I have two questions about Santa Fe steam,(1) In the footsteps of Milwaukee Road and Soo Line, Did Santa Fe kept their steam locomotives in everyday regular service until 1955 and (2) Did Santa Fe, like N&W and other railroads used Auxiliary water tenders with their steam locomotives to keep them running longer without stopping for water.
Most steam was retired by 1954. However the ATSF steam ended officially in 1957, a few in the 2900's and 5011 classes stayed till the end. The last revenue steam operations occurred on August 27, 1957. I don't believe the Santa Fe ever used water tenders.
Does helper service count as "everyday regular service"? Because by 1956 that's about all the Santa Fe's remaining steamers were doing.
