Santa Fe 2926 Facts for Kids

Power type	Steam
Quick facts for kids Santa Fe 2926

Santa Fe 2926 at the Albuquerque Rail Yards on June 26th, 2024
Builder	Baldwin Locomotive Works
Serial number	69814
Build date	May 1944
Configuration	4-8-4
UIC classification	2′D2′ h2
Gauge	4 ft 8 ¹⁄₂ in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Leading wheel diameter	42 in (1,067 mm)
Driver diameter	80 in (2,032 mm)
Trailing wheel diameter	50 in (1,270 mm)
Length	120 ft 10 in (36.83 m)
Height	16 ft 0 in (4.88 m)
Axle load	77,500 lb (35,200 kg)
Weight on drivers	293,860 lb (133,290 kg)
Locomotive weight	510,150 lb (231,400 kg)
Tender weight	464,700 lb (210,800 kg)
Locomotive and tender combined weight	974,850 lb (442,180 kg)
Fuel type	Oil
Fuel capacity	7,170 US gal (27,100 L; 5,970 imp gal)
Water capacity	24,500 US gal (93,000 L; 20,400 imp gal)
Water consumption	6,000 US gal (23,000 L; 5,000 imp gal) per hour
Boiler	102 in (2,591 mm)
Boiler pressure	300 psi (2.1 MPa)
Fire grate area	108 sq ft (10.0 m²)
Cylinders	Two, outside
Cylinder size	28 in × 32 in (711 mm × 813 mm)
Valve gear	Walschaerts
Power output	4,590 hp (3,420 kW) at 40 mph (64 km/h)
Tractive effort	66,000 lbf (293.58 kN)
Factor of adhesion	4.45
Number in class	27th of 30
Locale	Southwestern United States
Retired	December 24, 1953
Preserved	July 1956
Restored	July 24, 2021
Current owner	New Mexico Heritage Rail
Disposition	Operational

The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe 2926 is a powerful steam locomotive. It belongs to the 2900 class and is known as a "Northern" type. This amazing machine was built in May 1944 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works. It was made for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway.

Locomotive 2926 was used to pull both passenger and fast freight trains. It mostly traveled through New Mexico. It stopped working in 1953. In 1956, the Santa Fe Railway gave No. 2926 to the City of Albuquerque. It was put on display for everyone to see.

In 1999, a group called the New Mexico Steam Locomotive and Railroad Historical Society bought No. 2926. They wanted to bring it back to life. In 2021, after many years, No. 2926 moved on its own again! It is the heaviest 4-8-4 type locomotive in the world. It is also the only working locomotive of its kind from the "2900" class. The Society, now called New Mexico Heritage Rail, plans to use it for fun train trips. These trips will go between Albuquerque and Las Vegas, New Mexico.

The Story of Santa Fe 2926
Other Locomotives Like 2926
Historic Designations
See also

The Story of Santa Fe 2926

Working on the Tracks

No. 2926 was one of the last steam passenger locomotives ever built. It was made in 1944 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in Eddystone, Pennsylvania. These locomotives were the heaviest 4-8-4 types built in the United States. They were also among the largest.

The railroad used this locomotive for both fast freight and passenger services. It traveled over one million miles! Its last trip was on December 24, 1953. Between 1946 and 1948, it got special parts called Timken roller-bearing tandem side-rods. These parts allowed it to go up to 110 miles per hour. This was faster than its original speed of 100 miles per hour.

Saving a Piece of History

Santa Fe No. 2926 on display at Coronado Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico

In July 1956, the locomotive and a caboose were given to the City of Albuquerque. This was to celebrate the city's 250th birthday. They were placed in Coronado Park for everyone to enjoy. The city kept the locomotive there until 1999.

On July 26, 1999, the city sold it for just $1.00 to the New Mexico Steam Locomotive and Railroad Historical Society. On June 23, 2000, the locomotive was moved to a BNSF Railway rail siding. This was a big step towards its restoration. Since October 1, 2007, the locomotive has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is an important historical item.

Bringing it Back to Life

No. 2926 during the beginning of its restoration process on November 19, 2008

In May 2002, No. 2926 was moved to its current spot. This is where the Society began its huge project. They wanted to fully restore it so it could run again.

On February 11, 2016, the New Mexico Legislature recognized Santa Fe No. 2926. They called it "New Mexico's steam locomotive." This honored the important role railroads played in New Mexico's growth.

By January 2018, the restoration was almost finished. Volunteers from the Society had spent over 166,000 hours working on it. They also spent more than $2.8 million on the project.

On August 20, 2018, the boiler of ATSF No. 2926 was heated up. This was the first time in 65 years! A test run was planned for March 20, 2020. However, this was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in New Mexico.

Finally, on July 24, 2021, No. 2926 moved on its own power. It was the first time in 68 years!

Fun Excursion Trips

On May 6, 2023, No. 2926 made a short trip to a nearby brewing company. This was for a fundraiser event. It made the same trip two more times, on August 26, 2023, and May 4, 2024.

On September 30, 2023, No. 2926 went on a 2.5-mile trip. It traveled to the Albuquerque Rail Yards. This was for the New Mexico Railroad Days event.

It was announced on June 14, 2025, that No. 2926 will operate on state-owned tracks. It will travel about 40 miles around Albuquerque. These trips will go from Bernalillo to Los Lunas.

Other Locomotives Like 2926

Here are some other locomotives from the same family that have been saved:

3751 was moved in 1986 and restored. It started running again in 1991.
3759 is on display at Locomotive Park in Kingman, Arizona.
3768 is at the Great Plains Transportation Museum in Wichita, Kansas.
2903 is displayed at the Illinois Railway Museum in Union, Illinois.
2912 is at the Pueblo Railway Museum in Pueblo, Colorado.
2913 is on display at Riverview Park in Fort Madison, Iowa.
2921 is at the Modesto Amtrak Station in Modesto, California.
2925 is at the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento, California.

Historic Designations

National Register of Historic Places #NPS–#07000388

Santa Fe 2926 facts for kids

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