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Photos: There's A Massive Vintage Steam Train Parked At Union Station
A hulking, steam-powered locomotive is now on view to the public today at L.A.'s Union Station. Built in 1927, the Santa Fe 3751—as the impressive-looking train is known—is visiting the historic station today and tomorrow as part of the 2016 California Passenger Rail Summit, according to a release from the San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society. While the rail summit itself is aimed at those in the rail industry, anyone can check out the Santa Fe 3751 at the end of Track 15.
Crewmembers from the SBRHS will be on-hand at the society’s merch table to answer any questions about the historic train that visitors—steampunks and laypeople alike—may have. There will also be Amtrak passenger cars and new Metrolink commuter cars on display as well.
According to the Facebook page for the Santa Fe 3751, the train pulled into Union Station last night. When the train debuted in 1927, it was considered a pioneer in the world of locomotives as it offered the largest and strongest engine of it's time, which helped it easily manage the challenging terrain around New Mexico, according to the SBRHS.
The train was restored in 1991 and brought back into service, and now makes special appearances throughout the Southern California and the Southwest.
Here's a photo of the Sante Fe 3751 in 1943 in San Diego:
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