The 2926 Story

The fascinating history of Albuquerque's Santa Fe steam locomotive 2926 and her ongoing restoration to full operation by dedicated volunteers.

[@CoasterFan2105]

2926 is actually a bigger and more modernized engine that has many improvements over the 3751. Probably the two biggest improvements are the bigger tender and roller-bearing equipped side rods.

[@evanstraintubeyt6950]

Hi

[@kevp9601]

+CoasterFan2105, I Hope You Can Upload a "Steam Locomotive 2926 Restoration" KZbin Video on your KZbin Channel. It will be Awesome. And Hello, By The Way. 🚂🚋🚋🚋🚋🚋🚋🚋🚋🚋🚋🚋

[@normansilver905]

I saw the ATSF 2900 class operate daily and they were easily handling 20 heavy weight car passenger trains.

[@injunweeb1973]

Come visit the 2926 at Albuquerque

[@DramaCarWolf]

It is 2021 and after a lot of hard work from the volunteers, 2926 was fired up and moved under its power in 68 years. Can’t wait for this engine on excursions!

[@RickyJr46]

2926 operated under steam yesterday! Incredible!

[@rogermolina1244]

2926 is getting closer and closer to hitting the rails again! I can't wait to see her and 3751 double heading over Raton Pass and over Cajon Pass in the future. It's good time to be a rail fan now that Union Pacific 4014 will be running again soon and to witness these awesome engines pounding the rails again! Imagine seeing 3751,844,2926,700,and 4449 all together at the same place at the same time, WOW!!!!

[@mr.sir.]

Mate I think you forgot the ATSF 3415 as well.

[@stuartadamsrailfanningvideos]

It would be really cool to see SP&S 700, SP 4449, UP 844, Milwaukee Road 261, NCST&L 576, N&W 611, Santa Fe 3751, and Santa Fe 2926 together at the same place at the same time!

[@normansilver905]

The entire run of the Santa Fe 2900 class 4-8-4's were impressive. I saw them work on the ATSF lines in L.A., San Diego and San Bernardino. This restoration is a true work of art.

[@cykablyatman6242]

what was it like seeing the remaining steam power run against diesels?

[@normansilver905]

One 4-8-4 UP FEF 3 could star and haul 88 fully loaded Iced Perishable cars. It took 3 GP-20's to do the same thing. BUT.. stops for water by steamers.

[@PRR5406]

I've visited your site twice, and can't wait to come back, now that assembly is well under way. I wear my 2926 hat each and every day. What a thrill to see her coming back to life. Great job, guy and gals!

[@lynndab9904]

You guys did a fantastic job of capturing the historical relevance and amount of work put into saving this. Disney would be jealous!!! GREATJOB!!!

[@KristinaHPulliam505]

This is a spectacular look back into history for Albuquerque and for our US rail systems. My grandfather worked in Albuquerque for the Santa Fe rail system for 46 years as a machinist. My grandfather was meticulous at keeping notes where he ordered parts for this and other engines. To this day I have his notes with engine part numbers and the original black & white photo of the workers sitting on engine 2926. This documentary and restoration project would make him very proud. Thank you to all!

[@nmelkhunter1]

Great story. Are any of your relatives crane operators or oilers? I know a couple of folks with IUOE 953 who live in the Albuquerque area with the same last name as yours.

[@bobhackmann4483]

I had the opportunity to visit ABQ and the 2926 restoration some time back. The craftsmanship, dedication and perserverance of the tremendously skilled volunteers is something to see.... and to support. They have my support, and I hope yours. Let's get fire back in this boiler soon! Best wishes to every volunteer!

[@atsf2926]

One of the many reasons that 2926 is an excellent candidate to return to steam is that in 1944 Santa Fe teamed up with The Timken Company to install roller bearings on all axles and the connecting rods, and also replaced the early, heavy connecting rods with modern (at that time) "lightweight" connecting rods. The Timken Company has recently completly rebuilt all the bearings that needed it, and DONATED the wonderful service!!! Thanks to our freinds at Timken...!!!

[@timper4326]

Hats off to these dedicated and skillful restorationists

[@atsf2926]

Thanks and best wishes to the great team of volunteers who are restoring this beautiful steam locomotive... and best wishes for the thousands of miles that are ahead...!!!

[@bobdegroft6847]

Fantastic! A great story that needed to be told. And a big thanks to the great group of folks who are doing the historic restoration.

[@coryweber1]

Just awesome that a group of people can get together and bring back forgotten history

[@brucetharpe762]

Who’s here after 2926 woke up for the first time since 1953?

[@zachariassiefker9249]

Very nice video! Absolutely love learning about the history of the Santa Fe 2926! Very interesting!

[@mow4ncry]

I was there in late 2018 but didn't get a chance to come by I was in Clovis then dropped off at Amtrak Albuquerque Depot. I did get a chance to walk down and see the old shop complex, I might make it out there again to see her run I'm crew on SP 2472

[@CRFProductions2023]

AT&SF Santa Fe 2926 has been fully restored for operation (and of course cosmetically)

[@xwavx]

This is an amazing undertaking! Thanks to those who have the vision.

[@Donna677.]

Santa Fe 2926 the largest 4-8-4 northern steam locomotive soon to be in operating condition. Albuquerque, New Mexico is where it is located, owned by the New Mexico Steam Locomotive & Railroad Historical Society, and it got a steam up last year in 2018!!!!!!!!! Soon the 2926 will be powering excursions when the finishing touches is complete. This will be the only 2900 northern that can be operational. Help us continue to restore the big northern for the next steam up and back to service today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@andrewturney4383]

If Pentrex or Railway Productions do a straight to DVD movie about 2926's first run, I do like to see it be narrated by Morgan Freeman and music composed by James Horner.

[@That_Thicc_Cat]

2926 just moved under her own power two days ago!

[@Painisme9]

Was a thing of beauty

[@That_Thicc_Cat]

@@Painisme9 Agreed

[@gillianzzz55]

Wonderful history, enjoyed this video immensely! Good work all....

[@YardLimit]

Awesome video. I'm looking forward to seeing 2926 under steam!

[@olgamakarova5520]

Delighted Thanks ❤🎉❤🎉❤🎉❤🎉❤ Superrrrrrrrr They do not make them like this anymore

[@thomasavensjr.2790]

This is a brief history of the maintenance repairs for the 2926, it is great to see that a second Santa Fe rr 4-8-4 type has been restored to operation along with the 3751. Now that the repairs for the 2926 have been completed, i am eager to see how this locomotive will perform while operating in passenger excursion service.

[@THOMAS81Z]

Thanks for the reply, i didnt think something built.in the 40's would have friction bearing. And a. BIg thumbs up for timken bearing company

[@brucetharpe762]

3751 should come see 2926 one day.

[@Michael-eg3rs]

I'm sure 3751 would be happy to know shes not the only santa fe steam engine restrored.

[@theark-la-missrailfan]

Yep! But Santa Fe 4-6-2 3415 is also in operation!

[@sliverjack0283]

@@theark-la-missrailfan they showed 3415 running I think that means it's opperational

[@alexthesouthernpacificmt4879]

And atsf 2926

[@pilierofq]

WOW !!! Great I love trains especially steamers!!

[@davidsheriff8989]

Fantastic story....

[@couldyourepeatthat7182]

2926 is restored 2 months ago, she is ready for future excursions

[@NickyDsTrains]

We in the east need big steam, too! I seriously hope 2926 runs here in Pennsylvania (despite the fact that this engine is from the west).

[@TheBestTrainsAreReal]

Nicolas LD I know! 765 went to steam town for,railfest 2015 but I did not get to,see her but we have Strasburg!

[@jakeumebayashi3243]

Nicolas LD Steam Town is restoring Boston and Maine 4-6-2 3713, shes a big engine and will run in the east coast

[@TheBestTrainsAreReal]

Jake Umebayashi She may only run on NS because csx does not allow steam engines and same with amtrak with there new policy.

[@dylanruppert4547]

RBMN is currently restoring READGING 2100 4-8-4

[@franciscoleonardo151]

Makes me think of the old days when you blew your nose it was black yet if I was not so old I would rebuild again and operate passenger locomotives once again. I hope that both AT&SF 4-8-4's will be back in service once again. I love it.

[@robertgift]

Wonderful video! Congratulations? Thank you.

[@OnefastAZfarmtruck]

It would be awesome to see that locomotive go over raton pass to la junta past the semaphores and the wig was in Delhi

[@harridan.]

beautiful!

[@SouthwesternSteam]

I hope to see a double-header with 3751 in the future.

[@Barefoot12]

JUST WOW!!! CONGRATS TO THE BUILDERS BECAUSE ABQ DOESN'T FINISH ANYTHING IT STARTS!!!

[@rogerlollar4325]

Damn! that restoration took a long time!

[@PoetryETrain]

Thank you all added to a playlist...

[@paducahandlouisvillerailro1694]

I have the last Santa Fe stainless steel railroad spike

[@paducahandlouisvillerailro1694]

I bought an antique Santa Fe stainless steel railroad spike off eBay

[@ericoxner326]

I have a o gauge model of a santa fe steam locomotive.Number 2929 runs very smooth.

[@RealMikeySlaps]

Awesome SF!!

[@christinasmith1991]

love all the coments of u RR buffs... keep em comen!

[@bangcoyhobbymakan8473]

Pontianak Indonesia hadir bos Q

[@theUP844]

I think they might actually do that. I remember reading once a while back in an article on the internet about 2926's restoration that the two group's are discussing the possibility of either running 3751 out to New Mexico, or bringing 2926 to the west coast and doing a double-headed excursion trip here in California. If it happens and the trip runs in California, I'd bet it would most likely be from Los Angeles to San Diego, LA to Bakersfield, or possibly LA to Barstow and back.

[@willberestartingthischanne9984]

I Can’t Wait For Santa Fe 2926 Is Coming Back

[@adamchancellor6362]

Iam a big fan when it comes to steam in operation I plan to work one in service someday like maybe when iam 30 I don't know yet maybe even locomotives like F7A 38C

[@Vance_Nickerson]

It's alive!

[@212ntruesdale]

Incredible! Good work!

[@atsf3415dbr]

When she's done, there needs to be a triple header with 2926, 3751, and 3415.

[@joebear1194]

the fastest the Santa Fe 2926 has ever gane is 107 mph

[@LMatters1]

Yes, over a 4,000 foot cliff...

[@2manycatsforadime]

Nope, they (Santa Fe) ran these in 100 MPH service daily.

[@UBIQUITAR]

I believe it did 116 in 56 I read. Have to look again

[@Retro_Spectrum97]

The group was told by a engineer who one drove 2926 that it went 120 miles once...

[@atsf2926]

Thanks for your great observations and comments, Kristina...! I'm happy to honor your grandfather's work, and that of many others, with our video. If you would, please send me an email at [e-mail] I'd like to talk with you about the very historic notes that you have...! Thanks! Jim

[@trainknut]

Slowly but surely the railfans are bringing back steam and the great railroads that once ran them

[@atsf3415dbr]

Don't underestimate 3415. She's got a lot in her. It'd have to be somewhere that's big enough for 2926 and 3751, but still allows friction bearings.

[@Retro_Spectrum97]

I love hearing the story our State Locomotive. Whenevwr i can i try to share it with others. May i have permission to use the old footage of 2926 roaring past the camera? Im making a video telling about 2926 and her story and where she is today..

[@arthurkallansrud1950]

I hope to see the engine the next trip on Amtrak and visit the maintance shops

[@CoasterFan2105]

Ah, I didn't see that you were replying to another commenter. It did not appear before.

[@injunweeb1973]

You should visit Albuquerque to see 2926. It made its first excursion in may this year.

[@stephenheath8465]

I want to see one of the 5000 Texas Class 2-10-4 back in operation

[@CoalChrome]

If people think the 26 looked rough, they should see what the 03 looks like!

[@rhettrobinson1361]

8:36 is that 2926's original whistle and is that a 5 chime or a six chime

[@dbaker3751]

Where is the 3751 train at the 16:34 mark? What a beautiful valley.

[@wideworldofrailroads4014]

I have a Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe railroad spike it has a stamp with CHC SF

[@wideworldofrailroads4014]

The stamp means Chico high carbon Santa Fe

[@Jemalacane0]

I wish I could help!

[@TheT-90thatstaresintoyoursoul]

And as of a few days ago, she ran under her own power for the first time in a long time

[@HSMiyamoto]

I was wondering whether 4-8-4s made it to San Diego, especially up twisting Sorrento Grade. Then I discover your photo of a 2900 in front of San Diego station.

[@jacksalvin364]

Santa Fe 2926 was restored to operated before she return to steam.

[@naturelvr123]

When will 2926 make a trip up here to Greeley, Colo?

[@jonathancordovapettit2ndceo]

all aboard

[@CoalChrome]

If they had the 26 left in stainless like the short-lived livery a few of their Pacifics were in, and also shrouding

[@1chuck96]

As a self appointed "Central Scrutinizer", (Frank Zappa), I couldn't help but notice that the numbers on her tender, (at 6:28 in), appear to be a weak comparison to her original livery. Anybody's thought's ? (Sorry for "fly-specking" and no big deal).

[@atsf3415dbr]

True. Maybe a 1316 (TSRR 500) and 3415 doubleheader is more reasonable.

[@robadams8057]

Is there a "2903 Story"? That's my favorite item at the Illinois Railway Museum.

[@TheDeputation]

yeah once 500 is back in operation in 3-4 years. 400 is to be done within 2 years so we'll see after that. The newer management at TSRR is a lot better now.

[@scottiedog1366]

Big boys way better in every way go up!!!

[@silverstatehighiron]

Scottiedog13 Honestly, I like smaller engines. Nothing bigger than a 4-8-8-4. In fact, I think 2926 is better in appearance. 4-8-4's were easier to maintain anyway.

[@paducahandlouisvillerailro3309]

I have the original brass Santa Fe Railroad Spike

[@Drockthe3rd]

What's the heritage of the reefer?

[@allstufftrainssa3618]

Is it just me or can the chimney extend when running in steam

[@THOMAS81Z]

can they replace the friction bearing with roller or would that mean major rework?/

[@drgw489productions]

The general lee of the rails

[@synthwaveguy_2942]

Meh, The Big Iron Horse sounds better since she’s the largest of the northern’s. Besides not everyone knows that show.

[@drgw489productions]

@@synthwaveguy_2942 ehh...to average, maybe Warpig

[@konnorkuznetsov1035]

She's finally moved under her own power! Hurrah!

[@boblatzer]

The lathe operator at 12:36 had no safety goggles on!

[@aaronspringborn34]

How are far percentage wise are they with the project?

[@stevew270]

Is this beautiful beast finished yet?

[@09JDCTrainMan]

+Steve W No, but she's near finished. My guess is that she will be done between February and September this year.

[@RealMikeySlaps]

Steve W, UP Big Boy 4014 is the beast

[@adamchancellor6362]

And for freight or passenger service and excursions maybe probably service iam kind of good at by how many years I played train simulator

[@trainknut]

Guys 2926 and 3751 are different engines for 1 3751 has 80" drivers and is a class 2 4-8-4 build after the class1 4-8-4 or the 2900's the 3700's are a different class and size

[@chism26]

The 2900 where but after

[@TheDeputation]

good luck with that one!! 3751 and 2926 maybe but not 3415

[@adamchancellor6362]

I played train simulator ever sense I was a little kid long time isn't it

[@Fedora5957]

When will the Madam Queen be rebuilt and operated?

[@atsf2926]

This is a very old video. She is already rebuilt and we will run her when the turntable is restored and the sawmill spur is rebuilt

[@Fedora5957]

@@atsf2926 BUT! what about the Madam Queen in Albuquerque, a 2-10-4.

[@allen480]

@@atsf2926 Interesting and fun video. Many thanks!

[@TheSteamGuy5125]

​@@Fedora5957you mean 5030 in Santa Fe or the 5000 in Amarillo TX

[@Fedora5957]

AT&SF 5000 in Amarillo.@@TheSteamGuy5125

[@Bronywithguns870]

Sure wish they could do that to 2921 here in Modesto, Ca

[@andrewturney4383]

Or have 2921 move a locomotive workshop somewhere along the original Santa Fe line.

[@Bronywithguns870]

yeah that'd be cool cause its a part of our california RR history and we cant let it rot in a park filled with homeless people and drug dealers like it is now.

[@TylerF35A]

Believe it or not, I brought up 2921 to the guys working on 2926. They're just as pissed about the lack of care she's receiving as I am.

[@Bronywithguns870]

Kevin Metz You don't know how happy that makes me knowing you brought up 2921 to those guys working on 2926. I really hope that they'll come here and finish and redo everything that was done in the late 90s. She really has fallen into disrepair and needs help if we want to keep her from turning into a scrapheap. I'd love for one day to see her move under her own power.

[@TylerF35A]

Bronywithguns870 I'm sure anyone who's been around the "surviving" 2900s and 5000s would want to see them fixed! I think 2925 is probably in worse condition than 2921. 5021 is also a gem being abused in Sacramento.

[@NickyDsTrains]

Or perhaps even 3751.

[@bangcoyhobbymakan8473]

Di Indonesia namanya spurr

[@philippelouvet6496]

bravo pour cette belle histoire au moins la vapeur est encore bien vivante aux états unis pas comme en france ! pourtant on est toujours en train de vous copier ?!...

[@TheDeputation]

you do realize that I'm not doubting her pulling ability but her ability to travel likely far west over towards 3751 just so all could even triplehead. 2926 isn't that far away from where 3751 is as compared to 3415. Friction bearings is another thing keeping her from coming way over here. a 2926 3751 doubleheader is not at all far off reality, a 2926, 3751, and 3415 tripleheader is. Believe me I'd love to see as much as you but you gotta think realistic here.

[@sampatel5509]

Music over voice, oh well. It would have been a dull story without it.

[@arthurhouston3]

Why

[@Jimboliah3985]

Yeah, deleted my original comment as the reply stack got too hectic. And if I had a Santa Fe steam engine, I'd still prefer painting the road number on the sides of the cab instead of the A.T. & S.F.

[@Rif-Raf]

Coal or another oil conversion??

[@09JDCTrainMan]

The 2926 was always an oil burner.

[@THOMAS81Z]

SO WHEN IS THE FIREUP/ MOVEMENT

[@DonVideoGuy007]

It happened today... July 24, 2021.