ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Santa Fe 4-8-4 steam locomotive No. 2926 will now be able to stack up additional mainline miles. The locomotive’s owner and operator, New Mexico Heritage Rail, announced that the New Mexico Department of Transportation approved expanded access along the Rail Runner Express commuter corridor out of Albuquerque.
According to a press release, the expanded access was finalized through an amendment to the existing joint-use agreement between NMDOT, Rio Metro (Rail Runner), and NMHR. No. 2926’s operations along the ex-ATSF Transcontinental main line has now grown from 2.7 miles — in downtown Albuquerque to reach the Rail Yard facility — to 40 miles between Bernalillo and Los Lunas, N.M.
“The new limits do not require a diesel on the head end or PTC (Positive Train Control),” Mathew Casford, chief of rail operations for New Mexico Heritage Rail, told Trains.com.
“This agreement allows us to bring an important piece of New Mexico railroad history to more communities along the corridor. We deeply appreciate NMDOT’s collaboration in helping preserve and operate this national treasure,” Casford added.
Excursions with the 4-8-4 are currently not in the cards as the agreement applies only to non-revenue deadhead moves with No. 2926 and its support equipment to travel for staging, maintenance, and community outreach. Though now with eight reachable Rail Runner Express stations along the way, NMHR has its sights on public outreach and educational events, all while enhancing community engagement.
“This isn’t just a locomotive — it’s a rolling classroom and a tribute to the people and industry that helped shape New Mexico,” said Casford. “With NMDOT’s support, we’re opening the throttle on a new chapter of outreach, education, and preservation.”
Visit the New Mexico Heritage Rail website for updates and upcoming announcements regarding the upcoming 2025 schedule.
