LOS ANGELES — More than three and a half years of labor-intensive work by the volunteers of the San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society was rewarded Aug. 7 as Santa Fe No. 3751 had a fire lit inside of it for the first time since December 2017. The event on a warm summer day in downtown LA was capped off by the first safety valve on the locomotive releasing and later in the day, the sound of the locomotive’s six-chime whistle echoing off nearby structures.
Since the end of 2017, No. 3751, a Baldwin 4-8-4 built in 1927, has been out of service, undergoing its Federal Railroad Administration required 1,472-inspection or “rebuild.” Unique to this rebuild, the second in the locomotive’s time under the operation of the SBRHS, all 280 tubes and flues were removed from the boiler. This major task was done to accomplish two goals: To remove material that was nearing the end of its lifespan and to make conducting ultrasound measurements more accessible. The sizable expense of new boiler material was met thanks to the generous support of historical society supporters and grants. While the boiler was empty, the steam crew took the opportunity to install a new water spreading device as the original showed significant wear. The water spreader ensures even distribution of water as it is injected into the boiler.
“This type of work is a tall order for any steam locomotive crew, particularly a volunteer crew,” says Alex Gillman, railroad historical society vice president. “The backing from our society’s members enabled our crew to accomplish all the necessary work, even during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is something to really be proud of.”
With a successful steam test now complete, the San Bernardino steam crew will proceed to the final stages of assembly. This includes painting, application of insulation, the re-installation of 75 pieces of newly painted boiler jacketing, and assembly of dozens of pipes and other appliances that were removed. The installation of Positive Train Control hardware on the locomotive is also anticipated to take place during this time.
As this work takes place, the historical society is actively in discussions with partnering agencies to bring the locomotive out following the completion of its rebuild. 2021 marks the 30th anniversary of 3751 in excursion service and the society’s 40th anniversary, with many more years of exciting events on track to come to fruition.
