WILLIAMS, Ariz. — Against the backdrop of a long, busy, and hot holiday weekend, it was business as usual for Grand Canyon Railway No. 4960. The 2-8-2 Mikado-type led a July 6 round trip from Williams to the national park’s South Rim as part of the railway’s “First Saturday” steam excursion.
Coinciding with the Fourth of July from a few days prior, Saturday’s trip was maxed out to 15 cars with 900 passengers aboard. F40 diesel No. 4128 was also on hand to assist across the steep grades and sharp curves of the former Santa Fe branch. No. 4960 still pulled in a satisfactory performance with no mechanical issues, according to GCRY chief mechanical officer Eric Hadder.
The lead-up to the next public run, scheduled Aug. 3, will see the standard service of maintenance and preparation, though the locomotive will have another chance to shine before then. “No. 4960 will be making a guest appearance on a local Phoenix TV station, supporting things to do during the summer in Arizona,” Hadder says. “The segment will be recorded on Monday, July 15.”
For more information, visit the Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel website. The steam schedule is also available here.
