Steam & Excursion > ATSF 2926 Mainline run

Runs over 40 miles of mainline in New Mexico October 23-25 and Oct 30 - Nov 1, 2026 by  ATSF 4-8-4 2926 have been announced by Lerro Photography.

The dates are for next year - 2026.

Yah but he raises a good question and maybe it'll take a year. They mention baggage equipment plus stainless
coaches, borrowed from where? Also strict policy of registered photogs only on railroad property, that might be a
bit hard to enforce, this is def a chasers shoot to most people (outside of the registered). No price mentioned but
this could easily be a $500 trip.

Out 

I read on facebook a private photo session and operation was planned. The price was shown as $1600.00, tickets required. Not sure if this is the same one.

Posted from Android

needles_sub Wrote:
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> I read on facebook a private photo session and
> operation was planned. The price was shown as
> $1600.00, tickets required. Not sure if this is
> the same one.
>
> Posted from Android

Price correct for each weekend.   Two days of photo runs, etc.  Sold out in a couple of days.

callum_out Wrote:
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> Yah but he raises a good question and maybe it'll
> take a year. They mention baggage equipment plus
> stainless
> coaches, borrowed from where? Also strict policy
> of registered photogs only on railroad property,
> that might be a
> bit hard to enforce, this is def a chasers shoot
> to most people (outside of the registered). No
> price mentioned but
> this could easily be a $500 trip.

>Out

I agree on all points while adding that I'm not enough of a photographer to justify participation at that level. However, if they will just allow me to occupy an open window seat or vestibule for the days festivities then I'm in at that price. I'll pack my own lunch and water and even drag out the ole "motorman's friend" so I won't have to leave my seat all day! Just kidding about that last part but as serious a fan as I am of Soo #1003 I sincerely hope ATSF #2926 does not end up joining the ranks of restored mainline capable steam locomotives that will never again haul a consist filled with paying passengers.

I know, I'm old and obsolete as are most of my ideas but beliveve it or not for a good many years before I became interested in "steam preservation" riding behind these machines was the primary motivating factor that caused many folks to become involvled at any level.   
 

You're never old and obsolete, take it from this 83-year old.  There's no substitute for experience in life.  I'd guess that once the 2926 crew proves themselves to Rail Runner,  there will be 'normal' passenger trips.  Just my thoughts.   It will be interesting to see how many stainless cars they'll round up for the photo charters.   



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/03/25 14:22 by masterphots.

masterphots Wrote:
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>
> Price correct for each weekend.   Two days of
> photo runs, etc.  Sold out in a couple of days.

As of 6:45 pm today, Lerro's website shows there are still tickets available for both weekends, 

It's not $1600, I thought that was high, it's only $1595.00! Wow! I can understand their policy of no public access,
but how are they going to control drones?

Out 

A question.  They can run both ways out of ABQ.   Can they turn the engine anywhere along the entire 40 miles?

I hope they have about 18 or so coaches on it so everything Baldwin put in it will have to be used.


Sam

I'd love to see the engine slogging it up that grade in the middle of the Interstate on the
approach to Santa Fe. That, and the divergence from the BNSF rails, be a sight.

Out 

Hopefully, at that price, they can have some private, inaccessible locations for photo run-bys, etc. 

Victor Baird

Might be a bit tough, there's roads paralleling the railroad on both sides all the way South and North
AND I'd be curious as to what they've done with the Rez as far as photography. Guess if they don't
leave the ROW (owned property) there isn't much that could be said.

Out 

I have to wonder what all the folks that donated to restore the engine feel about the exclusion clause?

Posted from Android

So I guess, this will actually be 2926's shakedown and "break in" run unless between now and then she will have some sustained running?
"Puttering" like she has done since completion is fine and fun, but there are so many surprises that could be lurking. Don't ask me how I know that.

Quick, hide the trailing truck!

Out 

needles_sub Wrote:
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> I have to wonder what all the folks that donated
> to restore the engine feel about the exclusion
> clause?

The exclusion clause is only for two weekends of private events, donors can see the engine at other times. 

Even with the clause, there's simply no way to hide an engine that size.  Pick a spot that's off RailRunner property (like an overpass, for example), and you're good to go.

callum_out Wrote:
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> Quick, hide the trailing truck!
>
> Out 

Pilot truck.
 

pennsy3750 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> needles_sub Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I have to wonder what all the folks that
> donated
> > to restore the engine feel about the exclusion
> > clause?
>
> The exclusion clause is only for two weekends of
> private events, donors can see the engine at other
> times. 
>
> Even with the clause, there's simply no way to
> hide an engine that size.  Pick a spot that's off
> RailRunner property (like an overpass, for
> example), and you're good to go.

Total of 80 tickets over both weekends = $127,600.   The 2926 group should get a nice part of that,  plus getting experience running a train out on the line.