Honoring the Rails: A Special Donation to the Ash Fork Route 66 Museum
We’re thrilled to share some exciting news here at the Ash Fork Route 66 Museum — a special new addition has joined our growing railroad collection! A heartfelt thank-you to Joe for his generous donation of an A.T.S.F. speeder from Raton, New Mexico. This historic piece of railroad equipment helps us preserve and celebrate the long-standing connection between Ash Fork and the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway (A.T.S.F.), one of the most influential rail lines in the American Southwest.
🚜 What Is a Speeder?
Before high-tech maintenance vehicles and communication systems, the railroad relied on small, motorized cars known as speeders — sometimes called track inspection cars or motorcars. These lightweight vehicles were essential for railroad workers who needed to quickly inspect tracks, deliver tools, or respond to maintenance issues along the line.
Originally built to replace handcars (those classic pump-action rail carts you’ve seen in old movies), speeders were powered by small gas engines and could travel at impressive speeds for their size — often up to 30 or 40 miles per hour. Crews used them daily to cover long stretches of track, ensuring that the railways were safe and clear for passing trains.
By the 1990s, most speeders were replaced by hi-rail vehicles — trucks fitted with rail wheels — but these early machines remain a beloved part of railroad history. Many rail enthusiasts and museums have restored speeders like Joe’s donation to running condition, keeping their stories alive for future generations.
🛤️ The Santa Fe Railway Legacy in Ash Fork
Ash Fork’s history is deeply tied to the Santa Fe Railway and its role in connecting the region to the rest of the country. When the tracks first reached town in the late 1800s, they transformed Ash Fork into a vital stop for commerce, passengers, and supplies along what would later become Historic Route 66.
The A.T.S.F. speeder from Raton adds an authentic piece of that story — a tangible reminder of the men and women who kept the rails in motion. It helps tell the broader tale of how railroad innovation supported the growth of small towns, including our own.
🏛️ Preserving History, One Artifact at a Time
Each new addition to our museum brings history to life in a unique way, and this speeder is no exception. Visitors will soon be able to view this incredible piece of railroad heritage up close and learn how it fits into the larger story of Ash Fork’s past — from the booming railroad days to the golden era of Route 66.
We are incredibly grateful to Joe for his thoughtful donation and his commitment to preserving our shared history. Contributions like his help ensure that future generations can experience the innovation, hard work, and community spirit that defined the early days of the railroad.
If you’d like to learn more about our exhibits — or if you have an artifact or story to share — we’d love to hear from you! Every donation, big or small, helps us protect and celebrate the history of Ash Fork and Historic Route 66.
📍 Visit the Ash Fork Route 66 Museum
901 W Old Route 66, Ash Fork, AZ
Open daily | Free admission
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