Larry Brasher, who was a walking encyclopedia of Santa Fe locomotive knowledge, passed away on the 3rd at Temple, Texas. His health had been failing for a time, and his passing was a peaceful end to his health struggles.
Larry's father had moved into the Mechanical Department staff during steam days, and - among other things - had a part in the design of 4-8-4 3460 ("The Blue Goose"), was on-site at Baldwin Locomotive Works during the construction of Santa Fe's large steam locomotives in the late 1930's, and was instrumental in the rebuilding of Santa Fe's EMC box-cab diesels 1 and 1A (later renumbered 1 and 10). He made prolific notes all through his career, which have been very valuable in the study of ATSF locomotives, So, Larry was immersed in the inside workings of the ATSF Mechanical Department from an early age, and his book, Santa Fe Steam Locomotive Development will soon be joined by his last published work, Santa Fe Diesel Locomotive Development.
Larry generously shared his information about the behind-the-scenes events that led to Santa Fe's development of its steam locomotives. Santa Fe did not leave the design to the builders. And, as we will see in his forthcoming book, Santa Fe diesel-electric locomotives were altered to meet its unique requirements.
Adios, Larry . . . job well done.
