Volunteers pitch capital-outlay support for restored 2926 steam locomotive as cultural attraction

Representatives of New Mexico Heritage Rail briefed the committee on the long-running restoration of locomotive No. 2926 and requested support for capital-outlay work to upgrade yard and turntable infrastructure.

Phil Jacobas, speaking for New Mexico Heritage Rail, said the nonprofit purchased the locomotive from the city and spent more than two decades removing asbestos, rebuilding and restoring the 1944 steam engine. He said the group is working to install positive train control equipment and to expand operating limits by negotiating joint-use agreements with the rail owner.

The group asked for capital-outlay dollars to restore the turntable and adjacent yard buildings, and noted prior support from the governor and county. Jacobas said the engine provides a cultural and tourism draw; the group recently hosted a photo shoot that generated $18,000 in fees from out-of-state photographers. He said volunteers—several hundred active participants over the years—drive the restoration effort.

Committee members expressed interest in the cultural and economic potential. Members asked how volunteers could help and about the organization’s fiscal arrangements; Jacobas said the city and county had been fiscal partners and suggested future collaborations with regional rail entities to secure a permanent home on city-owned track near Alvarado Station.

The presentation concluded with committee members praising the volunteer effort and encouraging the group to pursue capital-outlay requests and formal agreements with rail owners.