In 1968, a very successful "Last Run of a PA" was operated by Pacific Locomotive Association from Richmond to Stockton. The following year, as ATSF still had stored PA's in Barstow they decided to run the trip again and, if a PA could not be supplied, an E8 would be the motive power. The morning of the excursion niether a PA or E8 was available and Santa Fe supplied an F7A & B unit. This time the trip was to go to Riverbank. Prior to departure, PLA offered refunds to those who requested them. In this photo, the plain old F7 is leading the excursion train at Riverbank after it had been wyed and ready to head back to Richmond.
You might notice the "Route of the Texas Chief" boxcar on the far left.
The Santa Fe's warbonnet paint scheme on passenger diesel locomotives was one of the most iconic in railroading. It appealed to travelers and modellers alike, and helped brand Santa Fe all the way from Chicago to California and Texas.
