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Santa Fe 2900 Class

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description Santa Fe 2900 Class Overview

The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway class 2900 comprised thirty 5000-class 2-10-4 Texas-type steam locomotives built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1943 and 1944. Numbered 2900 through 2929, they were designed for heavy freight service and had 74-inch driving wheels, making them among the fastest and largest freight steam locomotives on the Santa Fe. They were fueled by oil and operated primarily across the railroad's main lines in the American Southwest. All were retired and scrapped by the late 1950s as the Santa Fe dieselized its fleet.

help Santa Fe 2900 Class FAQ

Were the Santa Fe 2900 Class locomotives the largest steam engines ever built?

While not the absolute largest overall, they were the heaviest and most powerful 2-10-4 Texas-type locomotives ever constructed. Built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1943 and 1944, their massive size and 74-inch driving wheels made them incredible freight pullers.

Is any of the Santa Fe 2900 class preserved today?

Yes, locomotive number 2926 was rescued from a park in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and underwent a massive restoration. After years of work by a dedicated volunteer group, the restored 1944 Baldwin steam engine finally moved under its own power in recent years.

What was the main purpose of the Santa Fe 5000-class 2-10-4s?

The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway designed these thirty locomotives specifically for heavy freight service across their system. They were highly effective at hauling long, heavy freight trains over the railway's routes during the World War II era.

How did the 2900 Class compare to the earlier Santa Fe 5000?

The 2900s were essentially an enlarged and improved version of the original 2-10-4 design, Santa Fe 5000. The thirty new engines built by Baldwin in the 1940s featured improved boilers and a higher axle load to increase their overall tractive effort.

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