The last doubleheader. With Grand Canyon Railway Locomotive #29's Form 4 set to expire effectively at the end of the day, the railroad took one last opportunity to team her up with the 4960 for a series of doubleheaded run-bys with the Harriman-Style Commuter Coaches at various locations within the William's Yard. In this image, the two come cruising by photographers on the east leg of the Williams Wye.
The trip this day was the swan song not only for the 29, which will become a display at the Williams Depot for the time being, but also for the Harriman Cars, at least in their historic livery. Since the railroad no longer uses these cars for their regular runs to the canyon, they have elected to customize them for one of their most lucrative operations, the annual Polar Express. The cars are already in the process of being repainted a dark blue color, with red trim. They will also be lettered for Polar Express. So for the rail enthusiasts at least, this was a bit of a sad day, but at least, all of the equipment will stay here in Williams, where it will continue to be looked after by a very competent and capable shop.
The Grand Canyon Railroad, operating a 64-miles former Santa Fe branch to the eponymous natural wonder, is one of the best tourist railroads in the United States. It operates both steam and diesel locomotives.
