ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The buzz at an open house for Santa Fe 4-8-4 No. 2926 wasn’t all about the locomotive last run in 1953 and moved for the first time under its own power on July 25. A grade crossing and a spur track also figured into the conversations.
With the restoration of the locomotive finished except for putting on the rest of the boiler jacket, there remain agreements and track improvements with the New Mexico Department of Transportation to be completed. The transportation department owns the main line between Belen and Lamy where 2926 will initially operate.
“We are still trying to get $100,000 in Federal infrastructure money to upgrade the grade crossing at 8th St.,” says Mike Hartshorne, president of the nonprofit that restored the locomotive. “We still will have to pay up $20,000 to $30,000 to upgrade our spur to the mainline to Class 2 track.”
The New Mexico Steam Locomotive and Railroad Historical Society held its annual open house for Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe 4-8-4 No. 2926, on Sept. 25, 2021, at the restoration site at 8th St., and Haines Ave., in Albuquerque, N.M. The event was canceled last year due to COVID-19, but there was much to celebrate this year with the recent steam up and movement under its own power. It was the first time the locomotive has moved under steam since 1953.
About 1,700 people attended the open house which featured volunteers answering questions about the restoration status, how steam locomotives operate, and what the future holds for the locomotive. A new attraction this year was tool car No. 3939, formerly a Santa Fe baggage car.
Baldwin built the locomotive for AT&SF in 1944 and it was retired in 1953. It was displayed in Coronado Park near downtown Albuquerque until June 23, 2000, when it was moved to a BNSF Railway siding. It moved to its current location near 8th and Haines Avenue in Albuquerque in 2002.
Wishing them all the success with this endeavor, they have accomplished a lot with this restoration.