ABILENE, Kan. — Santa Fe steam locomotive No. 3415 and its home, the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, are in consideration for state recognition in Kansas. The locomotive has been out of service following the 2023 season for a federally mandated 1,472-day boiler inspection and overall rebuild, currently estimated at $600,000 [See “Santa Fe No. 3415 headed for rebuild…” News Wire, Oct. 13, 2023]. Meanwhile, the railroad’s former Rock Island branch between Abilene and Enterprise continues to see track work and upgrades at the end terminals.
According to KSNT, state lawmakers presented House Bills 2501 and 2502 on Jan. 12, 2024, seeking to designate the 4-6-2 Pacific-type and tourist line as the official state steam locomotive and heritage railroad, respectively. “Our local state Senator and Representative were both on the property during 2023 and were very enthusiastic about our operations and future plans,” said A&SV President and General Manager Ross Boelling to Trains News Wire. “They suggested the idea and, of course, we agreed.”
Both bills have been introduced to the respective Transportation Committees, taken to the chamber floors, and reassigned for action. For Boelling, the Abilene & Smoky Valley and collaborator Heritage Rail Management, the recognition is both an honor and humbling. “I view it as recognition of all the work and vision our founders had, as well as acknowledgment of the volunteer contributions,” he states. “Our efforts of the past two years to reintroduce our museum and trains to folks has been well received.”
While awaiting the outcome of the bills, the 2024 schedule for the A&SV is set for release on March 1. Dinner train offerings, excursions, and special events are expected to expand, according to Boelling. “Our tagline for the year is ‘We will move you in 2024!’”
Visit the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad website for more information on Santa Fe No. 3415 and the tourist line in Kansas.
