AT&SF Locomotive Service Facility – Argentine Yard

Jack Delano paid a visit to the AT&SF Argentine Yard in Kansas City, Kansas. It’s a frosty day in March of 1943 when he recorded this image at the locomotive service facilities. The huge concrete structure is the coaling tower, and the sanding towers are seen stretching out from its side.

The Santa Fe underwent a large conversion program in the late 1930s, moving from coal to oil to fuel most of their steam locomotives. Those machines here all appear to have oil tanks in their tenders, with the oil column for filling seen behind the 3185. A water penstock stands just beyond the 838 in the distance. The road must have some heavy grades, as the two Mikados are sporting twin sand domes.

The 3185 is a 3160 class locomotive, while the 4000 is the class locomotive in its order. The 4000 class was the last order for Mikados by the Santa Fe. The 838 is an interesting locomotive. It’s a member of a class of locomotives built by Rhode Island in 1902. It was originally a 2-8-0 built as a four cylinder tandem compound. The class was rebuilt between 1919-1922 as simple locomotives, and then later converted to 0-8-0 switchers.

This is, again, one of those photos that has plenty of interesting details. I’ve posted it in a larger size that I normally use . . . click on it to see the enlargement.

AT&SF Locomotive Service Facility - Argentine Yard

4 thoughts on “AT&SF Locomotive Service Facility – Argentine Yard

  1. That photo looks like a painting! Its a wonder someone has not used this as the basis for a work of art. Thanks, Jack. Way cool photo!

  2. Thanks Jack,
    Between working on layout and watching snow game, (KCvsDEN), a Saints fan watching cause of such snow.
    How is your layout doing? Any up dates coming/
    Watched a Ken Patterson vid this morning to inspire.
    later gator,
    boudreaux

    • Hi Boudreaux – I’ve been covering and sealing the layout to protect it from the drywall dust that (hopefully) will be generated in the not-to-distant future. To be sure, I’ll be tuned into the Saints tomorrow night. In the meantime, I have to content myself with watching all the trophies those Tigers are reeling in this year. 🙂
      -Jack

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