Mountains, Desert, Trains & History

See the Chihuahua Railway, Southern Pacific of Mexico and Sonora-Baja California Railway! We'll explore the CH-P from 10,000 foot Drake Tunnel to the Pacific port of Topolobampo. The Lasso, The Slab, The Pear (El Lazo, La Laja; La Pera - a loop, high bridge and tunnel) are a few landmarks on this remarkable journey. Oh, and how about Barranca del Cobre, the Copper Canyon?

Despite the sale to Mexico in 1951, certain Southern Pacific operating practices are yet faithfully observed at century's end. Journey over FCP's line from Sufragio south to Guadalajara, along with several branches, plus NdeM routes to Los Reyes and Manzanillo. See venerable ALCo RS-11 #501 (originally 1501) celebrating her 39th year - in a fresh coat of green paint and yellow trim. We'll partake in the annual "Day of the Railroader" festivities at Tepic and see historic equipment, both still serving and on display. Thrill to the viaducts and blast through 35 tunnels on one line, then ride the rural NdeM branch to Los Reyes, then the Manzanillo line whose 16 tunnels are being enlarged for double stack trains.

Like a Pied Piper, diminutive but whistle-happy, 0-6-0 #2 attracts a traffic jam along the parallel road between Empalme and Guaymas. Empalme Shops are viewed before we survey the FCP (SP of Mexico) north end to Nogales. Independently operated until 1965, the Nacozari Railroad winds through the canyons until abruptly ending some distance north of town. Here, we circle the loop track at the modern Mexiean Copper complex.

From the cab of #2203 hurtling down the well-maintained Sonora-Baja California Railway (SBC), night yields to daylight, then sunrise on the vast Sonoran Desert. Trailing the FT are idle Alco #501 and a GE, which uncouple at Puerto Penasco in order to pinch hit for an ailing MLW (in BC Rail red, white & blue!) on #3, which we overtake. Civilization gradually becomes evident as Mexicali, the end of the line, approaches. Enjoy your tour of Mexico!