ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Santa Fe No. 2926 will make its second visit of the year to Albuquerque’s downtown Rail Yards – a former ATSF facility with sections redeveloped as a multi-use venue, and future home for the 4-8-4. New Mexico Railroad Days is scheduled on Sept. 28 and 29, with the locomotive to make an appearance.
Like past operations, No. 2926 will depart from its restoration site on 8th Street as part of its ferry move to 1st St. along New Mexico Rail Runner Express’ Albuquerque Subdivision – Sawmill Spur. The locomotive will then traverse the ex-ATSF Transcontinental main line to reach the BNSF Railway freight yard before heading onto the Rail Yard property.
New additions to this year’s event will include the following:
- No. 2926 displayed (with cab tours) at the south end of the facility, residing next to the turntable and foundation of the former roundhouse.
- Movement demonstrations with the locomotive at 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Sept. 28, and 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Sept. 29.
- Speeder rides
- Extended private night photo sessions on Sept. 27 and 28, led by Alex Gillman.
The festivities will also include both food and coffee trucks, in addition to a car show on Sunday.
Visit the New Mexico Heritage Rail website for more information on New Mexico Railroad Days. Information and tickets for the night photo sessions can be found here.
Let’s recall that the beloved veteran Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe 2926 is a class “2900” 4-8-4 type steam locomotive built in May 1944 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works for the ATSF. It was used to pull passenger and fast freight trains, mostly throughout New Mexico, until it was retired from revenue service in 1953.
Dr. Güntürk Üstün
They got to find a place to run it. Spent a lot of money, time , and effort to rebuild this treasure. Besides, letting it sit unused is harder on it than using it.
Like a car guy that pays $100,000 on a perfect 55 chevy and only drives it around the block once every 6 months. Got to cruise in it every so often to keep it lubed up and free of rust.
I know this will be well documented and I hope someone with post here since many (myself included) will not be able to make it. Uncle John Santa Fe must be beaming!!!! I’ve heard rumors that St. Peter has some Lionel Santa Fe stuff:):):), ya’ll have a fine weekend.