ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Santa Fe 4-8-4 No. 2926 will take leave its restoration yard for the first time in more than 20 years next Saturday, May 6, making a short trip for a display at a brew pub about a half-mile away.
The New Mexico Steam Locomotive & Railroad Historical Society will display the locomotive at Tractor Brewing Wells Park, 1800 4th Street NW, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The appearance is a fundraiser for the continued restoration and future operation of the 1944 Baldwin-built locomotive. Additional information is available at the society’s Facebook page.
The locomotive was returned to steam in 2021, moving under its own power for the first time since 1953 [see “Much work remains to be done before Santa Fe No. 2926 can operate,” Trains News Wire, Aug. 9, 2021]. The historical society received state funding for the first time earlier this year, when the New Mexico Legislature allocated $475,000 for work on a turntable at the Albuquerque Rail Yards.
It’s very exciting to see this locomotive nearing completion. I hope we get to see it running at speed again.