Rail Equipment

The Grand Canyon Railway Diesel Fleet

Today, Grand Canyon Railway is home to a remarkable collection of America’s famed diesel locomotives.

Locomotive No. 2134 is a GP-7 type built in 1953 by the Electro-Motive Division of General Motors Corporation. Engines No. 6773, No. 6793, No. 6776 and B-Units No. 6871 and No. 6860 are all FPA-4, built by ALCO (American Locomotive Company) in 1959.

The FPA-4 model is unique in that it is designed to be longer for holding a steam generator in the back. The steam generator is utilized for heating cars. Locomotive 6793 is the last of the series the FPA-4 model locomotives built. Originally belonging to Canadian National Railway, the FPA-4 locomotives were purchased by Grand Canyon Railway in the 1990s.

Locomotive No. 6773 began service for Grand Canyon Railway in 1991. No 6793 began service in 1996. No. 6871 began service in 1998. B Unit No. 6776 began service for GCR in 2000. And B Unit No. 6860 began service for the railway in 2001.

Additionally, Grand Canyon Railway acquired three F-40PH locomotives in February 2003. General Motors Electro motive Division built Nos. 237 and 239 in 1977 and No. 295 in 1979. Amtrak used the engines through the late 1990s. These engines are currently being restored, and No. 239 entered service for the Grand Canyon Railway’s Polar Express in 2004. No. 295 entered service in February 2009.
 

Grand Canyon Railway's Unique Passenger Cars  

Grand Canyon Railway is home to a unique collection of historical railway cars, each with its own story. Grand Canyon Railway works to maintain the original look of the railcars, showcasing rail travel’s rich and diverse history.

All of the Railway’s cars are equipped with restrooms, staffed by a Passenger Service Attendant and can be reserved for groups and special events.

• Budd Coach cars — Built by Budd Manufacturing Company. Refurbished by the Grand Canyon Railway’s locomotive shop in 2005-2006, these coach cars offer guest air-conditioning and better serve passengers with disabilities.
• Pullman Coach cars — Built by Pullman in 1923, Harriman-style coach cars seat 80 to 88 passengers. The Grand Canyon Railway uses fully restored Harriman-style coach cars exclusively for The Polar Express™. Grand Canyon Railway established the limited schedule in 2006 to help preserve these fascinating railcars for future generations.
• The Bright Angel class — Grand Canyon Railway acquired the cars in 2003 from Amtrak. The complete and full restoration of the cars was completed in 2004, and went into service as First Class coach.
• Buckley O’Neil class — When Southern Railway passed its passenger service to Amtrak in 1979, the Buckley O’Neil Class Cars followed, then served on the Alaska Railroad before coming to Grand Canyon Railway. The name of these cars honors Grand Canyon Railway’s original owner.
• The Colorado River — This car was built in 1948 as a 16-section sleeper for the Denver Rio Grande Western. The car changed hands multiple times before being acquired by the Railroading Heritage of Midwest America. Grand Canyon Railway purchased the car in June of 1999, rebuilt the car and it into service in April 2000.
• The Yavapai — This car was built in 1950 by the Budd Manufacturing Company for use by the Southern Pacific. Grand Canyon Railway purchased the car in 1998 and put it into service that year. This car was renovated in 2009.
• The Coconino — This is a unique dome coach was built by Budd Manufacturing Company in 1954. Grand Canyon Railway purchased it in 1996, and went into service March 1997.
• The Grand View — The Grand View Car ran as a Vista Dome Coach on the famed California Zeophyr, arguably one of the most famous trains of all times. The Grand Canyon Railway acquired this classic dome coach car in 2004. The Grand View remains all original.
• The Kokopelli — In May of 2000, Grand Canyon Railway leased car No. 1326 from the Great Northern Dome Company to replace another dome car. It was repainted and named the Kokopelli
• The Santa Fe — The Santa Fe was built in 1948. A 37-seat coach, it was considered the lap of luxury, providing patrons with modern and comfortable seats. The Grand Canyon Railway became the proud owner in 2004.
• The Chief — Grand Canyon Railway acquired the car in 2002; this car had many restorations and one collision prior to arriving at Grand Canyon Railway. The Chief was put into service in October 2002.
• The Max Biegert —This recently refurbished Luxury Parlor Car is named after the businessman responsible for reinstating train service from Williams to the Grand Canyon in 1989. The railcar was built in 1954 and was originally known as the Bonaventure. The car debuted as The Max Biegert in September 2006 and is still in use on Grand Canyon Railway today.