Santa Fe 4-8-4

Santa Fe 4-8-4 steam locomotive 2926 is being rebuilt to full operational condition in Albuquerque, New Mexico. By most measures, the AT&SF 2900 class was the largest and heaviest non-articulated steam passenger locomotive ever built. Dr. Mike Hartshorne (President of the Society) takes us for a walking tour around the locomotive at the headquarters of the New Mexico Steam Locomotive and Railroad Historical Society's workshops. We see details of the giant tender, brake and lubrication systems, driving wheels, connecting rods and Timken roller bearings, cylinder crossheads, front brake pipes, boiler repairs and staybolts, driving cab fittings and firebox.
Chapters are as follows:
00:00 Introduction
00:13 Project summary
05:21 Restoring the tender
10:27 Brake system
13:39 Positive train control
15:05 Roller bearings and rods
21:52 Crosshead
23:21 Where might 2926 run
24:16 Oiling system
27:57 Boiler staybolts
31:21 Boiler jacket sheets
32:11 Driving wheels
33:02 Cylinders
34:26 Front fittings brake pumps etc
36:53 Boiler repairs
40:14 Cab
43:22 Firebox
43:47 Locomotive controls

[@stephensmith799]

US Steam just rocks. It is mechanical engineering on an heroic scale. Beauty and Beast all-in-one.

[@svsfilm]

Totally agree. Amazing machinery!

[@Martin_Adams184]

A fascinating documentary. Dr Hartshorne is so articulate and so clear in his explanations. And your questions to him are perfectly judged. Thank you!

[@svsfilm]

I heartily agree with your remarks about Dr Hartshorne. It was a real pleasure to meet and film him. He was so generous with his time on that day. Thanks for watching the video!

[@mitchcornacchia968]

One word fellas.....MAGNIFICENT!!!!!!! Thanks so much for the tour and education!

[@svsfilm]

Thank you for your kind comment. I'm very pleased you found the video interesting.

[@jimtomassetti8928]

This is fantastic that through all the men and women hard work restoring this beautiful Locamotive back to life🚂 .. .Love Steam Locamotive's...Thank You Everyone!!!!

[@svsfilm]

Yes, agreed. They have done an amazing job! Thanks for your interest.

[@sargentrowell81]

It's amazing that we'll somewhat soon have 2 Santa Fe 4-8-4's.

[@pauljw7697]

Dr Hartshorne, your presentation was fantastic. ATSF 2926 couldn't be in better hands. I've checked the 2926 website a few times over the past year. Being retired, I can't afford to donate to more than the 2 locomotive projects I do now. However, after watching this video, I am reconsidering where my disposable $ goes. I was in Albuquerque 40+ yrs ago & didn't have any plans on returning now I'm retired. But I can't see any better way of going to Vegas one more time than riding behind such a beautiful locomotive. Drive to Albuquerque & take the train. Wow, what a way to go.

[@jansirkia3809]

A truly remarkable piece of machinery! A wonderful presentation, thanks!

[@svsfilm]

Sorry for the late response. Many thanks for your kind comment. The film was made entirely with the kind help of Dr Mike Hartshorne, the President of the society restoring the locomotive.

[@joeyritchie6151]

The guy giving us the info is awesome!!!

[@frankdaly5655]

A steam locomotive is a living breathing thing. I know how odd that may sound. It's a time capsule. Great to see living history

[@rixretros]

This is the best restoration explanation I've seen in a long time. Kudos to the people involved for a fascinating video.

[@svsfilm]

Many thanks for your kind comment. It was fun and interesting making the film and thanks to the time taken by Mike Hartshorne to do the talking. I'll pass your comment on to him. Best wishes.

[@2666loco]

Outstanding! Looking forward to see it run.

[@truefilm6991]

Wow, the 4-8-4s were huge, seemingly like a city bock! Always exciting to see one of those beautiful old steamers being brought back to their former glory.

[@svsfilm]

Yes indeed. The latest 4-8-4's built in the mid 1940's were huge. The 2926 was one of the Santa Fe's 2900 series which were the largest and heaviest 4-8-4's ever built. This was partly due to the lack of availability of certain lighter metals owing to the war effort. Thanks for your interest.

[@truefilm6991]

@@svsfilm that is very interesting. I collect N scale models of the PRR, mid 1950s. They ordered the 2-10-4 as a heavy freight engine for the war effort. Did t know about the shortage of specific metals and how it influenced designs. In any case the last US steamers from the 1940s were increcible designs. Then the EMD diesels took over as we all know. Thanks fir the reply.

[@svsfilm]

The light weight rods that replaced the originals are discussed from 16 minutes into the film. I believe the same limitations applied to the 5011 class of 2-10-4's.

[@bobreavis1]

Great video!

[@jerryuffelman2986]

Very interesting and educational, Thank You!

[@awizardalso]

I've always been fascinated by steam locomotives and the complexity of them. I'm also very happy to see things of history, like steam locomotives, being brought back to life. The best one I liked so far is the Union Pacific #4014 'Big Boy' alive and well.

[@thomasavensjr.2790]

Santa Fe locomotive 2926 is now back in operation again after a rebuilding process of 20+ years and this engine is a spectacular sight to see in action. Hopefully in 2024 ATSF engine 2926 will be able to start hauling excursion trains across New Mexico and i am eager to see that footage when it finally occurs.

[@svsfilm]

Yes a fantastic job has been completed.

[@matthewdickson7838]

Simply amazing and the guy is a true gent ...

[@P61guy61]

This is a great video! Thank you for posting.

[@svsfilm]

Many thanks for your kind comments. Dr. Mike Hartshorne was so generous with his time in allowing me to make the film.

[@P61guy61]

I can see how they kept the motivation and drive to do a project like that. His enthusiasm is infectious.

[@Ghtthomps]

Thank You! I've found out how all the pieces fit and the dedication the men have for these Marvel's of engineering.

[@anantdabholkar685]

You mentioned that there was a few tons of calcium carbonate scale in the tender. If I recall, in a NY Central video, they used to test the water supply for the tender regularly and then add chemicals to is to reduce that. Might help after all the effort the volunteers put in. The water out west has a lot of calcium when untreated.

[@MonkeySpecs301]

Amazing machine, thanks for sharing.

[@svsfilm]

Thank you very much for watching the video. I'm pleased you found it interesting.

[@malcolmwalker8272]

superb work effort

[@itsjustnopinionok]

20:00 I carved stone for 20 years in a small shop of 5 guys.The old timers who worked there through the 20's to the 90's where just about gone. A shop that at one time had dozens of stone carvers and stone working machinery. Huge saws, turning machines, lathes ect. Thankfully they left behind these volumes of books on how to work the machines that had gotten old and rebuilt over the years. How to take things apart, rebuilding parts, short cuts. Those books where hand written with dates and pictures that dated back for decades. But they where life savers.

[@svsfilm]

That's one of the wonderful things about preserving these examples of engineering - many of the skills have been lost and must be relearnt. Thank you for your interest in this project and watching this film!

[@stephensmith799]

'Two sizes: big and bigger.' Richard Trevithick would have loved to see how his Pen-y-Daren locomotive evolved into this magnificent machine. You don't see hollow stay bolts on UK locos, but the idea behind them is really simple and effective: a cracked stay is easy to spot because of leakage out of the hole. I don't know why we have not adopted them. If you have a cracked stay, you want to know about it.... before it fails completely!

[@4321grp]

My granddad had been a fireman on Santa Fe steam locomotives, one time I asked him which he liked the best, Steam locomotives or diesels? He said he liked the steam engines best, The diesels were just a machine, but the steam engines seemed like they were alive; They huffed and puffed and they sweated when they were working hard, and no two steam engines were exactly alike. Each seemed to have it's own personality.

[@TroublesomeSlateTruck]

Good Work With The Video.

[@svsfilm]

Thank you so much for your kind comment and for watching the film.

[@billwilson4480]

My grandfather turned all of the drive tires at the last rebuild at ATSF shops in Albuquerque. He thought it was silly that it was built up only to be put in Coronado park. But he was proud of those tires.

[@svsfilm]

The President of the 2926 restoration group in ABQ would love to contact you - can you please email me at [e-mail]

[@jimnunes6286]

Great video, thank you for describing your measurements in feet, inches and pounds. This is still America!!!

[@svsfilm]

Hello Jim, many thanks for watching the film. I'm very pleased you found it interesting. Dr Mike Hartshorne is a great speaker and a fund of information.

[@NEAFarmKid4010]

He is correct, the 844 and 3985 both us a No. 8 brake system, Ed Dickens has said that the No. 8 system is the best for steam locomotives. The Southern Pacific 4449 and Spokane, Portland and Seattle 700 also use the 8 system

[@billporter1277]

excellent work on this critter, I am working on a scale drawing (pencils!, no farking computers!)of Frisco #4500, and in the process of dissection, I got into all the same systems, and construction methods, hats off to the m.u.setup, I didn't think that was feasable, and the roller bearing rods!, gorpeous!, I will look up your physical address so I can send a couple of bucks here, and there.

[@trainfan844]

Hey Bill! Email me at [e-mail] I’d like to discuss your 4500 plans, because I am starting machining classes in the very near future to hopefully restore the 4500. Although I’m only a lad of 16 I see a bright future for that locomotive and I and your help would be greatly appreciated with plans!

[@paulbookbinder4899]

August 2021 - running under her own steam !!

[@svsfilm]

Yes, an amazing achievement.

[@heckingaxle6618]

Would be nice to see this come through California

[@irvinklugh8858]

I LOVE TRAINS

[@Sm011ville]

There is an old photograph of AT&SF 3009. 40 yrs older than this one.

[@stevew270]

2926 (just the engine and tender) within the last few days did a very short test run using compressed air, surely it won't be long now!

[@svsfilm]

Yes, great news. First test with steam perhaps in the next two weeks.

[@stevew270]

@@svsfilm It happened, I'm happy!

[@joshuaericilac]

steam locomotives are actually quite simpler to throttle down that is what you gradually use the brakes for. more brakes you use the less open you make the steam to the pistons.

[@raptorproductions1639]

The way it looks in the video looks like it just needs another month and it’s ready. you just need oil and water, check a few valves and rods, make steam and BOOM it’s ready to go

[@alexpiper9475]

trucking thru Albuquerque i suffered driver distraction looking for the ATSF locos. relieved that at least one has gone good hands. Any words about the 2-10-4? You Rock! Thank you.

[@svsfilm]

Hi there. Many thanks for your interest. Santa Fe 4-8-4 #2926 is the locomotive featured in this video and is currently under restoration to active condition in Albuquerque. Santa Fe 4-8-4 #2925 and 2-10-4 #5021 were donated by the railroad to the California Railroad Museum in Sacramento in 1986, however I believe they are not on public display at present. #5030 is on static display in Salvador Perez Park, Santa Fe, NM.

[@shanemyoutubeshit]

1:37 Random Leslie Horn Blow.

[@nmccw3245]

4 axel BNSF unit local switching the lumber yard to the south.

[@davidhyer3404]

Interesting place to store a paperclip

[@awizardalso]

We have the Timken Steel Company here in Canton, Ohio.

[@svsfilm]

Many thanks for watching the video. That's interesting to learn about the Timken Company.

[@jimburig7064]

Few people have any understanding of how the restoration of one of these monsters is several times what it cost to manufacture many decades ago.

[@joshuaericilac]

The HPF hoses may not crack BUT... they do tend to fray with to much rubbing. I should know Because its the same things that we use in dragsters and funny cars also in home built racers. The HPF hoses wear down after a while.

[@adamtain7627]

44:18 aside from the AFM indicator what were the other gauges and what do they do?

[@svsfilm]

Hello. Many thanks for your interest. I do not have a good cab photo with all the fittings added - my film was shot in September 2017 and much work has been done since then. I have asked the question to the 2926 team on your behalf. Best wishes.

[@adamtain7627]

Oh, thank u

[@allanchapman6250]

Look up Steam on the Main North.Real Steam working 1968 I fired these type of loco's enjoy.

[@joshuaericilac]

the C.S.R.M. has the one that came right before this one sante fe 2925. they wouldve hall the parts they needed

[@georgegoekler9462]

Hay the 2629 Steme locomotive is the sister of the steam locomotive 3751

[@georgegoekler9462]

I. Met the steam locomotive 2926. Is THE sister of the steam locomotive engine 3751

[@TrainTrackTrav]

I take it they have plans to run with 3751 in the future?

[@joshuaericilac]

if i recall it will not make it to cali

[@stevew270]

With Amtrak's latest decision it may not make it anywhere.

[@joshuaericilac]

Andrew Lieb they don't really need Amtrak approval to run on sent a fe lines if they put the paper work in properly they could run her all the way to Las cruces on sent a fe lines

[@joshuaericilac]

Andrew Lieb 611 and 4449 have there own rails outside of the major lines

[@TrainTrackTrav]

3751 will probably do runs on Metrolink trackage, seeing as how the SBRHS has good friends with the folks at Metrolink. As for NKP 765, I'm not sure. Our only hope at this point is that the Class 1s will run more specials in cooperation with the steam people, or that Amtrak will relent and allow a few steam excursions from time to time.

[@sparkymarkm322]

Did somebody say enchiladas? Where do I sign up? ;-)

[@iqoverlord]

Regards to ptc system.... he said electrically cutting fuel to shut down fire... what about electric valve to bleed off steam... electric pop off.. a mechanical pressure relief with magnetic seal. Mechanical seal during steam up with electromagnetic seal during run. Between fire shut down with pressure relief it should slow down faster.

[@yankinga]

Not to diminish the ATSF 2900s in any way but the PRR S1 was the heaviest, tallest and longest non-articulated, reciprocating steam passenger locomotive ever built. Remember, "The Big Engine" was a duplex (rigid frame), not an articulated locomotive.

[@lennyhendricks4628]

if the S-1 was so great, why didn't they (PRR) build any copies?

[@Mr.RailYard-LJLRailYard]

Union Pacific 844 and 4014 use a number 8 brake system

[@travisvive4463]

Well 5 people don't like this beautiful 2926 too bad for them.I realy like this 2926 its potbelly a baldwin made.

[@normsweet1710]

Old n sneaky vs younger and smart ........ now that I’m “older” I wish I knew some tricks to use ......

[@YUNGMITTENS]

23:21 foamer garden

[@Graulas]

what?

[@JungleYT]

That connecting rod seems rather *thin* for an engine that size? - 14:07 Funny story, what he said about lost knowledge or tricks to maintain a locomotive can also be said about the F1 engines that put Apollo into space... Each engine was practically hand made using special techniques, etc. - 20:33 , 21:20

[@svsfilm]

Mike Hartshorne explains around 15min 30sec that these rods are not the originals. These are high tensile steel rods installed after WW2 and have a much slimmer profile than the original ones. Thanks for your interest.

[@JungleYT]

@@svsfilm OK I kind of caught that. Guess I still had trouble wrapping my head around those thinner rods...

[@zacharylucisbecker2352]

How many more weeks until this big steam locomotive steams up

[@jay600katana]

I would guess it'll be a couple months yet, check out their website www dot nmslrhs dot org. Tons of pics that cover the beginning to present. Maybe you could spare a buck or two if you've got it.

[@nmccw3245]

Zachary Becker - soon, but no set date as of yet. I know it’s frustrating, but we can’t afford to screw anything up on this irreplaceable machine so we don’t proceed until we have things right - and that includes a fully vetted firing procedure.

[@zacharylucisbecker2352]

NMCCW thanks

[@jennyrouse2221]

NO CLUE

[@joshmeister4449]

Zachary, now that Amtrak has shit canned all privet car excursions/movements on any trackage they operate on, the chances of 2926 running anywhere just got really small.

[@jmtrainz2582]

Is she done?

[@joshmeister4449]

Not yet, she will likely be ready towards the end of the year

[@jppicur]

Ah ... the unloved 2900s. ATSF wanted more Diesels but couldn't get them due to War Production Board restrictions. So ATSF had to accept the overweight 2900s -- overweight because the special lightweight steels used on the Santa Fe's other 4-8-4s were also not available due to the WPB. Nevertheless, they were a great design. May 2926 live again.

[@svsfilm]

Many thanks for your comments and for watching the video.

[@jimfisher3161]

Whoever hit the thumbs down button must have been totally shit faced!

[@raptorproductions1639]

23:41 hahaha foamer garden

[@harridan.]

i remember seeing her sitting derelict in a park next to a freeway....then one day she was gone

[@svsfilm]

Amazing how great 2926 looks now!

[@THOMAS81Z]

SO WHEN IS SHE MOVING UNDER HER OWN POWER ???

[@raylouis]

How do I Buy a Tee Shirt?

[@normanfillmore3490]

[phone] (Wednesdays and Saturdays 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Mountain Time) EMAIL [e-mail] Website www.2926.us

[@kishintuchis4133]

DONT THE VARIOUS RAILROADS THAT ARE RESTORING STEAM ENGINES CONSULT WITH OTHER TO SOLVE PROBLEMS ? THEY SHOULD .

[@BugsBunnyandArchieMcIvor2024]

My Grampa Has Bin To The USA

[@svsfilm]

Hello Archie - glad you enjoyed the films!

[@theviper4219]

I found the original Santa Fe railroad spike from the 1920s

[@theviper4219]

It came from San Bernardino California

[@martykeenan9119]

Great Video except for the video photographer grunting all the time. How annoying! Uh hi, uh hi uh hu! 🤨

[@svsfilm]

Thanks for taking the time to comment. I note what you say. At the time of the visit I did not have a wireless lavalier mic with me and so was relying on the GoPro internal mic for sound. As it was closer to me than to Dr Hartshorne it was picking up too many stray sounds. I'm sorry you found the soundtrack frustrating - I've learnt from my errors. Thanks for watching!

[@ferdinangenius]

The locomotive is egregious, the gentleman is a bore.

[@svsfilm]

Thank you for your comment.

[@ferdinangenius]

@@svsfilm You wellcome

[@davefrompa5334]

Obviously not everyone agrees with you. But since you feel that way, I guess you wasted your time watching this.

[@ferdinangenius]

@@davefrompa5334 OIbviously nobody knows how many people agree or not with me. In any case, the locomotive was worthy the time.