Atchison, Topeka &
Santa Fe Railway Co. 3768

Imagine the scenery of the American southwest, Midwest plains, Mississippi River and Illinois heartland flashing by the window as you travel in style aboard one of Santa Fe’s renowned passenger trains pulled by the half-a-million-pounds of thundering steam locomotive 3768. Your California to Chicago journey in comfort and style is partly made possible by this 4-8-4 wheel arrangement “Northern” type steam powered locomotive built by Philadelphia-based Baldwin Locomotive Works in the spring of 1938. Santa Fe’s quality track assured a smooth journey at routine speeds of 70-90 m.p.h.

 

When new, 3768 cost $178,767.17 ($4.1 million in 2025 dollars), and was part of an order of 11 in its class (3765-3775). Our 3768 is the only one of its class to survive, the others being sold for scrap two years after the last Santa Fe steam operation took place in 1957. Slightly more than 98-feet in length with its tender, 3768 could generate 300 pounds-per-square-inch of boiler pressure using oil as fuel. Boiler pressure, together with 80-inch diameter driver wheels, enabled 3768 to attain a speed of 100 miles-per-hour. 

 

In the years leading up to 3768’s 1953 retirement and 1958 donation to the City of Wichita, Santa Fe used the locomotive to haul both freight and passenger trains. When considering which locomotive to donate, Santa Fe initially selected 3769. However, the railroad ultimately gave Wichita 3768 because it was in better condition mechanically and cosmetically. From 1958 to 1977, 3768 was on display at Friends University. It was moved to its current location in 1977, and has been part of the museum’s collection since 1985. 

 

On the fireman’s (left) side of the cab interior is an overhead rope. Give it a tug to ring the big brass bell.

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