This black and white photograph shows a group of adults and children standing by Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway steam locomotive #384. The location is unknown. Railroad historians believe the photo shows a "head of track" construction train including a construction engine followed by a tender (coal) car, water car, box car (for construction supplies), a kitchen car (for feeding the crew) and a passenger car for bunks. The photo likely shows local towns people who have turned out to take a photograph with the work train. Though some researchers have considered the photo to show an orphan train, evidence in the photo itself suggests otherwise.
Kansas Memory
Kansas Historical Society
Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway Company's steam locomotive #384