Restoration of AT&SF Steam Locomotive 2926

On Sunday, February 21, 2016 at 2 PM, 2926 restoration volunteer Steve Bradford describes the ongoing effort to restore AT&SF steam locomotive 2926. In the mid 1990s a group of train enthusiasts formed NMS&LRHS (New Mexico Steam Locomotive & Rail Road Historical Society) for the express purpose of restoring the 2926 to full running condition. On June 23, 2000, the giant drive wheels rolled for the first time in forty years, as the 2926 was towed out of Coronado Park off I-40. Since then, thousands of volunteer hours have brought the locomotive closer to operation. The Engine is past the disassembly and inspection stage and well into final assembly of its re-furbished parts. In the not-too-distant-future, the thunder of 2926 and the wail of her whistle will be heard again as she makes her way from town-to-town. In this presentation, we’ll see the steady progress of the restoration and learn the place of AT&SF steam locomotive 2926 in Railroad history.

The program will be held at the Albuquerque Museum in Old Town. Parking is free in the lot south of the Museum. Admission to the Museum and the AHS program is also free.

Steve Bradford is one of the original members (member #5) of the New Mexico Steam Locomotive and Railroad Historical Society. He was a board member and secretary for about 10 years and now serves as the Community Liaison. Previously, Steve was in Air Force Intelligence (active duty, reserve and civilian) for about 38 years and while he was a reservist, he worked in state and local government in Iowa and North Carolina for about 10 years. Steve currently lives in Bernalillo and has a BA in history from NC State and an MPA from the University of Northern Colorado.