New Mexico: Roadrunners, Pumpkins and Stacks

Between the high plains of Texas, to the east, and the state of Arizona, to the west, lies “The Land of Enchantment” – New Mexico. This program concentrates on the central area of the state, south of its largest city, Albuquerque. We will take you on a journey west from Willard, along the double-tracked intermodal corridor that is the BNSF Southern Transcon, concluding with the spectacular scenery in the region of Rio Puerco. At Kayser, we highlight congestion caused by maintenance of way to the east, and a 12-loco light-engine movement.

At Scholle, the recently-completed second track alignment through Abo Canyon is featured, before continuing west to witness trains thundering through Madrone. In the setting sun at Jarales, an intermodal coasts west toward the servicing point at Belen, while heavy freights depart east, rumbling away from the yard. An interlude will focus on the New Mexico Rail Runner Express passenger trains, operated by Rio Metro, which serve the communities between Belen, Albuquerque and the state capital Santa Fe.