Grand Canyon Railway: First Steam of 2024!
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Published 2024-03-08
No. 4960, along with 4-8-4 No. 5632, went on to pull several more trains for the steam program, including a train that was dedicated to the CB&Q's connection to Casper, Wyoming. In July 1966, the CB&Q discontinued their steam program, following a rise in insurance costs, a loss of experienced steam-age mechanics, and a change of management.
In 1989, the Grand Canyon Railway (GCR) purchased 4960 and a few years later, it was moved to the Railway's location in Williams, Arizona. At Williams, 4960 was extensively reconditioned with multiple modifications to improve its performance and cosmetics, abandoning its original CB&Q livery. It entered service for GCR in July 1996, and 4960 began pulling the Railway's passenger trains between Williams and the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Grand Canyon Railroad utilizes 4960 the first Saturday of the month starting usually in March. On March 2, 2024, we were in Williams to catch the first train of the season being pulled by steam. We arrive in time to see the train backing into the station where passengers will load for their trip to the South Rim.
Precisely at 9:30 AM, two blasts from the whistle let everyone know that the excursion is underway. It was a windy day but not too cold and the skies were blue. We next caught the train at the crossing at Espee Rd.
The railroad is 64 miles long and the train moves at a good clip. Limited road access makes chasing it a challenge, but one place that stands out is the crossing at Latigo Rd. The track is on an uphill grade as it curves toward the north. Using a telephoto lens captures the drama with windmills spinning in the background.
We make our way to the South Rim and travel along the road that goes to the kennel. A grade crossing there makes for a perfect spot to watch the locomotive round a curve and climb the grade on a straightaway.
At 3:30, the train departs the South Rim for the journey back to Williams. The wind is still blowing but the sky is overcast as the train departs the depot.
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All Comments (11)
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Awesome, some great spotting places, nice perspective and amazing sound. Nice pictures of the Grand Canyon.
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Awesome video! Really nice to meet you again. Look forward to seeing you soon!
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Great video Thomas, this is a railroad I’m really hoping to visit in the near future!
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This is one train I have not ridden yet & I have been living here in Arizona for 24 years. I used to ride with my Mom on the Northern Pacific Railroad every summer from Seattle to Minneapolis and back (round trip) after being with my grandparents for a month! I loved the Vista Dome car and The Lewis and Clark ( Travelers Rest) Dinette car. After college I worked at The Puget Sound & Snoqualmie Valley RR Museum on an old 1881 Northern Pacific passenger car that saw action in the plains of America in the late 1800's. I was their car refurbisher in the 1970's!! In the late 1970's I built an old Pullman Coach on the back of my Ford Pickup Truck that had a potbelly wood burning stove that worked, an observation deck and red curtains with gold tiebacks on the windows. It also had working clerestory windows, it was gorgeous to drive around in!! I hope you guys get to enjoy being a Railroad Fan as much as I have been!!!
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Great video and very informative.
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Another great video! Loved the engine in starting up and climbing. Thanks!
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Great catches awesome chase and nice video
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Good morning Thomas, a great railway, the Grand Canyon Railway. Very nice is the Mikado steam locomotive at the front of the train and supported by a diesel locomotive. This is definitely necessary given the length of the train. Thank you for the great video and have a nice Sunday. Many greetings Wolfgang
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That Santa Fe six chime whistles always sounds amazing on the 4960 I look forward to hearing the voice of Southern Pacific 982 on 4960 later this year
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