Preserving the Past, Building the Future
The Kaw Valley Rail Heritage Conservancy is actively working to stabilize, restore, and interpret Santa Fe locomotive 3463 while growing a broader effort to preserve and share the story of Kansas railroading. Through hands-on restoration, public events, and educational outreach, the KVRHC aims to make this history accessible, engaging, and relevant to new generations.

As we move forward, we also remain committed to preserving the legacy of the Coalition for Sustainable Rail by maintaining and expanding the ‘CSRchive’, ensuring that the knowledge, research, and innovation behind modern steam development remain available for years to come.

Our Mission

The Kaw Valley Rail Heritage Conservancy is dedicated to preserving and sharing the legacy of railroading in Kansas through the stewardship of Santa Fe locomotive 3463. Guided by this purpose, our mission is to:

1. Preserve, protect, and cosmetically restore AT&SF 3463, honoring its appearance and significance during its years of service.

2. Promote public awareness and appreciation of railroad history in the Topeka area.

3. Provide educational insight into the social and economic impact of steam locomotives and the railroad industry on the community.

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.  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. Full Cosmetic Restoration: 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.

4. Protect the locomotive with a roofed shelter: 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 to more prominent Topeka location: 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.

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. Kaw Valley Rail Heritage Conservancy is a 501c(3) not-for-profit organization, and contributions are federally tax deductible. If you are able to serve as a volunteer, we ask that you complete and submit our membership form and pay a yearly membership fee of $40. This helps cover costs for insurance, overhead, and security for the locomotive.

 mEMBERSHIP FORM

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 or you can send us snail mail at the address listed above.

Other Information: