Santa Fe FT Locomotives

Switching / Helper Duty

Updated 1-11-2011

As early as 1950, the Santa Fe began using one and two unit FTs as helpers and in local switching. Some were single units, some A-B sets, and some A-A sets. They began life in CAT paint, some were repainted briefly as FTBL, and then they ended up life in CIG paint. Visible changes were footboards front and rear, and some received Golden Glow (steam) headlights on the back of the consist.

The photo index with these web pages show the following:

• 120LA as Cajon helper, 1952
• 131L - 118L (renumbered 427 - 429) as local switcher, Emporia Kansas, 1950
• 137LA at Colton, CA, 1950
• 145LA at Cajon, 1950
• 146L at Los Angeles, 1950
• 147LA at Los Angeles, 1950
• 195LA at Riverbank, CA, 1950
• 198L at Cajon, 1950 (above) and here.
• 400L at Calwa, CA, Hanford-Lunare turn, 1950
• 401L at Calwa, CA, 1950
• 402L - 414L as A-A Emporia, KS - St. Joseph, MO, and Emporia - Wellington, 1954
• 403L at Calwa, CA, Ducor turn local, 1950
• 405L at Bakersfield, 4th street local, 1951, then to Dallas, TX, 1952
• 407L - 429L A-A Emporia, KS - Superior, NE, 1952
• 411L at Cajon, 1952
• 412L (former 147C:2) at National City and Cajon, CA, 1950; Kansas City - Houston Assignment 1953
• 414L (Crump website)

It has also been reported that others were in this type of service:

• 408L - 430L were based in Emporia serving branches in the early 50s

Roof mounted Golden Glows are documented on the rear of:

• 147A
• 195A
• 198L
• 400L
• 401L
• 403L
• 405L
• 412A
• 414L