Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway

The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway was one of America's most beloved railroads, operating across the Southwest from Chicago to Los Angeles and San Francisco. The Santa Fe's red and silver "Warbonnet" paint scheme became one of the most recognized railroad liveries in history.

The Santa Fe was synonymous with luxury passenger travel, with trains like the Super Chief providing movie-star elegance between Chicago and Los Angeles. The railroad pioneered diesel power in passenger service and later applied the Warbonnet scheme to freight locomotives, creating the distinctive "Bluebonnet" and "Yellowbonnet" variations.

The railroad's route through the Southwest crossed deserts, mountains, and some of America's most dramatic scenery. Operating over Raton Pass and Cajon Pass required skilled engineering and heavy power, while the line through the Grand Canyon region attracted tourists from around the world.

Santa Fe merged with Burlington Northern in 1995 to form BNSF Railway. The Warbonnet scheme was initially abandoned but later revived in modified form on heritage units.