Why arn’t steam engines run year-round?
Steam engines run Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day and vintage diesel locomotives run the remainder of the year. During the winter months, the antique steam engines receive maintenance and are winterized allowing them a much-needed rest from the daily wear and tear of running 130 miles per day. Both the steam engines and diesel locomotives were utilized on the Grand Canyon line. Steam engines ran on the line from 1901 to 1953 and diesel locomotives from 1951 to 1974. (The last passenger train ran on the line in 1968.
