Volunteers continue restoration of historic steam locomotive; group seeks track and turntable work

Santa Fe — New Mexico Heritage Rail representatives told the House Transportation, Public Works & Capital Improvements Committee about the restoration and ongoing maintenance of a large historic locomotive and requested assistance to secure additional track access and turntable repairs.

Phil Jacobas, who represents New Mexico Heritage Rail, said the organization removed the locomotive from Coronado Park in Albuquerque in 1999 and has worked for more than two decades to restore it. Jacobas described the engine as a large, operable steam locomotive restored with volunteer labor and inspected annually by the Federal Railroad Administration.

The group is seeking capital outlay dollars for track work and a turntable restoration at the south rail yard near Alvarado Station, and it said it is coordinating with BNSF and the New Mexico Department of Transportation on joint use agreements. Jacobas said the organization is also working to install positive train control equipment to meet operational safety requirements.

Committee members asked about volunteer opportunities and whether the group anticipates carrying passengers in the future. Jacobas said current agreements with NMDOT do not allow him to carry passengers but that the organization envisions public rides and cultural tourism partnerships if operating agreements and funding allow.

The restoration group said it has generated revenue from photography permits and is pursuing additional capital allotments and track access agreements to expand operations and preserve the locomotive for public display and tourism.