The Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe began furnishing its own specifications for locomotives to builders in 1880. In succeeding years, design of steam locomotives became increasingly complete on the part of the railroad. The culmination of this process was the "Supreme Steam" of the 1930s, exemplified in the magnificent accomplishments of the 3460 Class of 4-6-4s, the 3765 Class of 4-8-4s, and the 5001 Class of 2-10-4s. Also in the 1930s, the Santa Fe played a pioneering role in the development of Diesel locomotives for road service, beginning with the well-known "One-Spot Twins" and continuing with passenger E1 and E3 models, and the FT freight models, from Electro-Motive. Very extensive road testing and usage under Santa Fe's demanding conditions led to many changes and improvements in these pioneer Diesels. Santa Fe Locomotive Development by Larry E. Brasher explores all these topics, and brings together the men behind these events, particularly John Purcell, with the complexities of design, construction, testing, and service of the locomotives, from generations of advancing steam design, to the culminating by 1941 of both Supreme Steam and the Diesel pioneers.Author Larry E. Brasher, whose father was one of the original Santa Fe Diesel Maintainers, has drawn on many company documents and photos, along with his father's memoirs and recollections, to tell this story in a way few others could have done. Its 291 photos (19 in color) richly document the detailed test.Santa Fe Locomotive Development is a fascinating account of the progress of steam locomotive design, the early days of Diesel service, and above all, the powerful role played by Santa Fe men in these developments. It is sure to be enjoyed by anyone interested in locomotives, and of course by any fan of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe. The Railroad Artifact Preservation Society is pleased to announce that Larry E. Brasher has contributed the content of Santa Fe Locomotive Development for the theme of the new museum to be built around Santa Fe Steam locomotive No. 5000 (Madam Queen). The museum will be called the Santa Fe Locomotive Development Museum. We are also honored to have Larry E. Brasher as one of our Santa Fe Railway historians for the museums design and development.The Railroad Artifact Preservation Society relocated engine 5000 to her new site in Downtown Amarillo in August 2005. This relocation made it possible for 5000 to be permanently housed once the Santa Fe Locomotive Development Museum is constructed. The historical and technological importance of 5000's contribution to the development of "Supreme Steam" cannot be overstated. She was the experimental prototype for the 5001 and 5011Class of Supreme Steam locomotive of the Santa Fe Railway. Locomotive 5000(Madam Queen) will be the perfect highlight of the "Supreme Steam' story which will be brought to life inside the Santa Fe Locomotive Development Museum.
