Next steam trip with the 101 year old Mikado planned for September 7
WILLIAMS, Ariz. — Unlike the full 15-car trains it ran in June and July, steam locomotive No. 4960 ran a more modest lineup on the Grand Canyon Railway on Aug. 3 and Aug. 12. According to chief mechanic Eric Hadder, the 2-8-2’s Aug. 12 birthday run consisted of 11 passenger cars, plus the railcar and auxiliary diesel F40 No. 4128.
“We are less busy in August, so the number of passengers and cars is lower than at the beginning of summer,” he said.
Despite this, No. 4960 performed well on both trips. Aside from a replaced steam line to heat the oil in the tender and constant attention to the oil lubrication of the power reverser, Hadder stated that little maintenance was required between trips.
Similar to the April 20 Earth Day excursion, No. 4960’s 101st birthday celebration featured the Mikado type being placed outside the depot at Grand Canyon National Park during its stay, and a staircase leading up to the cab so visitors could take a look inside. Hadder sees the arrangement as an opportunity to enrich the experience for those interested in the steam locomotives at GCRY.
However, he noted that this seemingly simple demonstration comes with logistical problems: The locomotive and water-filled tank car must be set up outside the depot at the top of a 1.5% steep grade while avoiding up to two parked trains, the stairs must be transported from the railroad’s mechanical shop in Williams, and additional time is needed to uncouple and recouple No. 4960 from its train. For now, Hadder sees the depot demonstrations as part of select special events only. To make them a regular occurrence, he says, “we need to make some more permanent changes to standardize and simplify the layout.”
In September, Route 4960 will operate two days from Williams to the South Rim of the national park. September 7 is planned as a “First Saturday” trip; a trip on September 21 will commemorate the railroad’s anniversary.
For more information, visit the Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel website. The steam train schedule can be found here.
