Model of an FT unit crossing the Moline Bridge on Steve Sandifer's layout.
ATSF Mallet #3299 scratchbuilt in brass by Master Santa Fe Modeler Ian MacKellar
The name says it all, Santa Fe Railway Historical and Modeling Society. Born from the merger of the Santa Fe Modelers Organization and the Santa Fe Railway Historical Society, the Society maintains a strong focus on modeling. Each Convention features a Santa Fe modeling contest with both a popular vote and a technical contest. The technical contest rates participants’ skills based on prototype accuracy, modeling skill and effort, and finish. Successful modelers can vie for the coveted Master Santa Fe Modelerrecognition awarded by the Society.
new product announcements and reviews
This section will track new Santa Fe products released by various model manufacturers as well as existing model reviews. After 1 year, we will move them to an archive page.
The Society is on a mission to “rebuild” the Santa Fe — in model form — so that everyone can experience this unique American Railroad! The Rebuilding the Santa Fe project will, we hope over time, include models of every class of Santa Fe locomotive (steam and diesel), passenger car, freight car, company service vehicle (cabooses/way cars), and representative structures and scenes! The following rotating galleries highlight recent additions. Click REBUILDING THE SANTA FE to see the complete collection!
locomotives
ATSF E6A #15 was built by EMC in 1940-1941. It was one of the first from EMC's new facility in LaGrange, Illinois plant. Santa Fe purchased 7 units, 4 cabs and 3 boosters. These units served on premiere passenger trains. It is a Broadway Limited model, photo by Bob Walz. HO scale.
ATSF Mikado (2-8-2) #4030 was built by Baldwin in 1923. It was part of the 4000 Class. This model received a Certificate of Technical Merit for Motive Power and Second Place Steam Locomotive in 2017. Model by Harlan Boyce, SFRH&MS photo. HO scale.
ATSF GP20 #1107 was built by EMD in 1960 as one of 75 engines in the 1100 class. This model represents the "as delivered" blue and yellow bookend scheme. This class was renumbered three times and ended in the blue and yellow Warbonnet. It is a Life Like Proto 2000 model, photo by Bob Walz. HO scale.
ATSF Heavy Mountain (4-8-4) #3781. This member of the 3776 Class was built by Baldwin in 1941. This model shows an example with the original boiler. It received Third Place Steam in 2017. Model by Ramon Rhodes, SFRH&MS photo. HO scale.
ATSF Diesel #1A, known as "Amos." Santa Fe's first passenger diesel. Delivered by Electro-Motive Corporation in 1935. This photo shows it in its later Warbonnet livery after rebuilding. The model is a Hallmark brass import, photo by Bob Walz. Ho scale
ATSF Santa Fe (2-10-2) #1624 and 1627 are two 1600 class "small" Santa Fe class engines. These models are N scale, modified Bachmann engines with a 3D printed cab by MJMX models, modified etched running board and etched/styrene number boards, Detail Associates Elesco feedwater heater on pilot deck and a 3D printed (resin castings) 1200 gallon Mallet tenders + etchings by ATSF N Scale Models. Also equipped with DCC Tsunami decoders. Model and photo by Dirk Jan Blikkendaal.
ATSF Santa Fe #3909 (2-10-2) is a member of the 3800 class 2-10-2s. The model started as a modified Con-Cor engine with an extra sand dome, etched/styrene number board, new 3D printed cab by MJMX Models, Detail Associates pilot and Elesco feedwater heater, new 20000 gallon 3D printed (resin casting) tenders and etchings from ATSF N Scale Models, with a DCC Tsunami decoder and speaker in the tender. Model and photo by Dirk Jan Blikkendaal.
ATSF RSD-7 #605, shown here in zebra stripes, was built in N scale from a modified C-628/630 Atlas frame and trucks, added a 3D printed shell and etchings from ATSF N Scale Models, DCC Tsunami decoder with a speaker in the dummy trailing unit, MTL couplers. Model and photo by Dirk Jan Blikkendaal.
Ex-U23B 6332, wrecked, rebuilt as SF30B, renumbered second 7200 and repainted in blue and yellow warbonnet July 1987 at Cleburne. Renumbered 6419 after October 1988. Renumbered BNSF 4276 January 29, 2000 (rostered by BNSF as a B23-7). Model by Sammy Carlile in SF30B appearance post October 1988. It received a Certificate of Technical Merit in 2017.
ATSF #7417 is a GE Transportation Systems 40B-8 (Dash 8-40B) road locomotive built between 1988 and 1989. This is an Atlas Railroad model. Model and photo by Roger Liska.
ATSF Consolidation #2510 is a 2507 class 2-8-0 that arrived on the Santa Fe after stints on the NYC and KCM&O. It was built by Alco-Schenectady. This is a 1975 brass Hallmark version. Model and photo by MSFM Ian MacKellar.
ATSF U28CG #350 is kitbashed in HO scale using an Atlas U33/36C and a P2k U28B shell. It represents the U28CG's as used on the Texas Chief. Model and photo by Stephen Kellogg.
ATSF Mountain (4-8-2) #3746 was built by Baldwin in 1924. This model shows it as it would have appeared in 1939. It is a Sunset brass model with the tender modified to better match the bunker, tool boxes and other details on #3746. Step-by-step details can be seen at https://steamblog.wordpress.com/locomotive-and-tender/ . Model and photo by Charles Hepperle. HO scale.
ATSF Box Cabs #1 and #1A as delivered in September 1935. Photo by Ted Calcara.
ATSF #3013 is a Fairbanks-Morse roadswitcher manufactured during the period April 1950 to 1951. Santa Fe had 200 of these locomotives. This is an Atlas model with DCC and sound added. Model and photo by Roger Liska.
ATSF #2279 is an EMD SW-7 TR4 "cow and calf" set typically used in heavy yard service. Only 15 pairs were manufactured by General Motors Electromotive Division between 1949 and 1951. This is an older Athearn model. Model and photo by Roger Liska.
ATSF Berkshire #4102 is a 4101 class 2-8-4 built by Baldwin in 1927. This is a brass model imported by PFM in the late 1960s. The tender has been modified. Model and photo by MSFM Ian MacKellar.
ATSF Heavy Mountain (Northern) #3751. Shown in the as-delivered 1927 look but after conversion to oil in 1936. Key model. Photo by Tad Calcara.
HO model of ATSF Alco S4 #1528, detailed from Bachmann model. Details include wire grab irons, new stack, radio box, new horn, sunshades. Model won 2nd Place at SFRH&MS Convention. Model by Tom Cockle. Photo by Tom
A 3DTrains rendering of ATSF Alco PA #71 on Train No. 4 at Wellington, KS. The 3DTrains work is by Rick Grout and Herb Kelsey captured on Open Rails Train Simulator by Herb Kelsey.
The Super Chief is near Doras, CA in this scene by Daniel Tamsky. Model and photo by Daniel Tamsky.
ATSF #1954 is a 1950 class Consolidation (2-8-0) built in 1907 by Baldwin Locomotive Works. This brass model was imported by Pacific Fast Mail in the late 1960s. Model and photo by Ian MacKellar, MSFM.
ATSF #1056 is a 1050 class Prairie (2-6-2) engine built in 1902 by Baldwin Locomotive Works as a Vauclain compound engine. It was simpled in 1911. This brass model was imported by Key in 1975. Model and photo by Ian MacKellar, MSFM.
ATSF #1830 is an 1800 class Prairie (2-6-2) built in 1906 by Baldwin Locomotive Works as a balanced compound. It was simpled in 1927. The brass model was imported by Balboa in 1967. Model and photo by Ian MacKellar, MSFM.
ATSF #825 is a Consolidation of the 825 class built in 1901 and 1920 by Rhode Island and Pittsburgh and compounds. Post-WWII, they were simpled and superheated. From 1922 to 1935, many were converted to 0-8-0 switchers. This example is from Sunset (Samhongsa) 1977. It shows it in road service. Model and photo by Lyndon Spence.
ATSF #3460 is a 3460 class "Heavy Pacific" (4-6-4) known as the "Blue Goose." The Heavy Pacific was frequently known as a Hudson. This is a Hallmark Super Crown with sound. Photo by Nathan Pierce.
rolling stock
ATSF #621380 is a 1974 ACF-built Bx-166 class 60 ft. insulated boxcar for general cargo such as wine, paper products and canned goods. It is a BLMA model, Bob Walz photo. HO scale.
ATSF Caboose # 1842 is a 1750 class way car built by ACF in 1929. It is shown as it would appears in the 1950s with a firecracker radio antenna, battery box and markers. It is an Intermountain model, Bob Walz photo.
ATSF Tk-O #98063 is at TK-O class tank car built by GATC in 1953 modernized in 1978 and used in transporting car journal oil. Model is by American Limited, Bob Walz photo.
ATSF 3066 is a Walthers wood, metal, and plastic model of an as-built 3000 class chair car from the 1930 order without the upper window.
ATSF #10322 is a 1942 Pullman-built Fe-24 class 50 ft double door automobile car in post 1950 paint with "El Capitan" and "Ship and travel" slogans. It is a Life Like Proto 2000 model, Bob Walz photo. HO scale.
ATSF Business Car #30 as it looked circa 1959. Body and frame from Branchline Trains Pullman core kit; all material between window sill and letter board was removed and replaced with New England Rail Service windows and panels in the correct window pattern. Rear vestibule removed and open platform created. Trucks are Central Valley. Roof was modified with detail parts from NERS, Bethlehem Car Works, Palace Car Co. and custom steam ejector AC parts from Tom Madden and NKP Car. Underframe was detailed with parts from various vendors sourced from NKP Car and Bethlehem Car Works. Complete custom interior was created using parts built from scratch, along with Palace Car Co and Red Cap accessories. Model and photo by Randal Merzdorf.
ATSF #310147 is a Ga-124 class airslide hopper built in 1961 by GAT and used for transporting powders and granular products such as flour or sugar. This is a Walther’s model with all the ladders and grabs cut off and replaced with wire grabs fabricated by the modeler. A-Line steps, the Plano roof walk, and the airlines including the train air line from one end to the other were also added. Model and photo by Thomas Cain. HO scale.
ATSF 3480 is a Con Cor 10-6 sleeping car kitbashed into a 3480 class chair baggage dormitory car built for the first El Capitan
ATSF Sk-2, Sk-3 and Sk-5 stock cars in N scale. These models built from 3D printed and resin castings and etchings by ATSF N Scale Models, with MTL trucks and couplers. Models and photo by Dirk Jan Blikkendaal.
ATSF #101431 is a Ga-178 class "as built" painting Conditionaire car. The base kit is by Accurail/Digital Fox with refrigeration machinery, ductwork, generator and related details scratchbuilt per article in Model Railroader. Roof hatches corrected and end framing revised per article. These cars were quickly converted back to conventional covered hoppers when the concept was disproved. Model and photo by Jim Witmer.
ATSF #508 is a Walthers model of a 1954 Budd-built 506 class full dome lounge built for El Capitan, Kansas Cityan - Chicagoan. After the introduction of the hi-level El Capitan, it served on The Chief and other trains. Bob Walz photo. HO scale.
ATSF #185597 is a Ga-42, 30-yard air dump car built by Mago in 1928. This is a W&R brass model. Model and photo by MSFM Ian MacKellar.
Resin kit model of a ATSF Ga-12 gondola built by Denny Krausman.
ATSF Freight Car 3rd Place - John Hotvet, Flat #90749 with load
ATSF #1301 is 1300 class air conditioned baggage-lounge car in two tone gray paint. In 1948 six of this class were used on the Chief as the Chief’s steamlined cars were used on the daily Super Chief. The car is kitbashed from an AHM Rivarossi combine by blanking the existing windows, cutting new windows in appropriate places, and adding details. Bob Walz model and photo.
HO model ATSF #1509 Cafe Observation, modified from Rivarossi ATSF #1514 kit. Details to model ATSF #1509 include steam ejector A/C fixtures, closed/modified windows to match prototype, wire grab irons, painted interior with passengers, working markers, Microscale Shadow Stripe decals. Model by Tom Cockle. Photo by Tom Cockle.
ATSF #1467 is 1926 Pullman-built heavyweight diner. Suydam brass model of a heavyweight air conditioned 1465 class dining car in original paint. Bob Walz photo.
ATSF #503 is a 1950-Pullman-Standard-built 500 class dome lounge. It featured the famous Turquoise Room and was built for the Super Chief. It is a Walthers model. Photo by Bob Walz. HO scale.
HO model of Division Supt. Business Car ATSF #402. Hallmark model detailed with A/C. radio platform and antenna, Waukesha underbody details, closed platform railing, Microscale Shadow Stripe decals. Model won 2nd Place at SFRH&MS Convention. Model by Tom Cockle Photo by Tom Cockle.
ATSF #181574 is a 1957 cu.ft. capacity Ga-67 class covered hopper built in 1949 by American Car & Foundry. This model and photo are from Chris_Vanko exhibited at an RPM meet.
ATSF #185964 is a GA-36 20-yard air dump car built by WWSC in 1910. The car is a brass model imported by Railworks. Model and photo by MSFM Ian MacKellar.
ATSF Tk-N #101330 is at Tk-N class tank car built by GATC in 1949, modernized in 1983 and used in transporting gasoline. Model is by American Limited, photo by Bob Walz.
ATSF Ditcher #94817 was built on top of an ATSF Ft-G flatcar. This version dates to 1912. The ditcher is a brass model by Wiseman. The Ft-G is kitbashed from an Athearn 50-foot flat. Both models and photo by MSFM Ian MacKellar.
ATSF #525246 is a 1963 ATSF-built former Rr-80 class car reclassified as a Bx-90 class. Bob Walz photo. HO scale.
ATSF Coach, Baggage Caboose #2306 is a 2300 class coach, baggage, caboose built from coach 927 in 1940. It is a Walthers wood, metal and plastic model built and photographed by Bob Walz
ATSF Chair 3002, Chair Smoker 3317 and Chair 700. These N Scale models are built from etched sides by Roberto Martari, other sides with resin castings plus etchings from ATSF N Scale Models, MTL trucks and couplers (including a 3D printed straight equalized truck). Models and photo by Dirk Jan Blikkendaal.
ATSF Dynamometer Car #29 was part of the Santa Fe's engine testing equipment. This model started as a Hallmark brass model and was extensively modified. Rob McLear model and photo.
ATSF #1569 is a 1954-rebuilt 1569 class lunch counter diner dorm. The blanked out window between the two left hand windows is where the dorm is. It is a Walthers model. Bob Walz photo. HO scale.
ATSF #290822 is a 1960 GATC-built Ft-18 85 ft. intermodal flat car in orange paint with two 40 ft trailers. It is Walthers model, bob Walz photo. HO scale.
ATSF #63003 is a member of the Fe-5 class of furniture cars built during the Great Depression at the ATSF Chicago car works. This model shows the "curved map" scheme on this side and the "El Capitan" slogan on the other. It was have worn this scheme in the 1940s and 1950s. The car was equipped with Evans auto loaders. The model is scratchbuilt primarily from styrene. Model and photo by Cale Muzzarelli.
ATSF #40168 is a 1963 ATSF reclassification of a RR67 car into a Bx-149 class plug door boxcar for grain loading. It is an Accurail model, Bob Walz photo. HO scale.
TTGX 912148 is a 1980 Whitehead & Kales built BL-3 class bi-level auto rack in mineral brown paint with Q logo on an GTTX underframe leased from TTX. It is a Walthers model, Bob Walz photo.
ATSF #973 is a so-called "Hollywood" style temporary caboose due to the seats on the roof. It is a Hallmark brass model painted and photographed by Rob McLear. HO scale.
ATSF Ga-65 #181682. Intermountain model, Steve Sandifer photo.
ATSF #91903 is one of 10 Santa Fe Coil cars in the Ft-62 class built by Evens in 1967. This is a Walther’s kit where I removed all the molded on grab irons and added wire grabs. The car was painted in mineral brown and Microscale MC-4025 decals were used for numbering. This car has the round roof coil covers. Brake airlines were modified per the Charlie Slater article in the 1988 Santa Fe Modeler article. Thomas Cain model and photo. HO scale.
ATSF #317531 is a Ga-907 class grain car. It was made from an undecorated Intermountain kit. I added a Plano etched metal roof walk and Athearn working roller bearing trucks. Microscale decals were used to finish the model. Thomas Cain model and photo.
ATSF "Tolani" is a Walthers model of an 8 section, 2 compartment, 2 double bedroom sleeping car originally built in 1938 for The Chief. It is modeld after sale to the Santa Fe in 1948. Bob Walz photo. HO scale.
ATSF #35831 is a Rr-32 class refrigerator car in its 1940 appearance. This one has "The Super Chief" slogan on the other side and the straight line map on this side. Kit by Intermountain. Model and photo by Jim Witmer.
ATSF #10063 is an Athearn Model of a 1941-built Fe-24 express boxcar in as built paint with straight line map on one side and "The Scout" slogan on the other. Bob Walz photo. HO scale.
2017 ATSF Way Car 2nd Place - Thomas Cain #999177
Modeler’s Resources
Modeler’s resources available from the Society include model and product reviews, modeling articles, a series of painting and lettering guides for modelers, and a wide range of reference series books (freight, passenger) and photographs from archival collections.
Santa Fe Product Reviews and Announcements
The Society maintains an extensive collection of reviews and announcements of Santa Fe models and products of interest to Santa Fe modelers. Selected book and media reviews are also available.
Santa Fe and BNSF Diesel Roster Database
Society member Gene Crossett, Jr. has developed an excellent database of Santa Fe and BNSF diesel locomotives by class and number with detailed information, based on review of images, of when they were modified and repainted. Working with Society members, he has expanded the lists with additional resources. You can access this database below:
Please note that you may need to use your browser forward and back arrows in Chrome rather than in-site navigation tools. Gene is always looking to improve his roster, so if you have a good, roster shot quality image that shows a modification or repaint that is not captured by Gene’s roster, please let him know.
Specialty Interest Areas
The Society has a number of pages devoted to particular modeling interests over time. Here is a current list and you can click on any of interest:
Cajon Pass Group – A group of historians and modelers interested in Cajon Pass. Led by John Thompson.
Santa Fe and the Citrus Industry – A group of historians and modelers interested in citrus industry and operations. Led by Bob Chaparro
Modeler’s Painting and Lettering Guides
The Society has published three guidebooks just for modelers that provide quick, accurate information on the proper painting, lettering and in some cases, detailing of Santa Fe rolling stock and motive power. The three guides are:
Painting and Lettering Guide. Written by Dr. Richard Hendrickson, perhaps the greatest freight car historian for the steam and early diesel eras, this guide comprehensively guides the modeler through the Santa Fe’s evolving painting and lettering practices to assist the modeler in putting their fleet in the proper paint and lettering. An invaluable reference, new members may purchase this guide at a discount. Click here to purchase.
Steam Locomotive Painting, Lettering and Detailing Guide. Written by Larry Brasher, an authority on Santa Fe locomotive development, and Stan Kistler, a noted Santa Fe locomotive photographer who avidly cataloged the evolving Santa Fe steam locomotive fleet, this guide provides a one stop shop for modelers interested in properly painting, lettering and detailing steam locomotives. The book discusses standard practice, significant regional differences, and provides numerous photos and guides to Santa Fe practice. An invaluable resource. Click here to purchase.
Diesel Locomotive Painting and Lettering Guide. Written By Stephen Priest – a former Santa Fe employee, author and editor of a series of books on the Santa Fe, and former editor of the NMRA Magazine and Railroad Model Craftsman – the Diesel Locomotive Painting and Lettering Guide provides a series of templates on how to paint and letter Santa Fe diesels. Lavishly illustrated with photos and diagrams, this invaluable guide helps modelers create highly accurate and detailed models that look Santa Fe … all the way! Click here to purchase.
Prototype Information
A model is only as good as the prototype information behind it. The Society is proud to publish detailed information on the Santa Fe for modelers and historians alike. Check out the following sources of prototype information:
Resources Page The Society maintains a number of resources on-line for the public to see and review. Check this page for periodic updates.
Members’ Page – In addition to publicly available information, the Society also has an extensive collection of prototype information available in its members area.
Model and Photo Contest
The Society sponsors an annual Model and Photo Contest at is Annual Conventions.
Model Contest
The model contest is divided into two groups: a popular vote contest and a technical contest. In the popular vote contest, all models participate and compete for first, second and third place ribbons and “Best of Show” based on the number of votes that they receive from attendees. Popular vote categories include steam locomotive; diesel locomotive; multiple unit diesel locomotive; freight car; passenger car; intermodal equipment (cars and support equipment); caboose/way car; maintenance of way; and structure/diorama. In the technical contest, models are judged by interested members based on prototype fidelity (10 points), modeling effort and proficiency (10 points) and finish and weathering (5 points), with 22 points required for a Certificate of Technical Excellence, 18 points for a Certificate of Technical Merit, and the best overall model scoring 22 points or more receiving the President’s Award for Technical Excellence. Technical contest categories include: motive power; rolling stock; and structures.
If you would like to learn more about the Model Contest, click on the following links:
The Society also sponsors a “model photo” contest where participants recreate the Santa Fe in model form and then photograph it. You can see the ATSF entry form here and BNSF entry form here.
Master Santa Fe Modeler Recognition
In 2013, the Society created the “Master Santa Fe Modeler” to recognize modelers who excel in modeling the Santa Fe and preserving its legacy through models for future generations. The Master Santa Fe Modeler recognition is not an award; it is an earned recognition open to any member who completes the requirements.
The requirements for a Master Santa Fe Modeler are:
Requirement #1. Win a Best of Show, First or Second Place Ribbon or a President’s Award or Technical Certificate in each of the following categories: Motive Power; Rolling Stock; and Structures.
Requirement #2. Earn a President’s Award for Technical Excellence or a Certificate of Technical Excellence for a Santa Fe model in any of the three categories: Motive Power; Rolling Stock; or Structures.
Requirement #3. Publish a modeling article on a Santa Fe prototype in The Warbonnet, Running Extra or another major model railroading magazine to share your skills and ideas with others.
The Society is pleased to recognize the following individuals as Master Santa Fe Modelers.
Jṻrgen Dietrichkeit, MSFM #1
Charles Slater, MSFM #2
Denny Krausman, MSFM #3
Ian MacKellar, MSFM #4
Steve Sandifer, MSFM #5
Bruce McKeown, MSFM #6
Bill Van der Meer, MSFM #7
Learn more about our Master Santa Fe Modelers by clicking here.
Interested in becoming a Master Santa Fe Modeler? Review the application and consider attending a future Convention. We would love to have more Master Santa Fe Modelers!
Santa fe layouts on the web
There are some great Santa Fe layouts that you can visit on the web. Here are some of our favorites:
If you know of other great Santa Fe layouts that should be included, please let us know at webmaster.
Modeling Committee
Any organization is only as good as its volunteers. Interested in helping bring useful reviews, articles, or products to your fellow members? If so, join the Modeling Committee, which is responsible for developing contest on both this website and in the Society’s media productions! The Modeling Committee also promotes Santa Fe prototypes with manufacturers and assists manufacturers in making their models correct for the Santa Fe. The committee is made up into two general areas: the steam and transition era (up to 1955) and the diesel era (1955-1996). Examples of our work include:
Intermountain:
Stock car
Caswell Gondola
Caboose
Broadway Limited:
3800 2-10-2
Revision of 3751 4-8-4
Painting and lettering on other models.
Current leaders of the Modeling Committee include the following:
