ATSF Santa Fe depot

: Santa Fe, NM, Summer, 1971
: Santa Fe, NM, Summer, 1971
: Santa Fe, NM, Summer, 1971

This is the ATSF's namesake Santa Fe passenger depot in New Mexico.
At the platform, a ATSF SD39 #4006 was sitting with cabooses. The agent at the depot taught me that we would see a passenger train in an hour at nearby Lamy.

Last days of Santa Fe operations at Santa Fe, NM is represented in Aug. 1980 Prototype Modeler[1].

revised, Oct. 25, 2017

[1] Perkins, Monte (1980) "AT&SF Operations in Santa Fe, New Mexico", Aug. 1980 Prototype Modeler;

: Santa Fe, NM, Sep. 13, 2015
: Santa Fe, NM, Sep. 13, 2015

revised, Sep. 18, 2015

Japanese & Comments

ATSF intermodal freight train

: NM, Summer, 1971

On I-40 somewhere in NM, met this westbound ATSF piggy back train.
As 3 large fans on hood and long body are verified, they might be SD45s, I think.

Japanese & Comments

ATSF GP35s #3415 and 3329

: NM, Summer, 1971

On route 66 somewhere in NM, met this eastbound ATSF train.
In the photo are ATSF GP35s #3415 and 3329,

ATSF #3415 was built in 1965 as ATSF #1415. She was renumbered to #3415 in 1970 and repainted to yellow bonnet scheme in 1972. She was rebuilt and renumbered to ATSF GP35u #2915 in 1984. She became BNSF #2615 in 1998 and retired in 2013.

a photo of ATSF #3415 in yellow bonnet scheme found at Don's Rail Photo site;
a photo of ATSF #2915 at Paul R. Tupaczewski's site;
a photo of BNSF #2615 at RR Picture Archives site;

ATSF #3329 was built in 1964 as ATSF #1329. She was renumbered to #3329 in 1970 and repainted to yellow bonnet scheme in 1972. She was rebuilt and renumbered to ATSF GP35u #2829 in 1984. She got SPSF #3586 in1985, but returned to #2829 again in 1991. She became BNSF #2529 in 1997.

a photo of ATSF #3329 in yellow bonnet scheme found at RR Picture Archives site;
a photo of BNSF #2529 in yellow bonnet scheme found at RR Picture Archives site;

EMD GP35 was built between 1963 and 1966 with 2500hp prime mover. 1250 units were sold in United States.

Counterlight and barbed wire disturb me from taking picture of the train from the roadside of route 66.

Japanese & Comments

ATSF F7s leading Amtrak Super Chief/El Capitan

: Lamy, NM Summer, 1971
: Lamy, NM Summer, 1971

On route 285 from Santa Fe, we stopped over at Lamy Station. As soon as we arrived at the station, the WARBONNETs squirted their red to us. The doors and windows of the cab seems full opened.

Photo above shows ATSF F7s leading eastbound Amtrak Super Chief/El Capitan. Photo below shows AMTK P42DCs leading eastbound Amtrak Southwest Chief.

: Lamy, NM Sep. 13, 2015

revised, Sep. 18, 2015

Japanese & Comments

ATSF caboose #999277

: NM, Summer, 1971

On route 66 somewhere in NM, met this eastbound ATSF train.
Bringing up the marker for this train led by ATSF #3415 was this caboose, ATSF #999277.

Amtrak Super Chief/El Capitan consist, ex ATSF

: Lamy, NM Summer, 1971
: Lamy, NM Summer, 1971

On route 285 from Santa Fe, we stopped over at Lamy Station. As soon as we arrived at the station, the eastbound WARBONNETs squirted their red to us.

In these photos are Amtrak Super Chief/El Capitan, former ATSF El Capitan consist, ex ATSF hi-revel chair cars and hi-revel dome launge car #578. Father caught the blue tinned glass installed on #578 window. The ten-gallon hat of a man indicates the time and the place of this location.

: Lamy, NM Summer, 1971
: Lamy, NM Sep. 13, 2015

revised, Sep. 18, 2015

Japanese & Comments

Amtrak Super Chief/El Capitan consist ex ATSF part 2

: Lamy, NM, Summer, 1971

On route 285 from Santa Fe, we stopped over at Lamy Station. As soon as we arrived at the station, the eastbound WARBONNETs squirted their red to us.

In the photo is one of the Amtrak Super Chief/El Capitan consist, ex ATSF #500-505 series dome-lounge car.

Japanese & Comments

ATSF SD39 #4006

: Santa Fe, NM, Summer, 1971

At the Santa Fe depot, I found ATSF SD39 #4006, one of the 20 EMD SD39s ATSF owned.

ATSF #4006 was built in 1969. She was repainted to yellow bonnet scheme in 1972 and rebuilt to SD39u #1560 in 1985. She became BNSF #6204 in 1997, #1914 in 2007, and GN #1914 in 2009.

* photo of ATSF #1560 at LocoPhotos site;
* photo of BNSF #6204 at LocoPhotos site;
* photo of BNSF #1914 at LocoPhotos site;
* photo of GN #1914 at LocoPhotos site;

EMD SD39 was built between 1968 and 1970 with the 2300hp prime mover. 54 units were sold in the United States.

* photo of brother ATSF #4007 at Las Cruces, NM in 1970 found at Classic Trains web site;

The caboose next to the locomotive seems CE-1 series car, but cupola has peaked roof.

revised, Mar. 19, 2020

Japanese & Comments

ATSF SD24 #4550, GP30 #3220 and SD24 #4579

: Gallup, NM summer, 1971

On route 66 at Gallup, NM, met this eastbound ATSF train.
In the photo are ATSF SD24 #4550, GP30 #3220 and SD24 #4579.

ATSF SD24's #4550 and #4579 were built in 1960 as #950 and #979. #979 was the last SD24 ATSF purchased. They were rebuilt to SD26's #4650 and #4679 in 1977. Both retired ATSF in 1985 and sold to Springfield Terminal Railway.

EMD SD24 was built between 1958 and 1963 with 2400hp prime mover. 179 units were sold in united States.

photo of ATSF #950 at Fallenflags site;

ATSF GP30 #3220 was built in 1962 as #1220. She was rebuilt to GP30r #2720 in 1983. Due to the merger, she became BNSF #2420 in 1995.

EMD GP30 was built between 1961 and 1963 with 2250hp prime mover. 906 units were sold in united States.

photo of ATSF #3220 found at RR Picture Archives site;
photo of ATSF #2720 found at RR Picture Archives site;
photo of BNSF #2420 found at RR Picture Archives site;

It seemed hot in the cab as the door is wide open at the front.


full size map

Japanese & Comments

ATSF F45 and FP45

: NM, Summer, 1971

On I-40 somewhere in NM, met this eastbound ATSF train led by two F45 and a FP45.

ATSF F45 #s1900 - 1939 were built in 1968. They were rebuilt to SDF45 #s 5950 - 5989.
ATSF FP45 #s 100 - 108 were built in 1967. They were rebuilt to SDPF45 #s 90 - 98.

EMD F45 was built between 1968 and 1971 with 3600hp prime mover. 86 units were sold in United States.
EMD FP45 was built between 1967 and 1968 with 3600hp prime mover. 14 units were sold in United States.

Japanese & Comments

ATSF XM #145281

: Albuquerque, NM. Sep. 8, 2015

This Dharma-san, an ex-ATSF boxcar sitting on the ground without trucks, is found at Paragon Rd SE, Albuquerque, NM. It seems used as storage by a constructing firm. As you see, it still keeps its scheme including “THE ROUTE OF El Capitan” slogan.

ATSF XM #145281 was one of 145000–145499 series BX-33 class steel sheathed boxcars.

According to the book ATSF Color Guide to Freight and Passenger Equipment, it was built in 1920 and rebuilt in 1940. According to Santa Fe Car Slogans list at Santa Fe Railway Historical & Modeling Society web site, 145200–145299 series cars including this car were originally applied “Chief” slogan and the “map”[1]. According to the marking, it might have been repainted to “El Capitan” and “Ship and Travel” slogan in no later than Sep. 1960, and was retired in 1962.

Mentioning the lost feet, #145388 from the same class appears in the book ATSF Color Guide to Freight and Passenger Equipment seems riding on Barber S-2 trucks.

ATSF 145200–145299 series Boxcars:
The ORER for July 1974 shows the group with single car #145348 in place, described as follows:
AAR Designation XM, Box, Stl. Sheathed.
The inside length of this car is 40 feet 6 inches, inside width 9 feet 2 inches, inside height 10 feet 4 inches, outside length 54 feet 6 inches, extreme height 14 feet 1 inch and capacity 3836 cubic feet or 100,000 pounds.

[1] Santa Fe Car Slogans list;
* photo of ATSF #145312 and a WX-33 (former BX-33) #202293 found at Trainboard forum;


: Albuquerque, NM. Sep. 8, 2015

Japanese & Comments

ATSF Belen Depot

: Belen, NM. Sep. 9, 2015

This former Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway depot is found at the eastern end of Becker St, Belen, NM.

Belen, founded in 1740, is a city in Valencia County, New Mexico with a population of 4823 according to the 1970 Census, 7269 according to the 2010 Census. It was originally named Nuestra Senora de Belen, which means Our Lady of Bethlehem. ATSF San Francisco Chief and southern section of Grand Canyon Limited once served the city.

According to Marci L. Riskin, the Spanish Mission style depot made of brick, covered in stucco was built in 1909[1]. The structure is still used by the railroad today, maybe as the yard office. In front of the depot is the yard switched by locomotives with ATSF “Freightbonnet” scheme. The Harvey House built in 1910 stands next to the depot. It houses the Belen Harvey House Museum[2]. ATSF doodlebug M-190 preserved by the museum is a block from the depot.

[1] The book The Train Stops Here preview page;
[2] Belen Harvey House Museum;

: Belen, NM. Sep. 9, 2015
: postcard maybe printed in the 20's

Japanese & Comments

ATSF Los Lunas Depot

: Los Lunas, NM. Sep. 9, 2015

This former Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway depot structure painted in vivid yellow is found at 1103 N.M. 314 SE, Los Lunas, NM.

Los Lunas, founded in 1876, is a village in and the county seat of Valencia County, New Mexico with a population of 973 according to the 1970 Census, 24877 according to the 2010 Census. It was named after the Luna family who originally settled in this area.

According to the Historical Marker erected by state of New Mexico, the one story wood frame depot was built in 1879. This is one of the standard type architecture introduced by ATSF in the late 19th century, and is one of the earliest remaining depots in NM. It used to be painted in “Colonial Yellow” with “Bronze Green” on windows and doors.
According to National Register of Historic Places Inventory Form, it was retired in 1975 and moved to its current site next year[1]. It houses Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post today.

[1] National Register of Historic Places Inventory Form;

: Los Lunas, NM. Sep. 9, 2015

Japanese & Comments

ATSF XM #47450

: Los Lunas, NM. Sep. 9, 2015

This ex-ATSF Dharuma-san is found behind the former ATSF depot structure at Los Lunas, NM. It seems used as storage by the village of Los Lunas. It barely keeps its original scheme.

ATSF XM #47450 was one of 47150–47549 series BX-145 class steel boxcars built in 1971 by American Car and Foundry.
Mentioning the lost feet, #47485 from the same class found at Fallen Flags site seems riding on Barber S-2 roller-bearing trucks.

ATSF 47150–47549 series steel boxcars:
The ORER for July 1974 shows the group with 396 cars in place, described as follows:
AAR Designation XM, Box, Cush. Underfr., Lading Side Wall Anchors.
The inside length of these cars is 50 feet 6 inches, inside width 9 feet 4 inches, inside height 10 feet 5 inches, outside length 58 feet 1 inch, extreme height 14 feet 11 inches and capacity 4960 cubic feet or 154,000 pounds.

* 1973 photo of ATSF #47485 found at Fallen Flags site;
* 1988 photo of ATSF #47201 found at Railroad Photo Archives site;

: Los Lunas, NM. Sep. 9, 2015

Japanese & Comments

ATSF XL #unknown

: Los Lunas, NM. Sep. 9, 2015

This ex-ATSF Dharuma-san is found next to the former ATSF depot at Los Lunas, NM at the little league baseball grounds. It seems used as groundskeeper’s storage. It barely keeps its original scheme. According to the body style, it seems one of 600000–600210 series BX-88 class steel boxcars built in 1964 by the railroad.
Mentioning the lost feet, #600175 from the same class found at Railroad Photo Archives site seems riding on ASF Ride Control roller-bearing trucks.

ATSF 600000–600210 series Boxcars:
The ORER for July 1974 shows the car under group 600000–600021 with 22 cars in place, described as follows:
AAR Designation XL, Box, Lading Anchors, Shock Control, 4 Belt DF-2, Nailable Stl. Flrs. C+.
The inside length of these cars is 60 feet 8 inches, inside width 9 feet 4 inches, inside height 11 feet 4 inches, outside length 68 feet, extreme height 15 feet 6 inches and capacity 6516 cubic feet or 170,000 pounds.

* 1976 photo of ATSF #600133 found at Fallen Flags site;
* 2013 photo of ATSF #600175 found at Railroad Photo Archives site;

: Los Lunas, NM. Sep. 9, 2015

Japanese & Comments

ATSF Mountainair Depot

: Mountainair, NM. Sep. 9, 2015

This former Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway depot is found at the eastern end of W Main St, Mountainair, NM.

Mountainair, founded in 1903, is a town in Torrance County, New Mexico with a population of 1022 according to the 1970 Census, 928 according to the 2010 Census. It was named for the cool fresh breezes from the Manzano and Los Pinos Mountains rise to the west of town. The town was once “The Pinto Bean Capital of the World”, generating 750 train carloads of beans a year[1]. P&M Plastics factory structure painted in red you can see in the photo below is the former pinto bean elevator.

According to Marci L. Riskin, the two-story Spanish Mission style depot covered in stucco with red tile roof was built in 1908[2]. Chicago architect Myron H. Church designed the structure made of concrete under the supervision of ATSF chief engineer[3].

While the freight room, Office, and waiting room occupied the first floor, the apartment for the agent consisted of two bedrooms, a kitchen, and the living room occupied the second floor[3].

Fence with razor wire surrounding the depot seems the defense against cargo thefts frequently occurred in this section last several years[4]. Thieves "hit stopped trains, cut locks to grab goods on moving trains, and slash air hoses to force emergency stops at chosen locations", Trains news wire writes[5].

revised, Oct. 25, 2017

[1] Mountainair Chamber of Commerce web site;
[2] The book The Train Stops Here preview page;
[3] Bohi, Charles W., (1987) "Stations on the Santa Fe Belen Cutoff" Feb. 1987 Prototype Modeler;
[4] Aug. 20, 2015 KRQE News;
[5] Mar. 15, 2016 Trains News Wire web page;

: Mountainair, NM. Sep. 9, 2015
: postcard maybe printed in the 10's

Japanese & Comments

ATSF XL #17651, otherwise 205098

: Mountainair, NM. Sep. 9, 2015

This ex-ATSF Dharuma-san is found at Mountainair, NM. It seems used as storage by the railroad. As you see, it still keeps its original scheme.
Fence with razor wire surrounding the depot seems the defense against cargo thefts frequently occurred in this section last several years[1].

ATSF XL #17651, otherwise 205098 was one of 17583–17682 series FE-26 nee WE-26 class steel boxcars. According to the book ATSF Color Guide to Freight and Passenger Equipment, it was built in 1945 by Pullman-Standard Car Manufacturing Co. According to the marking, this particular car seems retired in 1977.
Mentioning the lost feet, #50058 from the same class appears in the book ATSF Color Guide to Freight and Passenger Equipment seems riding on ASF A-3 Ride Control trucks.

ATSF 17583–17682 series Boxcars:
The ORER for July 1974 shows the group with 93 cars in place, described as follows:
AAR Designation XL, Box, Stagg. Doors, Fixed DF-2 Stub Belts.
The inside length of these cars is 40 feet 6 inches, inside width 9 feet 4 inches, inside height 10 feet 6 inches, outside length 44 feet 6 inches, extreme height 15 feet 1 inch and capacity 3972 cubic feet or 100,000 pounds.

[1] Aug. 20, 2015 KRQE News;
* 1975 photo of ATSF #17639 found at Railroad Picture Archives site;

: Mountainair, NM. Sep. 9, 2015

Japanese & Comments

ATSF XM #274058

: Mountainair, NM. Sep. 9, 2015

This ex-ATSF Dharuma-san is found at Mountainair, NM. It seems used as storage by the railroad. As you see, it still keeps its original scheme including “Ship and Travel” slogan on both sides. There used to be a similar boxcar #205478 long tied down at the spur west of the depot[1].

ATSF XM #274058 was one of 274000–274749 series BX-48 class steel boxcars. According to the book ATSF Color Guide to Freight and Passenger Equipment, it was built in 1946 by Pullman-Standard Car Manufacturing Co. According to Santa Fe Car Slogans list at Santa Fe Railway Historical & Modeling Society web site, 274000–274149 series cars were originally applied “Grand Canyon” slogan and the “map” when they were built[2].
Mentioning the lost feet, #274722 from the same class appears in the book ATSF Color Guide to Freight and Passenger Equipment seems riding on ASF A-3 Ride Control trucks.

ATSF 274000–274749 series Boxcars:
The ORER for July 1974 shows the car under group 274001–276499 with 1895 cars in place, described as follows:
AAR Designation XM, Box, Stl. Sheathed.
The inside length of these cars is 40 feet 6 inches, inside width 9 feet 4 inches, inside height 10 feet 6 inches, outside length 44 feet 6 inches, extreme height 15 feet 1 inch and capacity 3972 cubic feet or 100,000 pounds.

[1] photo of ATSF #205478 at Mountainair;
[2] Santa Fe Car Slogans list;
* 1967 photo of ATSF 274646 found at Fallen Flags site;


: Mountainair, NM. Sep. 9, 2015

Japanese & Comments

ATSF XLI #522245

: Mountainair, NM. Sep. 9, 2015

This ex-ATSF Dharuma-san is found next to the rodeo ground at Mountainair, NM. It seems used as groundskeeper’s storage. As you see, it still keeps its original scheme including the “SHOCK CONTROL” slogan introduced in 1961.

ATSF XLI #522245 was one of 522000–522289 series BX-141 class steel insulated boxcars built in 1970 by the railroad. According to the marking, this particular car seems retired in 1985.
Mentioning the lost feet, #522090 from the same class appears at Fallen Flag site seems riding on ASF Ride Control roller-bearing trucks.

ATSF 522000–522289 series Boxcars:
The ORER for July 1974 shows the group with 263 cars in place, described as follows:
AAR Designation XLI, Box, Shock Control, Load Dividers, 4 Belt DF-2, Side Wall Filers.
The inside length of these cars is 50 feet, inside width 9 feet 3 inches, inside height 9 feet 11 inches, outside length 57 feet 10 inches, extreme height 14 feet 4 inches and capacity 4615 cubic feet or 140,000 pounds.

* 1970 photo of ATSF #522212 at Canadian Freight Car Gallery site;

: Mountainair, NM. Sep. 9, 2015

Japanese & Comments

SFRB RBL #5358

: Mountainair, NM. Sep. 9, 2015

This ex-ATSF Dharuma-san is found at 6th St, Mountainair, NM. It seems used as private storage. As you see, it still keeps its original scheme. S in the yellow left top placard stands for Side Wall Fillers and L stands for Load Dividers, both load restraining equipment.

SFRB #5358 was one of 5250–5599 series RR-73 class steel bunkerless reefers built in 1962 by the railroad. According to the marking, this particular car seems retired in 1984.
Mentioning the lost feet, #5340 from the same class appears at Fallen Flag site seems to ride on ASF Ride Control trucks.

SFRB 5250–5599 series Reefers:
The ORER for July 1974 shows the group with 327 cars in place, described as follows:
AAR Designation RBL, Refrig., Shock Control, Sl. Loader.
The inside length of these cars is 50 feet 1 inch, inside width 9 feet 3 inches, inside height 9 feet 7 inches, outside length 57 feet 6 inches, extreme height 15 feet 1 inch and capacity 4490 cubic feet or 135,000 pounds.

* 1981 photo of SFRB #5340 found at Fallen Flags site;


: Mountainair, NM. Sep. 9, 2015

Japanese & Comments

SFRB RBL #5763

: Mountainair, NM. Sep. 9, 2015

This ex-ATSF Dharuma-san is also found at 6th St, Mountainair, NM. It seems used as private storage. As you see, it still keeps its original scheme.

SFRB #5763 was one of 5600–5798 series RR-68 class steel bunkerless reefers.
Mentioning the lost feet, #5765 from the same class appears at Fallen Flag site seems riding on ASF Ride Control trucks.

SFRB 5600–5798 series Reefers:
The ORER for July 1974 shows the group with 183 cars in place, described as follows:
AAR Designation RBL, Refrig., Shock Control, Sl. Loader.
The inside length of these cars is 50 feet 1 inch, inside width 9 feet 4 inches, inside height 9 feet 7 inches, outside length 57 feet 6 inches, extreme height 15 feet 1 inches and capacity 4457 cubic feet or 134,000 pounds.

* 1984 photo of SFRB #5765 found at Fallen Flags site;

Japanese & Comments

ATSF Las Cruces Depot

: Las Cruces, NM. Sep. 10, 2015

This former Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway depot is found at 351 N Mesilla St, Las Cruces, NM.

Las Cruces, founded in 1849, is the city and the county seat of Dona Ana County, New Mexico with a population of 37857 according to the 1970 Census, 97618 according to the 2010 Census. Las cruces means the cross in Spanish. The city creates a metropolitan area with El Paso, Texas.

The Spanish Mission style depot made of brick, covered in stucco with red tile roof was built in 1910[1]. Last passenger trainーEl Pasoan, consisted of two Budd RDCsーdeparted the depot in April 1968[2]. It now houses the Las Cruces Railroad Museum[3].

revised, May 18, 2021

[1] City of Las Cruces web cite;
[2] The Varnish Vanishes, July 1968, Trains, kalmbach
[3] Las Cruces Railroad Museum;

: Las Cruces, NM. Sep. 10, 2015
: postcard maybe printed in the 10's

Japanese & Comments

ATSF Caboose #999768

: Vinton, TX. Sep. 10, 2015

In the late Thursday morning at Vinton, TX, I found this steel wide-vision cupola caboose at the siding. It was assigned to a local/switching operation serving suburban El Paso. Notice the icebox equipped on the deck.

ATSF #999768 is one of 999750–999824 series CE-11 class cabooses built in 1981 by International Car Co. They are the last new cabooses purchased by ATSF.

* 1984 photo of ATSF #999764 found at Fallen Flags site;

: Vinton, TX. Sep. 10, 2015

Japanese & Comments

ATSF Caboose #999330

: Fort Stockton, TX. Sep. 11, 2015

This ATSF riveted steel end cupola caboose was found at Fort Stockton, TX next to the former depot housing Chamber of Commerce. It is beautifully restored but lost original letterings and markings.

ATSF #999330 was first built in 1927 by American Car & Foundry as CE-1 class #1586. It was rebuilt and renumbered to CE-2 class #999330 in 1969.

All photos taken on Sep. 11, 2015.

* 2006 photo of ATSF #999330 before restoring found at Railroad Photo Archives site;


: Fort Stockton, TX. Sep. 11, 2015

Japanese & Comments

ATSF Caboose #999518

: Fort Stockton, TX. Sep. 11, 2015

This ATSF riveted steel end cupola caboose was found in Fort Stockton, TX at the former depot housing Chamber of Commerce. It is repainted and lost original letterings and markings.

ATSF #999518 was first built in 1928 by American Car & Foundry as Ce-1 class #1734. It was rebuilt and renumbered to Ce-2 class #999518 in 1970.

* 1978 photo of ATSF #999521 found at Railroad Photo Archives site;

: Fort Stockton, TX. Sep. 11, 2015

Japanese & Comments

ATSF SD40-2 #5210

: Vinton, TX. Sep. 10, 2015

In the late Thursday morning at Vinton, TX, these built in the 70’s locomotives were found. They were assigned to the local/switching operation serving suburban El Paso.

BNSF SD40-2 #1770 was built in 1978 as ATSF #5210. It was later renumbered to BNSF #6955 and finally became #1770.
BNSF GP38-2 #2024 was rebuilt in 2005 by NRE from high-hood SOU GP38 #2814 built in 1970.

* 1980 photo of ATSF #5210 found at Railroad Photo Archives site;
* 1970 photo of SOU #2804 from my photo archives;

The previous day, a little younger brother #1755 also in ATSF scheme, built in 1981 as ATSF #5187, was found switching at Belen.


: Belen, NM. Sep. 9, 2015

Japanese & Comments

ATSF Vaughn Depot

: Vaughn, NM. Sep. 12, 2015

This former Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway depot is found at 8th St, Vaughn, NM.

Vaughn, incorporated in 1919, is a town in Guadalupe County, New Mexico with a population of 867 according to the 1970 Census, 446 according to the 2010 Census. It was named after an ATSF civil engineer Major G. W. Vaughn.

According to Marci L. Riskin, the two-story Spanish Mission style depot covered in stucco with red tile roof was built in 1908[1]. Myron H. Church designed the structure made of concrete under the supervision of ATSF chief engineer[2].

It was once accompanied with the Las Chaves Harvey House, a hotel, a turntable and a roundhouse, composing a division point. The structure is still in use by BNSF: lights at the window after dark.

revised, Oct. 25, 2017

[1] The book The Train Stops Here preview page;
[2] Bohi, Charles W., (1987) "Stations on the Santa Fe Belen Cutoff" Feb. 1987 Prototype Modeler;

: postcard maybe printed in the 10's

Japanese & Comments

SFRD RS #14677

: Vaughn, NM. Sep. 12, 2015

This ex-ATSF Dharuma-san is found at 4th St, Vaughn, NM. It seems used as private storage. As you see, it still keeps its original scheme including the “Ship and Travel” slogan.

SFRD RS #14677 was one of 14280–15399 series class RR-34 steel ice-bunker reefers. According to Ice Reefer Roster at Santa Fe Railway Historical & Modeling Society web site, these cars were originally 38000–38972 and 39000–39149 series reefers rebuilt from RR-W thru RR-4 wooden reefers by the railroad in 1941[1]. They were renumbered in 1945 when air-circulating fans are installed.
Mentioning the lost feet, they seem rode on ASF Ride Control trucks.

SFRD 14280–15399 series steel ice-bunker reefers:
The ORER for July 1974 shows the car under group 14302–15384 with 34 cars in place, described as follows:
AAR Designation RS, Refrig., Half Stage Icing Grates, When in Position Cap. of Bunker is: Crushed Ice 6900 lbs. & Coarse Ice 8700 lbs. & Chunk Ice 6300 lbs., Preco Flr. Air Circulating Device.
The inside length of these cars is 33 feet 1 inch, inside width 8 feet 2 inches, inside height 7 feet 1 inches, outside length 44 feet 8 inches, extreme height 14 feet 3 inches and capacity 1943 cubic feet or 77,000 pounds.

[1] Ice Reefer Roster;

: Vaughn, NM. Sep. 12, 2015

Japanese & Comments

SFRD RS #15187

: Vaughn, NM. Sep. 12, 2015

This ex-ATSF Dharuma-san is found at 4th St, Vaughn, NM. It seems it was once used as storage for Ranch House Cafe closed today. As you see, it barely keeps its original scheme including “THE ROUTE OF El Capitan” slogan. If we conform to the slogan, the car was originally one of 38050–38149 series reefers with “El Capitan” slogan and the “map”[1].

SFRD RS #15187 was one of 14280–15399 series class RR-34 steel ice-bunker reefers. According to Ice Reefer Roster at Santa Fe Railway Historical & Modeling Society web site, these cars were originally 38000–38972 and 39000–39149 series reefers rebuilt from RR-W thru RR-4 wooden reefers by the railroad in 1941[2]. They were renumbered to 14280–15399 in 1945, when air-circulating fans were installed.
Mentioning the lost feet, they seem rode on ASF Ride Control trucks.

SFRD 14280–15399 series steel ice-bunker reefers:
The ORER for July 1974 shows the car under group 14302–15384 with 34 cars in place, described as follows:
AAR Designation RS, Refrig., Half Stage Icing Grates, When in Position Cap. of Bunker is: Crushed Ice 6900 lbs. & Coarse Ice 8700 lbs. & Chunk Ice 6300 lbs., Preco Flr. Air Circulating Device.
The inside length of these cars is 33 feet 1 inch, inside width 8 feet 2 inches, inside height 7 feet 1 inches, outside length 44 feet 8 inches, extreme height 14 feet 3 inches and capacity 1943 cubic feet or 77,000 pounds.

[1] Santa Fe Car Slogans list;
[2] Ice Reefer Roster;

: Vaughn, NM. Sep. 12, 2015

Japanese & Comments

SFRC RPL #5xxx4

: Vaughn, NM. Sep. 12, 2015

This ex-ATSF Dharuma-san is found at 6th St, Vaughn, NM. It seems it was once used as private storage. As you see, it still keeps its original scheme including the freezing “MTC” herald. According to the built date 7-66 barely seen in the COTS, this car is one of 50700–51399 series RR-89 class mechanical refrigerator cars built in 1966 by the railroad.
Mentioning the lost feet, #51057 from the same class appears at Fallen Flag site seems riding on ASF Ride Control roller-bearing trucks.

ATSF 50700–51399 series mechanical reefers:
The ORER for July 1974 shows the group with 477 cars in place, described as follows:
AAR Designation RPL, Refrig., Mech., Shock Control, Roller Bearings, Detroit Diesel Engines, Trane Type Refrigeration, All Purpose Temperature Range.
The inside length of these cars is 48 feet, inside width 9 feet 3 inches, inside height 9 feet 2 inches, outside length 60 feet 5 inches, extreme height 15 feet 1 inch and capacity 4074 cubic feet or 134,000 pounds.

* photo of SFRC #51065 found at Fallen Flags site;


: Vaughn, NM. Sep. 12, 2015

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