Western Railroad Discussion > Around Arizona

A couple weeks ago, I made a trip around central and eastern Arizona looking to photograph as diverse a range of operations as I could. Thanks for everyone on here who assisted with some great info which was very helpful! Here's the results:

1.) ARZC F-AZLMAT (aka 708) meets the M-MATPHX at Castle Hot Springs during their morning train swap on the Phoenix Sub.
2.) After picking up their train, 708 heads north through one of the Canyons near Morristown. We lucked out with the ARZC leader, I've heard the RCPE units have tended to become the preferred power for the crews.
3.) After picking up 2 shop cars at Wittmann siding, M-MATPHX heads towards its terminus of Phoenix.

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4.) R-SWE0035 works the Ennis Spur with consecutively numbered GP35 rebuilds.
5.) At the south end of Mobest Yard, a yard job (sounded like "101" drills cars with a GP38u leading.
6.) This afternoon was the only downer really, as we attempted to shoot the AZER returning to Globe, but they were either very delayed or didn't run. We skipped the Miami job 109 to try for this, and had to settle for a shot of them tied up at Miami. Here they are parked with an Arkansas Midland geep on the left.

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7.) On our way south to Tucson, we unexpectedly stumbled into Copper Basin's OT-1 departing with 45 loads from Ray Mine. An evening thunderstorm rolled in as the last light of the day faded.
8.) The next day, IDULB's DPU passes under a signal bridge on the east side of Tucson.
9.) The LKP36 Wilmot Turn heads under the Cienega Creek bridge.

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10.) Another DPU, this time off IEWLB, allows for this perspective stretched over the bridge.
11.) KAILC was next with 4 NS units for power.
12.) Port of Tucson (ex-PRR/PC/CR) GP30 2200 sits dead in their facility with a bent frame. 

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13.) As high sun arrived, it was time to head to the Copper Basin again. The light was still high when we arrived, but with OT-1 departing Hayden we figured it was worth a shot.
14.) After loading, OT-1 arrives back at Hayden. The dumper was full here so the train tied down, and it looked like the other two ore train turns planned for the day were going to be annulled. Luckily, around this point the Unit Train began to work and allowed us to salvage the day and then some.
15.) The UT comes down the Hayden Spur on their way to Ray Mine.

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16.) I'll conclude with one final image of the UT at Ray Jct. so I won't get too redundant. Lots of cool stuff for just 2 days, I will definitely be making a return visit!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/24/16 09:04 by rbmn5022.

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Amazing photos!

Using photo No. 3 as a lead-in, a well done sampler!

Cheers,
Jack

I really like #3.

Posted from Android

Nice variety!
GK

Wonderful shots in an area overlooked.

Really great photos & variety.

Ronda Thomas

Nice pics!!

Outstanding bunch!
JB

Very enjoyable series.

KG

Great set of photos, great adventure.  Thanks for sharing them with us.

Tim Costello

NICE COLLECTION! I really like the Copper Basin shots! Thanks for sharing.

Old Bob out in Lost Wages

Really great stuff, Mark. You guys owned that trip!

Great pics! Stay cool out there.

Tom