The Santa Fe in Southeast Texas and Louisiana
By Steve Patterson
Santa Fe’s work extra proceeds eastward through rare east Texas snow near Venable, Jan. 11, 1973.
Having originated at Silsbee, Santa Fe Train No. 2660 is eastbound (north to Longview) near LaVerte, Texas on Jan. 24, 1972. Two CF-7s in the consist. ATSF spent considerable funds raising the tracks in east Texas up and out of the mud with tons of ballast and 2nd hand welded rail.
With 8 units AT&SF 2668 is westbound (toward Somerville) at Yarboro, Texas on Nov. 12, 1969.
AT&SF 717 with 8 units prepares to leave Silsbee Yard on Nov. 13, 1969, for its run to Somerville.
Note the tall company communications tower, to get above the East Texas pine trees.
Note the tall company communications tower, to get above the East Texas pine trees.
ATSF 717 East crosses a creek bed near Kountze just after departing Silsbee Yard, Nov. 13, 1969.
Santa Fe Work Extra 2785 crosses the Neches River at Evadale, Texas on Feb. 16, 1972.
Note the center concrete pier — when originally built the bridge had a swing span to apparently accommodate early day ship traffic.
Note the center concrete pier — when originally built the bridge had a swing span to apparently accommodate early day ship traffic.
Not much of a photo — the third CF-7 constructed, No. 2647, on yard duty at Beaumont, Texas.
It is the only slide I have taken at Beaumont. Oct. 14, 1970.
It is the only slide I have taken at Beaumont. Oct. 14, 1970.
The very first CF-7 rebuilt at Cleburne Shops — on yard duty at Silsbee, Texas April 16, 1970.
A glimpse of other buildings and structures at Silsbee (where it rains a lot!).
A glimpse of other buildings and structures at Silsbee (where it rains a lot!).
ATSF 2680 is on the local at DeRidder, Louisiana, servicing the paper plant and interchanging cars with KCS. Oct. 8, 1969.
ATSF 2778 leads Train No. 2661 at Browndell, Texas en route back to Silsbee Yard on March 21, 1972.
Other units in the consist were 2643, 219C and 2867.
Browndell agency was closed on Oct. 7, 1971, hence the electric train order signal was turned.
Other units in the consist were 2643, 219C and 2867.
Browndell agency was closed on Oct. 7, 1971, hence the electric train order signal was turned.
ATSF Geep 2880 and CF-7 2641 have the local in tow at Merryville, La.,
en route back to Kirbyville and on to Silsbee on Nov. 8, 1971.
Green crossties are in the head gondolas, headed for the tie treatment plant at Somerville, Tex.
en route back to Kirbyville and on to Silsbee on Nov. 8, 1971.
Green crossties are in the head gondolas, headed for the tie treatment plant at Somerville, Tex.
Two ATSF Geeps and their train prepare to leave the end of Santa Fe’s extension in Louisiana at Oakdale, Oct. 9, 1969,
headed back to Texas and Silsbee.
headed back to Texas and Silsbee.
ATSF 268C East picks up its brakeman and is about to clatter across the MoPac at Conroe, Texas, headed east to Silsbee, Oct. 24, 1972.
ATSF caboose 999074 decorates the rear of the local to Louisiana, west of Elizabeth, La. on Oct. 8, 1969.
