By Railfan & Railroad Staff

Grand Canyon Railway 2-8-2 4960 will lead excursions to the Arizona’s tourist railroad’s namesake at least 11 times in 2024, beginning this weekend on Saturday, March 2. 

Locomotive 4960 was built in 1923 by Baldwin Locomotive Works for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy. In the 1960s, it became famous as one of the CB&Q locomotives used on the railroad’s popular steam excursions. In 1989, it was purchased by the Grand Canyon and went into service in 1998. While most Grand Canyon excursions are diesel-led now, the railroad still uses 4960 for special occasions.  The locomotive has been dubbed the “French Fry Express,” because it was converted to burn waste vegetable oil. The fuel makes the operation of 4960 carbon natural. 

GCR 4960 will run to the Grand Canyon during the first Saturday of every month from March until October, as well as on April 20 (Earth Day), August 12 (the steam engine’s birthday), and September 21 ( the anniversary of the railroad).

For more information, visit the railroad’s website at TheTrain.com.