With its 3,600-horsepower (2,700 kW), 20-cylinder prime mover and six traction motors, the FP45 was intended for fast passenger service and is geared to run in excess of 90 miles per hour (140 km/h). ATSF 108 is especially notable as being the last passenger locomotive ever purchased by the railroad and was used on Santa Fe's finest passenger trains, including the Super Chief between Chicago and Los Angeles. Relegated to fast freight service in 1971 when passenger rail operations were transferred to Amtrak, the FP45 was donated to the Orange Empire Railway Museum by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe in 1997.
The locomotive underwent an extensive restoration which was completed in late 2018. The completed restoration returned the locomotive to its as delivered external arrangement, including the original Santa Fe passenger paint scheme and being renumbered back to ATSF #108.[1]
Up until December 2012, when the restoration project was started, the locomotive was used in demonstration service at the museum and special excursions. After the restoration is completed, it will be maintained in service-ready condition for demonstration service at the museum.