Photo by Cameron Chapman

By Justin Franz

Santa Fe 4-8-4 2926 made its long-awaited public debut on Saturday following a decades-long restoration in Albuquerque, N.M. The locomotive steamed from its restoration shop to a local brewery less than a mile away. While it was a “short but sweet” trip, according to the non-profit New Mexico Steam Locomotive & Railroad Historical Society, it gave the group a chance to show off their work. 

Society President John Roberts tells Railfan & Railroad that early Saturday morning, the group had a small dedication ceremony near the shop where Mayor Tim Keller declared May 6, “2926 Day” in the city. Afterward, the locomotive backed down the state-owned Sawmill Spur to Tractor Brewing Co., where it was on display for the day. Roberts said they estimate that more than 3,000 people came to see the locomotive during the day. At 4:30 p.m., the locomotive ran back to the shop.

“This is the first time in over 60 years that 2926 has moved any distance since being parked in Coronado Park back in 1956,” Roberts said. “This was a really momentous and exciting event for our organization and we are hoping that it will lead to many more, bigger and better events.”

ATSF 2926 was built by Baldwin in 1944 and retired after just nine years of service. For more information, visit 2926.us.