FARWELL TX May 24 1980 — Locotrol Master ATSF SD45 5609 leads Duval Sulphur train 785 as it leaves Farwell in the far distance on its journey to Galveston TX. Smoke from the mid-train slaves is visible in the lower right. No.5609 was part of Santa Fe’s second order of the 3,600 HP locomotives. The unit was delivered in late 1969 during the general renumbering so never wore an 18xx number. In May 1985 the San Bernardino CA shops rebuilt it as SD45u 5381. It was Laid Up Good Order in June 1992, retired in May 1995, sold to Wisconsin Central Railway on June 16 1995 and later renumbered WC 6631. My photo.
Aside from Warbonnets and Chiefs, Santa Fe was a workaday railroad like any other. This album showcases that less glamorous--but no less vital--side of the famous ATSF.
