WILLIAMS, Ariz. — At age 123, the former Santa Fe branch between Williams and Grand Canyon National Park will not hesitate in challenging Grand Canyon Railway’s steam and diesel locomotives as they navigate the sharp curves and 3.5% grades. The fleet’s flagship, 2-8-2 No. 4960, was no exception on Sept. 21, 2024.
Commemorating the first passenger train to arrive from Williams to the Grand Canyon’s south rim on Sept. 17, 1901, and the line’s reopening 88 years to the day in 1989, the Mikado-type was on the head-end of last Saturday’s 16-car excursion with over 1,000 tons on the drawbar, according to GCRY chief mechanical officer Eric Hadder. Even with assistance from F40 diesel No. 4128, the morning drizzle did no favors for the heavy train when climbing the grades northbound.
“It took two attempts to make it through the ‘S’ curve at MP 48, and up the wye at Grand Canyon,” said Hadder. “This created a delay of about 45 minutes.”
Despite the challenge and minor delay, high spirits prevailed with No. 4960 being a hit as it was positioned in front of the depot at the national park during the layover. Stairs leading up to the cab were also in place for visitors to look inside.
The locomotive is set to conclude Grand Canyon Railway’s 2024 steam season with the final trip scheduled Oct. 5. “No. 4960 will be winterized and parked at the Williams Depot as a photo backdrop during the Polar Express,” Hadder explained when discussing the upcoming off-season. “In January, it will come back to the shop for the annual inspection and preparation for its first run on March 1.
“No. 29 [the 2-8-0] is nearly ready to have its tubes installed. This will most likely occur during the winter.”
For more information, visit the Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel website. The steam schedule is also available here.
The 3751 ran on this line in 1992. I would think one big hurdle for a 2900 class loco to be run on this line would be turning it around. Not sure if there is a wye at the Grand Canyon end of the line that would work.
I wonder if a Santa Fe 2900 class 4-8-4 such as the one being restored in Albuquerque could operate on this line.