink commuter rail line, although freight still operates as well.
Basking in the sun on a beautifully warm morning is Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway SD45-2 #5704, fresh out of the paint booth at Mid-America Car.
This locomotive was built 5-1973 at EMD LaGrange, IL with a builder and frame number of 72642-18, delivered in the blue and yellow warbonnet scheme. 5700-5704 were repainted at San Bernardino in January 1976 into this paint scheme commemorating the American Bicentennial that year. The Santa Fe had the largest Bicentennial locomotive fleet of all major U.S. railroads. These units saw service on priority freights and supported the American Freedom Train when it was operating on the ATSF.
After the nationwide festivities, it reverted back to standard Santa Fe paint on 6-15-1978, and was overhauled as an SD45-2u in September 1986 at the San Bernardino shops becoming ATSF 5834. It was assigned to MK maintenance in 4-1994. The unit passed to BNSF Railway with the merger in 1995, and was renumbered BNSF 6484 on 1-31-2000.
In storage pending retirement the unit was renumbered GN 6484 in 2013, and stored in various locations around the system including Temple, TX and Topeka, KS. The unit was moved for scrap, getting as far as Memphis, TN and was literally in the deadline a day from being cut up when it was given a reprieve and donated to the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris, CA.
Soon the locomotive will be moved to California by BNSF, and mechanically restored to operation at the SCRM, replacing electrical components and returning the diesel prime mover to service. Many of the skilled volunteers at the museum are former Santa Fe employees from the San Bernardino shops that worked on the 90 SD45-2's that Santa Fe once rostered.
Thanks to everyone at BNSF Railway, Mid-America Car in Kansas City, Sherwin-Williams Paint, Eagle Graphics in Wichita, KS and Class-One Model Works for donating the locomotive, time, labor, paint, decals, and design work to the project.
Growing up the bicentennial was a recent enough memory for a lot of people that its commemoration was commonly referenced. My grandparents had all kinds of stuff around with the star logo. The insignias developed for the occasion were still evident in some unlikely places. My elementary school was one of those. I used to look for bicentennial quarters in my change and collected them. It was a fascinating period in American patriotism, and it's amazing how many railroads went out of their way to honor it in such eye-catching representations on locomotives and railcars.
The ATSF Bicentennial scheme has always been in my top 5 list, probably second to the Mo-Pac's, but I'm biased since that was my hometown road. I've gotten to see the N&W 1776 in Roanoke, the SD45 restored to its own bicentennial paint by the Virginia Museum of Transportation. I never imagined I'd ever lay eyes on one of these, even a year ago when I shoved it into the 3000 Yard at Argentine on a pilot-herder job in 2021.
I already knew at the time what was in store, and it was hard to keep a secret. As I looked up at the informational placard taped to the front window while tying the handbrake, I couldn't help laugh to myself thinking about what the future held for weather beaten "GN 6484". This was especially after seeing it earlier that day at the DSF, thinking how funny it would be if we had to go take it somewhere. Turns out, that was our next move.
The 5704 is simply an outstanding looking locomotive. Thank you to all of those that worked hard to get it done, and thank you for letting me drop by that morning to have a look.
Locomotive: ATSF 5704
3-1-22
Kansas City, MO
Restored Southern Pacific Alco S4 switches cars at the Orange Empire Railway Museum in Perris, California.
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Los Angeles Railway PCC 3001 at OERM, Perris CA (now SCRM) during an antique truck meet some years ago.
Three shot sequence of Los Angeles Railway PCC 3001 passing by Pacific Electric "Blimp" 314 and PE freight locomotive 1624 at Orange Empire Railway Museum (SCRM). Taken 1-29-06.
MAC SW1 No. 82, Mid-America Car's shop switcher, brings out ATSF SD45-2 No. 5704 after being repainted into its previous Bicentennial paint scheme here at the paint booth at MAC. Here, it'll be set out on the interchange track for KCS to pick up tomorrow morning.
Being released from Mid-America Car is ATSF SD45-2 No. 5704, which was repainted back into its Bicentennial paint scheme here at the paint booth at MAC a couple weeks ago.
Built in May of 1973 at LaGrange, IL, this was originally delievered in the standard yellow and blue "yellowbonnet" paint scheme. In January of 1976, this was one of five SD45-2's (5700-5704) that were painted at San Bernardino, CA in a special paint scheme to commemorate America's Bicentennial that same year. While wearing this scheme, these five units were found on high priority freights including the "Super C" and helped with the American Freedom Train while it ran on Santa Fe rails.
The 5704 was repainted back to the "Yellowbonnet" scheme in 1978 and rebuilt to an SD45-2u at San Bernardino in 1986, where it was renumbered to 5834. After the merger with BN in 1995, it eventually became BNSF No. 6484 in 2000, and while in storage pending retirement, it became GN No. 6484.
Eventually, it was slated for scrap, and it actually made it all the way to Memphis, TN where it was pulled from the deadline literally one day from being scrapped.
Why was it saved? Due to the efforts of a few determined people, the former ATSF No. 5704 had been donated to the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris, CA. Now that the 5704 was been repainted in its former Bicentennial paint scheme, BNSF will soon move this California where the SCRM, where many of their volunteers worked on Santa Fe's SD45-2's at the San Bernardino shops, will have this restored to operation.
Thanks to BNSF for donating the locomotive, and a big thank you to Mid-America Car, Sherwin-Williams Paint, Eagle Graphics and Class-One Model Works for all their time and effort. It was literally unbelievable to see this in person, especially after growing up seeing dozens of photos of Santa Fe's Bicentennial fleet.
Being born 20 years too late for the American Bicentennial, I always wished I had been able to see one of these in person as I believe Santa Fe had the best Bicentennial scheme out of all the U.S. railroads. This is truly a sight to behold, and I can't thank everyone enough for time and labor put into this project. 3/11/22.
Passengers disembark from the South Carolina Railroad Museum Santa train in December, 2019.
A vintage Whitcomb-built diesel locomotive is on the head end of a Santa Train on the Rockton, Rion & Western Railroad in South Carolina, also known as the South Carolina RRailroad Museum. This is one of three RS-4-TC locomotives donated by the US Air Force. This unit used ti work at the neaarby Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, SC. It was built in 1954.