A real highlight of my "excellent adventure" has been meeting the people restoring 4-8-4, 2926, of the Santa Fe, in Albuquerque, N.M. The big 4-8-4 has been full of surprises in her rebuild. Her preservationists expected the usual trials of rust and wear, but discovered what could only be described as a "Christmas package" instead. Totally roller bearing equipped, the locomotive is coming back to life in a secured siding in the city. Her boiler is remarkably thick, the corrosion is minimal. The steel is smooth, and gray, even after being outdoors since 1953! A portion of her firebox steel is being replaced, but otherwise, most of the staybolt caps are perfect. The group is able to move her back and forth using a trackmobile. The group has restored her two steam pumps and operate them on air, during public displays. Visitors comment on the wonderful sound of the "breathing" action, which we have long recognized as part of the charm of steam. What might be the biggest surprise came when the cylinders were opened and found to be glassy smooth, without the slightest imperfections, and still bearing a light oil coating.
Apparently, this loco was given a full shopping in 1953, run only 50,000 miles, and retired. She was moved to her original park site under compressed air. Between those factors and the dry climate, 2926 was destined to be reclaimed for high speed operation in a new era.
I purchased a cap as a nod towards making a donation. An estimate of firing the locomotive was made at, perhaps, 5 years, but maybe....sooner. The tender is finished, and rides on two four-axle, Buckeye trucks. It is huge! The group has a good idea of where she can be run on former AT&SF rail, and will make her available to interested operators. I asked about the "Greenbriar Express" project, and the response was, "They should give us a call!"
I took the following images this afternoon.
