T&P 610 Takes Over

Though it was originally planned that the 610 would take over in Odessa/Midland, TX, restoration and test runs couldn't be completed in time.

When the 610 finally caught up to the AFT as it left San Antonio, it was decided it would be best not to double-head the locomotives to Austin (what a sight it would have been!).

The 610 followed the AFT to Austin where she finally took over after a brief ceremony to mark the event.

The 610 lead the AFT to Houston, Ft. Worth, Dallas and then back to Ft. Worth before the Daylight locomotive took over again.

Photo: David Pearson collection.

The Houston to Ft. Worth run on the Santa Fe Railroad was the 610's longest run with the AFT.

After the AFT, the 610 served in excursion service on the Southern Railway for five years.

Currently the locomotive is in the collection of the Texas State Railroad in Palestine, TX.

Photo: David Pearson collection.

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