The date was Sept 16, 1992, on the last two segments of the "Santa Fe Employee Recognition Special," Barstow to San Bernardino, then San Bernardino to Los Angeles. During the 1991 "California Limited" steam special water was taken on from a fire hydrant near 5th Street. In 1991, the City of San Bernardino was trying to conserve water, and let the Santa Fe know that the city was upset with filling the tender with city water. Therefore, in 1992, a Santa Fe tank car of Santa Fe's water was brought down from Newberry, to top off the tender's water. Notice that a San Bernardino Fire engine had to meet the train to pump the water, whereas with using the fire hydrant that was not necessary. During the same time period many people in San Berdoo noticed the city was watering medians and lawns even in the rain. So much for conserving water by example...

The presence of the 800 class GE's, as helpers to 3751, prove that it was the 1992 Employee Recognition Special." Homer Henry, who was in charge of the special, arranged for ATSF No. 844 to be the lead helper, so that we could all listen to radio calls such as, "Santa Fe 3751 to the Santa Fe 844."

Glen Icanberry
Redlands, CA