SILVIS, Ill. — BNSF Railway has donated former Santa Fe B40-8W No. 537 to the non-profit Railroading Heritage of Midwest America (RRHMA). The unit was delivered to the RRHMA shop in Silvis this week.
No. 537 was constructed by General Electric for Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe in October 1990 as part of its “Super Fleet” of new EMD and GE diesels painted in Santa Fe’s famous Warbonnet passenger diesel paint scheme revived by Mike Haverty, the railroad’s then-president. AT&SF was the only railroad to order the B40-8W. No. 537 is the first of the type to be preserved, although the model is still operated by four short lines in addition to BNSF.
No. 537 was put into service hauling high speed intermodal trains on Santa Fe’s Transcon main line between Chicago and California. The unit was later downgraded to local service, and then stored pending disposition. BNSF’s corporate communications team approved the donation, and was assisted by now-retired BNSF Director of Fleet Planning Richard Knutson.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the return to service of RRHMA’s first steam locomotive, Milwaukee Road 4-8-4 No. 261. “Over the last 30 years we’ve dealt with many railroads, but we have always had a special relationship with BNSF,” said Steve Sandberg, president and chief operating officer of RRHMA. “They have always been supportive of our organization, and allowed us to operate 261 throughout the Midwest. In 1998 they trusted us to use 261 to pull their Employee Appreciation Special for over 5,200 miles.”
Sandberg said BNSF continues to support community outreach efforts and special events. “Each year BNSF is a sponsor of the North Pole Express at Union Depot in St. Paul using No. 261, and supports Train Days at the depot each June by moving equipment in and out. BNSF recognizes the importance of having good relationships with communities and the public, and we are grateful for their continuing support.”
An inspection by National Railway Equipment (NRE) which shares the Silvis shop with RRHMA, indicates the unit is in good condition and can be returned to service with minimal work. Sandberg said the organization is considering a variety of uses for No. 537. It might be used as a PTC host engine to operate behind No. 261 on main line trips. However, its primary function will be at Silvis for use in community outreach, education, and safety programs at the Silvis complex. With Silvis’ location in Illinois, and Santa Fe being based in the state, Sandberg said it’s an appropriate addition to the RRHMA collection. In the long term, the group is considering returning the unit to the famous Warbonnet red-and-silver colors it wore when built.
For more information go to the RRHMA website.
