Steam & Excursion > ATSF 2926 Work Update Week Ending 06/27/15

The group is finishing up work in preparation for hydro tests coming later. Work to that end included fabrication of superheater hydro support parts. Final preparation for installation of replacement staybolts includes measurements and cutting to size. Lubrication lines are checked and flushed with mineral spirts to clean them out. Broken or stripped stud bolts at various locations on the engine are being drilled out for replacement. All the parts associated with the firebox damper have been reconditioned and reinstalled with a newly fabricated damper plate.
http://nmslrhs.org/Status/status.php

Work photos include staff at the various tasks described above. Also, society president Dr. Mike went to Las Vegas to give a presentation and scout for fire hydrants.
http://nmslrhs.org/Photos/2015/06-27/index.html

The society has a great need for funds for a shelter for the engine and tender. To that end, a GoFundMe account has been set up. To read details and donate, go to this page:
http://www.gofundme.com/SantaFe2926
A previous TrainOrders thread explains why the former Santa Fe shops just south of downtown Albuquerque are not available for use.
http://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?10,3778950

Pictures:
1. Fabrication of a part for superheater hydro testing.
2. Flushing a lube line.
3. Downtown Las Vegas (no casinos in the picture!)



 

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That must be Las Vegas, NM, the REAL Las Vegas.

Great to see service preps being made for 2926-pulled runs soon to start across New Mexico.
A run north to Las Vegas NM, 132 rail miles from Abq, will probably take all 25,000 gallons of tender water up Glorieta Pass, so a water source there for a return trip is essential.
A supporting development underway is renovation of the former Fred Harvey Castenada Hotel next to the Vegas depot.

The only drawback is the lack of a nearby way to turn 2926 for return to Abq.
Running big '26 in reverse at speed could risk derailmant, causes cab crew discomfort and visibility problems,  is not designed for this type operation.

Per BNSF Southwest Division Timetable, instate turnaround wyes exist at:
Lamy, 67 miles north of Abq (needing upgrades)
French, 211 miles north,  at the mainline connection of the  York Canyon coal mine spur below Raton
Socorro, at 75 miles south of Abq, connecting the former Magdelena Branch with the Horny Toad mainline
Rincon, 177 miles south, on HT near Las Cruces

Further water fill arrangements will be necessary about every 100 miles 2926 travels.
Many present-day,  long-distance US steam  locomotives pull second tenders, called 'bottle cars',  to extend operation range and minimize time-consuming stops.

Due to heavy BNSF freight traffic, Transcon operations by 2926 are not anticipated.  



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/06/15 20:33 by Abqfoamer.

When 3751 came east back in the early 90's, they wanted to turn it on the wye at Topeka, but discovered it was too tight, so went to NR Jct at Emporia instead. (since removed) At Santa Fe Jct in KC, it was so tight the buffer plate contacted the front of the tender. So even though Wye's exist, they may not be big enough for 2926. They may have been re-laid in the diesel era, and might not work for steam anymore. Just have to study the track charts and look at the radius.