The Santa Fe Railway's 'Trail of Steel' is traced from Kansas City to Albuquerque during a transformative era of railroading. This volume chronicles the period from 1940 to 1971, a time marked by the transition from steam to diesel locomotives. It follows the railway's path, which paralleled the historic Santa Fe Trail, across diverse landscapes from the Great Plains to the challenging Raton Pass. The narrative focuses on the visual documentation of this journey through color photography.

This volume is presented as a visual historical account of the Santa Fe Railway during a significant period of technological change. The focus on color photography suggests an emphasis on the aesthetic and documentary aspects of the era. The content appears aimed at enthusiasts of railway history and vintage transportation photography, offering a detailed look at a specific route and timeframe.