By Railfan & Railroad Staff

The New Mexico Heritage Rail recently received a $100,000 grant from the New Mexico Tourism Department to study the possibility of running excursions out of Albuquerque with recently-restored Santa Fe 4-8-4 2926. 

“This generous funding will enable us to collaborate with the University of New Mexico’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research to conduct a comprehensive economic impact study,” New Mexico Heritage Rail officials wrote last week. “This study will provide valuable insights into the benefits of operating a tourist railroad out of Albuquerque, helping both New Mexico Heritage Rail and local officials understand the positive economic impact of this endeavor.”

ATSF 2926 was built by Baldwin in 1944 and retired after just nine years of service. New Mexico Heritage Rail (also known as the New Mexico Steam Locomotive & Railroad Historical Society) spent nearly two decades restoring the locomotive and it returned to service in 2021. Since then it has made brief trips around Albuquerque on New Mexico Rail Runner Express and BNSF Railway trackage. It is the largest operating 4-8-4 in North America.