Kaw Valley Rail Heritage Conservancy

Kaw Valley Rail Heritage Conservancy (KVRHC) is a Kansas-based 501c3 dedicated to restoring Santa Fe locomotive 3463 and interpreting the railroad heritage of Topeka. The Coalition for Sustainable Rail (CSR) organization has reorganized into KVRHC in order to ensure 3463 is preserved for future generations.

As a service to those who contributed to CSR and brought us this far, we will also work to preserve the modern steam information online as the CSRchive (get it?) Please be patient as the site undergoes changes.

As stewards of 3463, KVRHC’s mission is to:

1.Preserve, protect, and cosmetically restore AT&SF 3463 to its appearance when it was in service.

2. Contribute to public awareness of railway history in the Topeka area.

3. Provide educational information of the social and economic impact of the steam locomotive and the railroad industry on the community.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED:

Work days are currently planned based on volunteer availability and weather. To join in, complete membership application and get on our email list.

The Preservation of Santa Fe 3463

What’s the plan?

KVRHC will take the baton from CSR and seek to develop a Topeka home for No. 3463. We aim to cosmetically restore the engine and move it from the park to a more visible and protected site. In the spirit of “Ad Astra”, one step in that process will be to perform a detailed mechanical and boiler survey to scope out the work required to return the locomotive to operation (if future circumstances would allow it). But, we need your help to make this happen!

The locomotive was donated to the City of Topeka and moved into the Kansas Expocentre Grounds (then the Kansas Free Fair Grounds) in 1956 by the Santa Fe Railway [SHOWN ABOVE]. It has sat in the park since that time, exposed to the elements. 3463 needs and deserves a sheltered, visible home so more people can appreciate contributions the railroads made to Kansas, and the contributions Kansans made to the railroads.

This is our step-by-step plan:

1. Planning and Logistics | ONGOING: KVRHC is working with local organizations to create a plan to cosmetically restore No. 3463, build a shelter for protection and presentation, and move the locomotive into that site.

2. Fundraising | ONGOING: KVRHC is fundraising towards the restoration, development of the facility, and the move. Multiple locations in Topeka are being considered, each having different benefits, challenges, and costs. Our central goal is to preserve the locomotive as a tangible and dramatic artifact in order to foster understanding of the importance of people and railroad in the past and up to the present. A good shelter structure will keep the elements off so that restoration efforts will last many years. A good shelter design will attract positive attention and serve as a stage for interpretive activities.

3. Fix it up: Research, inspect, repair, and restore locomotive 3463 to its 1956 appearance. This will likely involve both volunteers and professional contractors. During this process, we will further investigate and document the mechanical condition of No. 3463. In the spirit of “Ad Astra”, KVRHC will undertake a detailed boiler analysis and mechanical survey of the locomotive to determine a more accurate scope to returning the locomotive to steam. Operational restoration is not our goal now, but we want to be ready in case future circumstances would allow it.

4. Build a roof: KVRHC will work with local partners to develop a facility that will protect and present No. 3463. Sheltering it from the elements will far extend the restoration work. A more visible, accessible location will enable the general public to visit and interact with the locomotive.

3. Move 3463 from Expocentre to Shelter: Depending on which site is selected, the move could be from 1/8 mile to 8 miles. A preliminary move plan has already been developed based on proven techniques involving panel track and heavy-duty tractors.

Please consider helping Kaw Valley Rail Heritage Conservancy save No. 3463. We are a 501c(3) not-for-profit organization, and contributions are federally tax deductible. Please consider donating today, or reach out to us with any questions you might have.

DONATE TO HELP PRESERVE 3463!

We need your help!

We want you to get involved in our project. Be it through making a financial contribution, volunteering your time, serving as an advocate, or any number of other means, your support will make the preservation of No. 3463 a reality.

MAKING A DONATION

You may make a donation online by using our online donation system (powered by PayPal). You may also opt to mail a check with a printout of our donation form or simply: your full name; mailing address; telephone number; and email address (as applicable). Our mailing address is:

KVRHC
3122 W 19th St
Lawrence, KS 66047

GETTING IN TOUCH WiTH US

Do you have a question or suggestion? Would you like more information on donating? Want to become a volunteer with No. 3463? If so, please do not hesitate to contact us. You may send us an email using our contact page or you can send us snail mail at the address listed above.