The California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento has embarked on an ambitious restoration project to bring back to life the historic Santa Fe 2-6-2 1010 locomotive. This locomotive, manufactured in 1901 by Baldwin Locomotive Works, gained fame for its record-breaking journey from Los Angeles to Chicago in 1905. The restoration of the Santa Fe 1010 will not only add to the museum’s collection but also provide a second operating steam locomotive for the Sacramento Southern Railroad.
The restoration project of the Santa Fe 1010 is the largest endeavor undertaken by the museum since its establishment in 1981. To kick start the fundraising campaign, three major donations have been received. Jeff and Marsha Gibeling, Art and Linda Grix, and Craig Hoefer of the Hoefer Foundation have jointly contributed a generous $300,000 matching grant, which covers almost half of the total funds required to revive the locomotive.
Expressing gratitude, Foundation President Tim Schroepfer stated, The Foundation is grateful to our lead donors for their generosity. We are excited for the day when we will have two operating steam locomotives on the interpretive railroad.
The significance of the Santa Fe 1010 locomotive lies in its involvement in a thrilling race against time back in 1905. Known as the Death Valley Scotty Challenge, Walter E. Scott, popularly known as Death Valley Scotty, dared the Santa Fe to complete its journey from Los Angeles to Chicago as quickly as possible. The railroad company took up the challenge and had a fleet of 19 locomotives ready along the route, with the Santa Fe 1010 leading the way from Needles, California, to Seligman, Arizona. The locomotive successfully completed the 2,265-mile journey in an astonishing 44 hours and 54 minutes, breaking the existing record.
Following its triumphant adventure, the Santa Fe 1010 gradually faded into obscurity until its retirement in the 1950s. In 1984, it found a new home at the California State Railroad Museum after being generously donated. Now, several decades later, the locomotive will undergo a meticulous restoration process, preserving its rich history and allowing future generations to appreciate its significance.
With the successful completion of this restoration project, the California State Railroad Museum will be the proud custodian of two operational steam locomotives, further enhancing its ability to educate visitors about the golden era of railroading. The revival of the Santa Fe 1010 locomotive represents a remarkable feat of engineering and dedication, ensuring that a piece of history remains alive and accessible for all to experience.
As the fundraising efforts continue, the museum eagerly awaits the day when the Santa Fe 1010 locomotive will once again steam its way across the rails, transporting visitors back in time to an era filled with the excitement and grandeur of train travel.
