Grand Canyon Railway: First Steam of 2024!

Grand Canyon Railway 4960 is a 2-8-2 "Mikado" type steam locomotive built in August 1923 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works for the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad. It was used by the CB&Q to pull freight trains until 1958.

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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