The second new steam engine coming from BLI this month
is a group of Santa Fe 3700 class 4-8-4 locomotives includ-
ing restored No. 3751. Built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in
1927, Santa Fe No. 3751 was retired in 1957 and eventually
found a home with the San Bernardino Historical Society.
The fully operational locomotive has been making appear-
ances and leading tour trains since 1991.
Since their construction in 1926, the 14 locomotives in the
3700 class went through several major rebuilding projects
including changing the driver size from 73” to 80”, fuel con-
version from coal to oil, replacing two original sand domes
with one larger one, and changing out the Elesco feedwater
heater in favor of a more efficient Worthington system.
BLI’s No. 3751 represents the prototype locomotive as she
looks today. The model is composed of a cast ABS plastic
boiler mounted on a diecast metal chassis. Electrical pickup
is through the drivers which are all powered. Details include
separately applied handrails, ladders, whistle, and brass bell.
Additional features include operating cab roof vents, and
Kadee®-compatible metal couplers on both the tender and
locomotive pilot. Wheel flanges allow operation on rail as
small as code 70. A minimum radius of 22” is recommended
for reliable operation.