3420 WISHES TO THANK

There are many of my supporters both past and present, who have made my continued existence possible. Some are known and some are yet to be discovered.

W. J. Hooten’s El Paso Times Articles pushed the idea of acquiring a “modern” steam locomotive. I want to thank El Paso Mayor Fred Hervey for his early support and work on the project. Southern Pacific Superintendent Mr. W. R. Adair had the foresight to choose a locomotive with El Paso & Southwestern heritage. The El Paso County Historical Society organized on March 18, 1954, played a role in my preservation.

The committee to place me near Union Depot included Chris P. Fox, El Paso Times Historian, Cleofas Calleros, City of El Paso Park Superintendent, Bryce Lammert, and Southern Pacific employees, Fred D. Bunsen and James Bledsoe. El Paso Mayor Tom Rogers, State National’s Bank’s Chris P Fox, and W. R. Adair, all spoke at my dedication. On my water cooler there is a copper plaque that gives the names of the Southern Pacific employees who were involved in placing me on display near El Paso Union depot.

 

Names on the Copper Plaque

The following names appear on a copper plate are the Southern Pacific employees that were involved in the placement of 3420 on display.

W. B. PROTHRO

H. P. SANDERS

J.F. SANDERS

R. YOUNG

G. CARRAZA

L. E. WALKER

C.L. ESPINOSA

LUIS AGUILAR

M.B. STRADA

JOHN CREEK

L. PEMPSELL

R CHAVES

T. MONTOLNGO

C. J. MGLEVITT

T. S. MERRITT

J. P. CROWLEY

H. V. EARLE

A. MEDRANO

A. B. AUTISTA

J. M. PROVINCIO

V. P. SNELUS

I also need to thank the people who over the years looked after me.  With my restoration in 1980-81.  I also need to thank the El Paso Historical Railroad Committee.

EL PASO HISTORICAL RAILROAD COMMITTEE

( Source:UTEP Special Collection Hagerty Collection MS 306)

ROSTER OF PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

Dan Catania (Project Manager) Reynold Blight (Secretary Treasurer)

Dwight Culver (Planning Coordinator) Pat Abel (Historical Coordinator)

Leon Bean (Legal Coordinator) Bob Davenport (Publicity & Promotion Coordinator)

Dave Scruggs (Project Coordinator) Chris Stark (Restoration & Engine Staffing Coordinator)

Lyle Benson (3420 Restoration Coordinator) Ed Lenard (Political Coordinator)

VOLUNTEERS - SKILLED

H Goodloe (Boilers) Martin Kessel (Running Gear)

R A Bowhay (Electrical) P Schneider (Running Gear)

Phil Sabo (Air Systems/brakes) A J Smoot (Pipe Fitter)

Claud Crocker (Engineer/Fireman) Dan Mosley (Engineer/Fireman)

Ron Wyzinski (Engineer/Fireman)

UNSKILLED – KEY

Don Jackson Tim Kerfoot

Luis Lujan

UNSKILLED – LOCAL

Thomas W Insal Chris Boznos

Jesus Dias Saul Zavala

Anastatio Zavala John Nelson

Bob Polley Mel Hoap

Paul Fairborn John F Loeffler

Carl Ostertag Mike Guzman

Ron Dawson George Shaver

Bob Meyer Bob Willeford

Perry Cunningham Bob Liebrand

Cliff Hagerty Bill Thomas

UNSKILLED – Las Cruces

Fred Dabney Bill Morrissey

Stephen Shaffer William B Bird

Will Hanco

 I want to thank the early volunteers who showed that my return to operation was possible and for inspiring many to see my importance. SP Employees Ivan Rojas worked on my pipe fittings, MO Rickets, Jesus Quinones and Machinist Paul Schneider also added their talents.  I also want to thank two former Southern Pacific employees Jim Efaw, and Alex Eason in their help in training the volunteers in my operation. 

 I want to thank Wyler Industrial including Paul and Pat Barry who opened up their business assets andmade them available to the volunteers.  I want to thank their staff for assisting the volunteers. 

 I also need to thank other early volunteers including Karen Marston, Bill Morris, Harry Morris, Austin Chrysler, Travis Merritt. Sean Luciette, Bill Day and R, L, Thomas.

 I want to thank Standard Oil (now Western Refining), El Paso Natural Gas, Border Steel, and the many other businesses who have supported me over the years.

 I want to thank Freeport-MacMoRan for giving me and the rest of the collection of rolling stock a great home.  I want to thank Bill Spoon, George Bailey, John Quinn, and the rest of the present and former refinery leadership for initially opening up the refinery to the collection and the leadership that has followed in continuing the support.  I want to thank both former and present refinery employees including Al Lafayette, Bill Slater, Dana Ray, Johnny Knight, Cesar Rena (rebricked my firebox) for the gift of their time and knowledge.

 I also need to thank the past and present members of the Southwest Chapter who have cared for me including Lourie and Brian Barfitt, Harry Bean, Gary Bonine, Woody Bare, Ryan Davis, Ray Getty, Robert M. Kelly, Paul Martin, Charles W. Peartree, John Peters, Mike and Sigi Walker, and many others who over the years have helped preserve El Paso’s railroading past.   This list continues to grow with every new volunteer.

Sincerely,

Southern Pacific 3420