Santa Fe 3751 Grand Canyon Limited Steam ExcursionThe Railroad Nation

The Arizona Centennial Commission has declared that the “Grand Canyon Limited” is now an Official Event of the 2012 Arizona Celebrations and the Santa Fe 3751 steam locomotive will run a 6 day steam train ride May 14-19 to the Grand Canyon.

Double heading with Santa Fe 3751, Grand Canyon Railway 4960 is leading the way back from the Grand Canyon as part of the 2002 NRHS Convention. Photo by Drew Jacksich

Operating plans call for the Grand Canyon Limited to be pulled by ATSF 3751, the first of 65 BLW 4-8-4 steam locomotives delivered to the Santa Fe beginning in 1927, from Los Angeles to Arizona via Parker and return.

Additional operating plans call for a round-trip doubleheader operation with the former BLW CB&Q No.4960, a 1923 2-8-2 steam locomotive, on the Grand Canyon Railroad between Williams and the Grand Canyon South Rim.

There will also be several photo run-by opportunities on all 5 operating days, all dependent of course on local freight traffic and permitting there is enough time. This 6 day steam excursion will be operated under contract with Amtrak, BNSF, Grand Canyon and the Arizona & California Railroads.

Early reservations have been steady, with some first class services already booked up. So if you have not booked your seat yet, many different options are still available to meet most everyone’s needs and desires for an enjoyable experience. Both Los Angeles and Phoenix options offer folks a chance to ride for just one day. For reservations and accommodations, go to: http://www.traintrips.biz/grand-canyon-limited.html

Your can download the Santa Fe 2751 Steam Excursion Itinerary here.