Steam & Excursion > ATSF 2926

ATSF 4-8-4 2926 is scheduled to be active in Albuquerque September 26-27 in the south rail yards.  What are the plans for operation on the mainline beyond the city limits?  Might such operation fit in with the possible movment of 4-8-4 3751 from Los Angeles to Albuquerque that is mentioned in the post yesterday?



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 08/17/26 06:36 by LTCerny.

As you might expect, there are lots of hurdles (logistical and legal) to be overcome before passenger excursions happen behind this engine. For now, there are non-passenger test runs planned between Los Lunas and Bernalillo with dates TBD. As the state of New Mexico owns the line from Belen to Lamy it is easier to deal with (hopefully) than BNSF for passenger trips. But in reality where do you get passenger coaches such as those Reading and Northern use? They must have roller bearing wheels and be able to be hauled on BNSF and other cross country railroads to get to ABQ. Very, very costly. In that way ABQ's RR isolation is a disadvantage.

Remember, 2926 hasn't been proven yet. Shuffling back and forth in the yards doesn't really do anything but comfirm she can be fired up and make steam. 
The real proof is sustained running. This will show if anything runs hot, falls off or breaks. Maybe that's why they call it a break in run. Running under load, over the road working hard and soft. 
You get the idea.

Amazing, just amazing!

We'll find out on the Lerro trips end of October

Frisco1522 Wrote:
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> Shuffling
> back and forth in the yards doesn't really do
> anything but comfirm she can be fired up and make
> steam. 

That puts her way ahead of lots of locomotives!