Santa Fe 3751, is the last steam locomotive to run in regular service on the Sante fe Railroad, on this same line in 1953. May 1 and 2nd the old steam engine fired up and pulled an 11 car train filled with railrad enthusiasts from LA to San Diego and back. The trip is sponsored by the Central Coast Railway Club, the Pacific Locomotive Association and the San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society which maintains and operates #3751. All three groups are non-profit organizations with all work done by volunteers. The San Diego Steam Special is run as an Amtrak train, on the regular main line between the two cities. The work to make a trip like this happen is enormous. All the vintage cars and the engine must meet stringent safety requirements. The insurance alone is a major cost obstacle. In the picture, right behind #3751 is an Amtrak diesel. It's there for several reasons. One is a backup in case the steam engine has a mechanical. Second, it provide the power needed for the eleven vintage passenfer cars, and finally, it can help with addition tracktion power if needed on startup or on any of the steeper grades.

Train enthusiasts young and old came from all over for the train to pass, and when it did, it was "high balling" going as fast as the Amtrack Surfliner when it went by our location. It's such a rare sight to see a big old engine in all it's steam glory.

Cudos to all the volunteers and the Amtrack people who made this happen.

The photos were taken by Karen Wolfer. We ere positioned by the La Costa Avenue (Carlsbad CA) overpass along the coast. I was taking video which we'll link later. If you google Santa Fe 3751 there are some additional pictures and links to various videos.