Santa Fe steam locomotive #3751 is captured in
a fascinating documentary of its first mainline trip
in over 50-years!

Big Steam
& Private Varnish

If you are a fan of large steam engines, this one is definitely for you.

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In the late 1920's, The Sante Fe Railway began tests on their new Northern-type steam engine #3751 between Los Angeles, Arizona, and New Mexico.

So successful were the tests, that it wasn't long before she and her sister engines were seen in daily service all over the Southwest ...right up until the end of the steam era.

Then she was put on static display in a city park.

That could have been "end of story" for 3751. 

It sure seemed so for a long, long time.

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But then in the late 1990's, a dedicated team took action.  The San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society began a major project to restore 3751 to the high-speed, mainline passenger engine she was meant to be.  (You'll learn all about it in the film.)

Once restored, it took another three years of meticulous planning to create a situation where 3751 could really show her stuff.  And that occasion was the 62nd annual National Railroad Society convention.

NOTE: All pictures on this page are screen-shots from the DVD's.

Santa Fe Railway's steam locomotive

#3751

Not only was 3751 returning to the high iron of the Santa Fe, she was on the point of a 14-car private varnish train.  (Note to newbies:  "Private varnish" is the name given to vintage passenger cars that are privately owned and restored to their original luster.)

Although this journey across the Southwest took place in 2002, it was the first and (as yet) only contemporary trip where 3751 could show off the glory of her days with the historic Santa Fe Railway.

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Brilliant DVD's, mate.

Grahame H
South Australia

(Above is the vista dome passenger car The Plaza Santa Fe)

The Private Varnish cars came from all over the country to be a part of this train.

Above are interiors of the exquisitely restored Overland Trail (left) and the Royal Gorge.

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To order Santa Fe 3715 in Big Steam & Private Varnish, click here.

This DVD is only $14.95



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The story continues in

Steam Giants
On The Colorado Plateau

During the one time #3751 was in Williams, Arizona, the Grand Canyon Railway had 2 of its own steam engines all fired up and ready to join in the spectacle.


This included former CB&Q #4960 in what has now become (sadly) an extremely rare public appearance.

3751 & 4960 are steamed up and ready for action.

Grand Canyon Railway's engine #18 (a consolidation) meets 3751 in an unexpected yard scene that was once as common as a sunrise.

3751's crew (members of the San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society) take us on a  tour of 3751's remarkable cab.

Discover how this 1927 steam locomotive was restored to function perfectly on a modern railroad system.

A highlight of Steam Giants sees 3751 & 4960 double-heading a vintage passenger train to the rim of the Grand Canyon

Included in the production are  scenic, trackside runbys along The Grand Canyon Line... a branch line built over 100 years ago by the Santa Fe Railway.

The fireman's view from the cab of "helper" 4960 looking back on 3751 as we wind our way up to the Grand Canyon.

4960 has just completed her task as a "helper engine" for 3751. 

3751 runs around her to go the last mile into the Grand Canyon station. ...just as she and so many Santa Fe engines did in the past.

Three steam locomotives (#3751, #4960, and #18) pose in front of the depot at the South Rim....a site not seen for over 60-years.

#3751, #4960, & #18 in an amazing display of steam power.

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BONUS FEATURE:   RAILROAD STORIES

Throughout both of these films, we are blessed with occasional insights about steam railroading from Phil and George.  These fellas both worked for the Santa Fe Railroad during the last days of steam.  So, they really know what they're talking about from a true historical perspective.  They even ran 3751 back in the days of the Santa Fe.

Phil and George go way back. And when old railroad buddies get together, is there any shortage of rollicking tales?  

We were lucky enough to let the cameras roll when these two started reminiscing.  We put together some of their recollections in a bonus section on the STEAM GIANTS DVD called Railroad Stories. I can't watch it without laughing out loud...and I've seen it countless times.  It's funny, fascinating...and touching.  Don't miss it.

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Click here to order one or both DVD's featuring Santa Fe 3715

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All this makes for great viewing. There's history and action aplenty to satisfy the young and old.

But, wait....there's more?

Yes!

ADDITIONAL BONUS SCENES:

Engine #18 (seen above) was also apart of this major steam event in Arizona.
Since that time she has moved on and is no longer seen at the Grand Canyon Railway. (Don't worry. She is now a part of another historic railroad operation in Colorado.)

Included on the DVD is a tour of #18 where we learn a few of the modifications made to this medium-sized steamer known as a Consolidation.  We'll tag-a-long as she completes her daily chores.

Some added fun for all.

With Much Appreciation

Do these guys look tired to you?

This show could have never been produced without the incredible dedication of the San Bernardino Historical Society (owners of 3751) and the 3751 steam crew. One look at the picture above (taken in the crew car) gives you a clear picture of how hard they worked during this steam event.

Much gratitude is also expressed to The Grand Canyon Chapter of the NRHS (National Railroad Historical Society), The Grand Canyon Railway, AMTRAK, and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad.

A message from the producer:

I hope that you all enjoy this double-feature video adventure featuring Santa Fe #3751. Producing it was indeed an honor and a pleasure. Rob Simpson

    
Each DVD is only $14.95
(Order both at the same time and receive a special discount.)

 Click here to order the DVD's featuring Santa Fe 3715

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TRADING UP DEAL:

These two DVD are an expanded and remastered release of a souvenir video originally titled Canyon Rails Steam Celebration (now out of print)

If you have the old Canyon Rails and would like to "trade up" to the new version, just send in your old copy with a check for $6.00 (plus $6.00 s/h) and we'll send you both Big Steam AND Steam Giants.

This offer is even good if you have the old VHS edition.

Here's the address to use:
Golden Rail Video
254 Trumpeter Way
Friday Harbor, WA 98250

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At Golden Rail Video we are happy only if YOU are happy with your purchase:

We guarantee your complete satisfaction with every purchase.

( If ever you are dissatisfied with any Golden Rail Video product,
please contact us so we may rectify the situation.)


Click here to order either of the DVD's featuring Santa Fe 3715


I want to PRINT an order form that I can fax or mail in the old-fashioned way.