[atsf37l]

Starting in 1917, the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad began receiving a new class of modern 2-8-2 in the 3160 Class. 128 locomotives, 3160 through 3287 were constructed through 1920. These engines roamed the Santa Fe system in coal burning and oil burning configurations and carrying 12,000 and 15,000 gallon tenders in both fuels.

When the Santa Fe decided to order more of these engines in 1921 the numbers were blocked already existing classes so they jumped up to the 4000 Class, 101 of which, 4000-4100, were built between 1921 and 1926. Like their predecessors, they were system wide locomotives and burned both oil and coal from different sized tenders.

Over the years the 2-10-2's would rule the western mountain passes, but the 2-8-2's of the 3160 and 4000 Classes would handle most freight east of La Junta/Clovis and on the Coast Lines in California. As larger power and diesels came into play these engines would bump 2-6-2's and smaller Mikados off the branch lines until they were retired in the 1950's.

Allen Norton (at the behest of yours truly) has produced engines and tenders in both classes to represent eight different configurations of Santa Fe Mikados. Coal burners of both classes, oil burners of both classes, 12,000 gallon tenders and 15,000 gallon tenders. These engines are in final beta stage and should be uploaded here within a couple of weeks.

Here are a couple of screen shots to whet your appitite.

4000 Class big-tendered oil burning 4053 rides the turntable at Clovis, N.M.





All sorts of Mikes are gathered at Clovis.



There's oil burners,



and coal burners with big and little tenders.



Quite a lineup.



These views are taken on Bob Wirth's Hereford Sub, another work in progress and another coming soon.

Santa Fe has been very well represented in Microsoft Train Simulator routes and equipment but mostly for the diesel era modeler. For some time we have had beautiful 4-8-4's for passenger equipment but there has been no 'correct' steam for freight and branch line operations. Allen has corrected that oversight and opened the many Santa Fe routes to steam operation. We can now break the 1955 reverse barrier and operate the AT&SF with 1920-1955 steam and early diesels.

Yeehaa!

[hiball3985]

OH BOY!!! more steamers...

[Chile Bill]

I remember the days when US steam power for MSTS was as scarce as hen's teeth. Today with Allen's current contributions, the works of many other talented craftsmen, the expected deluge of repaints from Locopainter coming, we can actually operate many RR companies rosters with nary a diesel in sight. This is truly Hogger's Heaven.

[copperpen]

The speed that Allen churns out these steamers, and the rate Bob churns out his routes, we will soon truly be able to say, "Santa Fe, All the way". A modern train with it's size looks majestic as it rolls along, but it has no character, no soul.

[timmuir]

Truly a beautiful model, one of which I was granted a copy of to test for Allen. Steam fans will be running these for a long time, I think.

[rfranzosa]

Allen,

She's a beauty, alright. Great job!!!! ;)

RGF

[ED_4]

I see he's still using some of my settings for the steam effects. A contribution I did when I worked with him on the great Santa Fe (4-8-4s) steamers he built. ;)

[Surflegg]

;) Finally!!! I"ve waited for some true ATSF steam for a loooong time. Fantastic job too!!!

[captain_bazza]

Very talented work, love the black sheen on the boiler, it's very difficult to achieve in TS, so well done, too, on that score. And the best thing, they're Mikes.

I can see Herb forsaking his NG pastures for some time now.

;-)

Cheers Bazza