ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — New Mexico Heritage Rail has announced two photo charters with Santa Fe 4-8-4 No. 2926 to be conducted by Lerro Photography on Oct. 23–25 and Oct. 30–Nov. 1, 2026. The events will take place on 40 miles of mainline track extending north and south of Albuquerque.
Two events are scheduled due to the large number of photographers anticipated, according to a Lerro Photography statement announcing the events.
The track is owned by the New Mexico Department of Transportation and used on weekdays by the Rail Runner Express commuter trains. It is anticipated that mainline runbys will reach speeds of 50 mph.
Both charters will begin with a Friday night rail yard photo session, after the commuter operations. Runbys are scheduled from sunrise to sunset on Saturday and Sunday of both events. There will be a mid-day break.
The photo train will feature No. 2926 along with a number of stainless steel baggage cars and coaches.
No. 2926 is one of 30 4-8-4s built for the Santa Fe by the Baldwin Locomotive Works between 1943 and 1944. The locomotive 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 to begin its restoration.
As the events are on railroad property, only registered participants will be permitted to photograph the activities. The general public will not be able to walk-up and participate during the events.
For additional information on the photo events visit the Lerro Photography website. Additional information on Santa Fe No. 2926 can be found at the New Mexico Heritage Rail website.
