Heber Richins
In 1944, The Santa Fe Railroad asked for new diesel locomotives. However due to WWII, the war department said no they needed diesel for the war effort. So the railroad design 30 4-8-4 Northern Type locomotives, and sent the designs to the Baldwin Locomotive Works. They called these 30 locomotives the 2900 series. 2926 rolled out of the plant and began her service, hauling men and women off to WWII. After the war, 2926 pulled and freight for the remainder of her service. In 1956 when the railroad was finally able to switch to diesel, they retired the 2900 series, including 2926. That same year 2926 was donated to the City of Albuquerque, New Mexico and was placed on display in Coronado Park. Decades passed, and the elements took a huge toll on the locomotive. In the 1990s a group of volunteers formed the New Mexico Steam Locomotive and Railroad Historical Society to save 2926. In 2000, 2926 was purchased, and temporary tracks were laid out. For the first time in 44 years her wheels turned. The locomotive was moved 8 blocks south of the park, to a side line where the group's world headquarters is. Today 23 years later the locomotive is fully restored to operating condition. Two years ago 2926 moved under her own Steam power for the first time in 67 years!! 2926 is the biggest operating locomotive of her kind in the United States. #photo #train #steam