The New Mexico Department of Transportation recently approved expanded access for the restored Santa Fe Railway steam locomotive 2926, operated by the New Mexico Steam Locomotive and Railroad Historical Society, to be between Bernalillo and Los Lunas.
The agreement grants the New Mexico Heritage Rail operating rights on 40 miles of NMDOT-owned Rail Runner Express mainline track.
The expanded route roughly mirrors the original alignment of Route 66 in that area.
New Mexico Heritage Rail stated in a news release last week:
“This agreement allows us to bring an important piece of New Mexico railroad history to more
communities along the corridor,” said Mathew Casford, NMHR Vice President and Chief of Rail Operations. “We deeply appreciate NMDOT’s collaboration in helping preserve and operate this national treasure.”
Previously limited to a 2.7-mile segment near downtown Albuquerque, NMHR’s operating territory now stretches from Bernalillo to Los Lunas. The expanded access applies to non-revenue deadhead moves, enabling Locomotive 2926 and its support equipment to travel for staging, maintenance and community outreach.
Importantly, the amendment also grants NMHR access to eight additional NMRX commuter rail stations for public outreach and educational events, enhancing community engagement along the Rail Runner corridor.
Built in 1944, Locomotive 2926 is a fully restored Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway 4-8-4 Northern-type steam engine, and one of the largest and most powerful of its kind still in operation. Following a 22-year restoration led by NMHR volunteers, the locomotive returned to service in 2021 and continues to captivate audiences across the region.
“This isn’t just a locomotive—it’s a rolling classroom and a tribute to the people and industry that helped shape New Mexico,” Casford added. “With NMDOT’s support, we’re opening the throttle on a new chapter of outreach, education, and preservation.”
In a follow-up post on Facebook, Casford said public excursions are part of the long-term plans for the locomotive, but “we need to walk before we can run.”
“Our immediate goal is to work closely with NMDOT and Rail Runner Dispatch to develop an efficient, reliable schedule that integrates smoothly into the existing corridor traffic — without causing any delays or disruptions to Amtrak, BNSF, or Rail Runner services.
“Once we’ve proven that we can operate safely and predictably within the corridor, it opens the door to negotiate future opportunities with NMDOT — including public excursions. We’re committed to getting there, and this is a critical first step.”
(Image of Locomotive 2926 in 2023 by New Mexico Heritage Rail via Facebook)