Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe 4-8-4 2926 will be under steam on September 27 and 28 for New Mexico Railroad Days at the Albuquerque South Rail Yards. The free, family-friendly event will give attendees the chance to see the recently restored locomotive up close. 

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.

While no demonstration runs will be made during the event, the locomotive will be fired up and people will be able to climb into the cab and blow the whistle. There will also be a special night photo session with the locomotive. Tickets are being sold online at 2926.us. 

The New Mexico Railroad Days runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on September 27, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on September 28. 

—Railfan & Railroad Staff