Drivers - Man, Water, and Fire

In the course of human achievements there have been many truly advancing inventions forged by talented and brilliant folks. Obviously computers, atomic fusion, and airplanes come to my mind immediately. However, one invention that had far-reaching ramifications, good and bad depending on one’s perspective, considering the time frame when it was first developed, the late 1700s, was the steam engine. This eventually morphed into a steam locomotive, among other implementations, and the future of discovery and settlement of America was cast…

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Remembering Steam and Martha

Updated on Sunday, October 17, 2010 at 9:36PM by Joe Perry

As I sat in the numerous hospital waiting rooms while Martha was battling time, I recalled all of the cool stories that Martha had shared with me about her love of trains and the numerous trips she had taken aboard them. Whenever I returned from a trip chasing steel Martha would ask if she could see my photos…

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In the Ballast with the Santa Fe 3751 at Los Angeles Union Station

Continuing my coverage of the San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society’s former Santa Fe 3751 steam locomotive’s departure from Los Angeles Union Station en route to San Bernardino, California with an excursion train as part of the San Bernardino Railroad Days and Bicentennial Celebration, I have moved my vantage point into the ballast area at the end of the platform…

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On the Platform with the Santa Fe 3751 at Los Angeles Union Station

Indirectly associated with the events of National Train Day, the former Santa Fe No. 3751 was going to pulling an excursion train from Los Angeles Union Station to San Bernardino, California as part of San Bernardino Railroad Days and Bicentennial Celebration. It was perfect timing for me as I was going to be attending the National Train Day events at Los Angeles Union Station yesterday anyways so I altered my schedule a bit so I could see the 3751 leave LA…

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A Day Chasing Steam - The Santa Fe 3751 Heads South with San Diego Steam Special II - Part 3

Updated on Saturday, May 8, 2010 at 10:04PM by Joe Perry

Our savior, so to speak, declared that he was certain the San Diego Steam Special II would be stopping at “Poinsettia” for servicing which will take about an hour. He also said that the Santa Fe 3751 would be performing a series of run-bys at that location as well! “Really?” I exclaimed as I gave Dan a raised-brow glance. “Let’s see where Poinsettia is,” I said as I pointed the man towards my truck…

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SECOND CHANCE - See the Santa Fe 3751 Run This Weekend in Southern California

Per the Santa Fe 3751 Facebook page, Santa Fe 3751 will haul 4 private cars and a Metrolink diesel from San Bernardino to Los Angeles as part of the Railroad Days event in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the founding of the city of San Bernardino. For tickets and information call: 909-792-3827. Here is a map of the route that I put together to assist you in planning your chase:…

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A Day Chasing Steam - The Santa Fe 3751 Heads South with San Diego Steam Special II - Part 2

As I pulled away from the Fullerton Amtrak station parking lot, I began to estimate an approximate meeting location for both Dan and I and the 3751. Ultimately we decided to meet at the Junipero Serra Road in San Juan Capistrano, mostly because it was the closet point at which our paths converged. However, it turned out to be rather fortuitous for us with respect the 3751 as well…

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A Day Chasing Steam - The Santa Fe 3751 Heads South with San Diego Steam Special II - Part 1

It was with much anticipation and uncertainty of the coming day’s outcome that I left for the Fullerton Amtrak Station to begin the chase of the San Diego Steam Special II and the 3751. I was already an hour or so behind schedule and as I packed the truck I realized that this trip was going to be different. Despite being aware of this special run since last year I found myself unprepared due to a series of family illnesses. I normally travel with my best friend and rail scout, Debbie, my wife. Although she was willing to accompany me on this trip I felt she needed some rest so I fired up the Cummins diesel and headed out alone…

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SOCAL - Get Ready! Here She Comes!

This weekend, Saturday and Sunday, (May 1-2, 2010), southern Californians will have a rare opportunity to see a famous steam locomotive, the San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society’s Santa Fe 3751 as she powers the Central Coast Railway Club and the Pacific Locomotive Association joint special - the San Diego Steam Special-II…

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Second Chance for 3751 at San Bernardino Railroad Days

According to the San Bernardino Railroad Histroical Society’s (SBRHS) web site, one week after the Santa Fe 3751 leads the San Diego Steam Special II from Los Angeles to San Diego and back, the 3751 will make a trip between Los Angeles and San Bernardino as part of San Bernardino’s Railroad Days & Bicentennial Celebration…

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