Map of Linea S (SC)

FNM's Division Mexicano - FNM 1994 Employee Timetable

Ferrosur - Orizaba to Veracruz

Two C30-7's ease a train of Ferrosur and Ferromex automaxes toward the mainline at Orizaba yard.

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Orizaba

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Although the city of Orizaba is on the valley floor, the line toward Veracruz is still very steep as the the foothills of the Sierra Madre lean toward the Gulf Coast. Many rivers wind out of the mountains creating the steep valleys that eventually open to the coastal plains. Through this region, Ferrosur's Linea S is an interesting mix of historic and modern railroading. Much of the original FC Mexicano right of way is still used, undulating over ridges and crossing the many rivers on old steel trestles. It is common to find old catenary poles still standing along the mainline, remnants of the 1920's electrification from Paso de Macho to Esperanza. However, many parts of the line were rebuilt as part of the 1980's public work projects, featuring some impressive concrete bridges.

Orizaba yard sits on a 2% grade, sloping southward toward Veracruz. Here, a southbound train is slowly starting toward the mainline as it begins its trip to Tierra Blanca (via Linea G). Meanwhile double stacked containers (as well as some in gondolas) sit in the yard while a switcher approaches on the mainline.

Distributed power is now very commonly used in many different arrangements on Ferrosur. This heavy northbound train from Veracruz is using two sets of DPU's while only one locomotive is on the head-end. A work train is stopped in the distance on one main track while this train approaches Orizaba Yard.

Before the use of distributed power, manned helpers were very common throughout Ferrosur's mountainous territory. This northbound is about to cross over into Orizaba Yard with a set of mid-train helpers visible in the distance.

South from Orizaba, Linea S immediately starts to pass through sugar cane fields that cover the valley floors in southern Veracruz. A leased TFM AC44CW is leading this southbound through the fields as it approaches Sumidero.

Approaching Sumidero on the double track that extends from Encinar to Fortin (through Orizaba), this empty grain train is coasting through one of the many sags.

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Puente Metlac

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Between Sumidero and Fortin, Linea S crosses the Metlac Ravine on a high concrete bridge. The original right of way wound down the side of the ravine and crossed the river on a sharply curving bridge only to climb up a stiff grade on the other side. The new double-tracked bridge crosses directly over the ravine.

Led by a leases Feromex AC44CW, a southbound intermodal train is crossing Puente Metlac.

A southbound empty grain train crossing the bridge on a typical foggy morning.

On sunny days, Pico de Orizaba dominates the skyline above the Orizaba Valley. This southbound train is bound for Coatzacoalcos via Linea G.

A southbound manifest train is curving through Fortin moments after sunrise.

A northbound grain train is diverging at the beginning of double track at Fortin.

Although the coastal valleys of Veracruz are covered in lush tropical vegetation, the land is still very rugged. This northbound train is digging into the steep grades and sags that extend above Córdoba. Notice the catenary poles that still line the tracks through this area, reminders that this line was once electrified.

At Paraje Nueva, this northbound grain train struggles to climb away from the Rio Atoyac.

A northbound train curving through the village of Paraje, a small sugar cane town.

The town of Portrero was once the center of the large sugar cane industry in this region. There was a large sugar mill that was served by a shortline railroad and large yard. While the yard is still used for storage, and the shortline's engines sit dormant, most of the areas sugar cane is now trucked to larger mills throughout the region. This northbound is passing through Potrero while kids walk home from school.

A northbound approaches the old yard at Potrero. The tracks to the left were a yard lead while the foreground is the current siding. This train will meet a southbound that is taking the siding at the north end.

At Atoyac, Linea S winds into a narrow canyon above Rio Atoyac. This part of the line was rebuilt on the opposite side of the canyon. The tracks now pass through Túnel Pensil and a concrete rock-shed before crossing over Rio Atoyac. This northbound can be seen winding though the tunnel.

A southbound exiting Túnel Pensil in early morning light.

Northbound trains from Veracruz leave the coastal plains and encounter the first of the mountains at Atoyac. This northbound grain train is crossing Rio Atoyac on the impressive series of concrete bridges. In the distance the coastal plains stretch toward the Gulf of Mexico.

A northbound manifest crossing Rio Atoyac.

A short work train is on the same bridge as it heads north. Its caboose is pictured below.

A southbound is leaving the mountains behind as it enters the plains near Atoyac.

This northbound grain train is winding through sugar cane fields as it approaches the canyon at Atoyac.

A short work train is leaving Paso del Macho to pick up used concrete ties around Portero.

On clear mornings, Pico de Orizaba is visible to ships in the Gulf of Mexico. On this day, it is looming over a southbound train that is leaving Camarón siding after meeting a northbound intermodal train.

A southbound intermodal train below Pico de Orizaba. Notice that many of the containers are simply loaded into gondola cars; a common practice on Ferrosur.

Pico de Orizaba is mostly hidden by the coastal haze that is beginning to form into clouds as a southbound baretable passes through Mata de Agua.

At Soledad de Doblado, Linea S crosses over this interesting steel tresstle. The top level carries the tracks over Rio Jamapa, while the bottom level carries a narrow wood-planked roadway.

A view of the wood-planked roadway underneath the tracks.

A southbound manifest train is entering the town of Soledad de Doblado as it crosses the Rio Jamapa.

At Manlio Fabio Altamirano, the southbound baretable train (with two hoppers on the head-end) is entering the suburbs of Veracruz. The abandoned station here is being enveloped by the dense tropical vegitation.

Ferrosur - Apizaco to Orizaba; Distrito Acultzingo

Linea SC

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Ferrosur's Linea S reaches its highest elevation of 8,235' along the sides of La Malinche, near Huamantla. From this point, it's 180 miles to sea level at the port of Veracruz. With this in mind, it is clear that building a railroad between these points would require some impressive feats of engineering. When the FC Mexicano built into the Sierra Madre Orientals from Veracruz, their original alignment through Orizaba, Maltrata and Esperanza featured 4.7% grades and many incredibly sharp curves. Most of the FC Mexicano's original alignment became NdeM's Distrito Maltrata, their mainline between Veracruz and Mexico City. In the 1920's, FC Mexicano electrified the line from Paso del Macho (on the coastal plains) to Esperanza which was the bulk of the climb into highlands of central Mexico. General Electric box cabs hauled passenger and freight trains up through the mountains until heavier duty diesel locomotives from Alco started to arrive on property. Although the toughest parts of the climb through the sierra were bypassed in the 1980's by Linea SC, parts of the FC Mexicano's original alignment are still in service today as Ferrosur's mainline.

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Distrito Acultzingo - Linea SC

In the 1980's, the Mexican government funded the rebuilding of many rail lines throughout the country as part of a massive public works initiative. In many places, complete new alignments were built, by-passing difficult terrain. Between Jesus de Nazareno, Puebla and Mendoza, Veracruz, Linea S was completely rebuilt utilizing a neighboring valley to the south of the existing allignment. This huge progect was done to bypass the 4.7% grades and extreme curvature of Linea S's Distrito Maltrata. The new line, designated Linea SC - or Distrito Acultzingo - features a ruling grade of 2.7% and some impressive engineering. Although Linea SC is a huge improvement over the original line, it still poses an operational challenge.

Now in the highlands of Puebla state, this northbound manifest train is stretching out on the flatlands near Esperanza as it runs on the last few miles of Distrito Acultzingo. Lying ahead is the connection to Linea S at Jesus de Nazareno, and the run to Apizaco. Pico de Orizaba dominates the skyline throughout this region of Mexico.

Having crested the summit of the Sierra Madre Oriental, this northbound manifest train is passing through San Antonio de Soledad. From the high valleys of Puebla, the mountains do not look to impressive. However, the long climb from the coast of Veracruz lies on the other side.

At 18,500', Pico de Orizaba is the highest mountain in Mexico (third highest in North America behind McKinley and Logan). From the west, the peak doesn't look that impressive because the valleys are already so high. This southbound manifest is climbing toward the summit of Distrito Acultzing near San Antonio de Soledad with Pico de Orizaba standing in the distance. Once reaching the summit, the descent into the Orizaba Valley and to the Gulf Coast begins.

At 9,752 feet, "El Mexicano," Mexico's longest tunnel, carries Linea SC under the summit of the Sierra Madre Oriental. Since it is on the east side of Linea SC's summit, it is all up hill though the tunnel for northbound trains. According to the FNM 1994 Timetable, the grade is a steady 2.5% northward, requiring a ventilation and door system at the north portal. This northbound train is emerging from the north portal at Puente Colorado.

High above the Rio Blanco Valley and the town of Acultzingo, a northbound train begins climbing after meeting a southbound at Vaqueria.

A southbound train rolling through Vaqueria.

A southbound manifest train is winding down into the Rio Blanco Valley below Vaqueria. On clear days, the peak of Pico de Orizaba is visible from the higher parts of the valley walls. Usually coastal moisture keeps the mountains of Veracruz covered in fog and drizzle, hiding the peak.

A single engine is returning to Orizaba after spending the day on a work train. The higher elevations above the valley host a small lumber industry. A small mill is visible to the left of the engine.

Looking down at the village of Vaqueria, a northbound unit grain train is looping around the narrow valley as it climbs toward Vaqueria siding. After looping around again, the train will pass through the tunnels visible above the train as it continues to climb toward "El Mexicano."

Approaching Huaxtitla, this southbound train passes under Puente Vaqueria.

A heavy northbound train is down to a crawl in the village of Vaqueria.

Below Huaxtitla, the line loops back again and enters the town of Acultzingo. This northbound grain train is passing through a spot of sun on an otherwise cloudy day in the mountains of Veracruz. (Unfortunately, I missed the engines in the light)

On a sunny afternoon, a northbound grain train is climbing toward Huaxtitla.

Above Acultzingo, this southbound is passing a set of GE trucks, and other reminders of a recent derailment.

Another southbound passing by the derailment site below the loop at Acultzingo. Notice the right of way on the hillside above the train.

A northbound grain train meets a southbound manifest at Acultzingo. Immigration has a very visible effect on the railroads in southern Mexico. Especially on trains coming from Linea G (Tierra Blanca), it is very common to see groups of people riding on northbound trains. Most trains now also carry security guard on them, not to remove the riders, but to protect the crews and freight.

Until recently, manned helpers were still common on Ferrosur between Veracruz, Tierra Blanca and Jesus de Nazareno, Puebla. Now, DPU's are the norm on Distrito Acultzingo, distributed though out a train in many different variations. These helpers are returning light to Orizaba after helping an early-morning northbound. They are passing the DPU's on a heavy northbound on the main track at Acultzingo.

South of Acultzingo, a southbound is passing above the many small farms on the valley floor.

After passing through a chain of small tunnels, this southbound as approaching the loops at Mezquite. The tracks ahead are visible at two levels in the lower right.

As the sun breaks through the clouds, this northbound climbing out of the loop at Mezquite.

A small work train is climbing through the loop above Mezquite.

C30-7's lead a northbound through Mezquite.

The Orizaba Valley is visible in the background as this loaded grain train climbs through the curves at Mezquite. The DPU's are then passing below. Linea SC makes two reversing curves here to cross to the opposite side of the valley while still gaining elevation.

During the usual cloudy and foggy weather in the mountains of Veracruz, the sun will occasionally break out in the afternoons. This southbound cement train is passing through the sunlight at Mezquite. The moisture that rolls off the gulf coast cools when it presses against the mountains creating the usual fog and clouds that can bee seen in the distance.

Two trains that met at Mezquite siding can now be seen on opposite sides of the valley.

Above Tecamalucan, this northbound train is climbing out of the Orizaba Valley.

A northbound above Tecamalucan.

A southbound exiting a tunnel at KM 307.

This work train is approaching the first tunnel of Distrito Acultzingo as it leaves Tecamalucan. In the background is a high-wide detector that protects the many tunnels ahead.

At Encinar, Linea SC reconnects with the original Linea S right of way. When Lineas SC was completed, a former NdeM GE box cab locomotive was put on display at the junction as a monument to the new line through the mountains. This southbound (above) is curving onto the original right of way while passing the old GE locomotive. The formerly electrified Distrito Maltrata continued straight at this point, to the right of the train.

A northbound passing Encinar as it begins its trip up Linea SC.

Approaching Orizaba, a leased TFM AC44CW leads this short southbound down the grade on a rainy morning.

In Orizaba Yard, a southbound train eases toward the mainline to begin a trip to Coatzacoalcos. Double stacked containers - as well as a few in gondolas - are waiting in the yard while a switcher approaces on the mainline.

Late at night, this yard crew is walking into the towns streets for a quick meal as a southbound train pulls into the yard. Once the southbound is done with a setout, the crew on the mainlne will houl the cars into the Cuauhtémoc brewery for spotting.

Ferrosur - Mexico City to Apizaco

Most of Ferrosur's mainline from Mexico City to Veracruz is the former FC Mexicano - Mexico's first railroad. After leaving Mexico City on Ferrovalle tracks, Ferrosur trains climb out of the Valle de Mexico into the high valleys of Hidalgo and Tlaxcala. The line, designated by N de M as Linea S crosses several plateaus before descending into the former division point of Apizaco.

After cresting the first grade above the Valle de Mexico, this short southbound is descending through Jaltepec as it approaches the Hidalgo state line.

Ferrosur has an all-GE locomotive roster. After privatization, they opted to sell and trade all of their EMD and Alco engines in favor of a core of C30-7's and Super 7's. They have since invested heavily in large fleet of AC44CW's.

This C30-7 was once the shop switcher at the Valle de Mexico locomotive shops in Mexico City - hence the different pain scheme. It has since been repainted in Ferrosur's green livery.

A southbound has just finished picking up empty autoracks at Irolo, and is on the move again. At Irolo, there is a spur that leads to several manufacturing plants, including a Nissan facility and Bombardier's locomotive assembly plant where EMD locomotives are assembled.

Ferrosur's Linea S crosses KCSM's Mexico-Veracruz line at Calderon.

A leased Ferromex AC44CW leads this southbound though Munoz.

Because of a long northbound manifest moving through Apizaco yard, the dispatcher has instructed this southbound to clear out in Munoz siding. Here, the northbound slowly grinds by on the mainline.

In the shadow of La Malinche - the volcanic peak above Apizaco - a southbound manifest descends into the city of Apizaco.

Apizaco is the junction point with Linea SA, the line to Puebla. This southbound train is setting out a locomotive in Apizaco yard before departing for Puebla. The north leg of the SA wye passes on the opposite side of the depot in the background.

The southbound is seen trundling through town as it depart Apizaco for Puebla on Linea SA.

Continuing south on Linea S, the tracks climb a stiff grade along the base of La Malinche. The summit of this grade is the high-point between Mexico and Veracruz. In this arid altliplano, the line winds though pine trees and alpine-like streams.

Ferromex & KCSM - Querétaro to Mexico City

From Querétaro to Mexico City, Ferromex and KCSdeM's mainlines both roughly parallel eachother through the high valley and passes of Querétaro, Hidalgo and Mexico states. South of Querétaro, Ferromex was awarded NdeM's Linea B through the privatization process. This is slow, steep and windy single-tracked mainline. Linea A was then awarded to TFM as the southern section of their Nuevo Laredo to Mexico City mainline. In the 1980's, NdeM rebuilt this line, creating a high-speed double tracked mainline with the intent of running electrified high-speed freight trains with freight-geared E60C's. However, after privatization TFM elected to remove the catenary lines in order to allow clearance for double stacks and auto racks.
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Querétaro Canyon

Directly east (railroad south) of Querétaro, both mainines enter Querétaro Canyon for the short climb into the Valle de San Juan del Rio. Ferromex has trackage rights on KCSM's Linea A through the canyon.

A southbound Ferromex manifest train is climbing through Querétaro Canyon on KCSM's Linea A. Ferromex's Linea B is visible below on the left.

Ferromex map of Linea B. Note, KCSM tracks are not shown.

A northbound Ferromex train passing through the short tunnels at Hercules.

A southbound KCSM train passing above the town of La Cañada.

A long southbound TFM train lead by a single Super 7 is passing through two of the short tunnels in Querétaro Canyon. A near by detector read off 518 axles, at 9 KPH.

The San Juan del Rio Valley

Upon exiting Queretaro Canyon, the tracks enter the fertile and flat Valle de San Juan del Rio. Line A and Linea B connect at La Griega in order to allow Ferromex trains onto their own rails for the mountainous climb to Mexico City. South of La Griega, the two lines quickly spread to opposite sides of the valley as they approach the mountains through separate passes.

At La Griega, there is a connection between Linea A and B. Above, a northbound intermodal train will continue straight, staying on Linea B through Querétaro Canyon while a southbound manifests waits on KCSM trackage. Once the intermodal train passes, the southbound crosses over onto Ferromex trackage (below) to continue on toward Mexico City.

Viborillas

At Viborillas, KCSM's Linea BC (the shortcut from San Luis Potosi and Laredo) crosses Ferromex's mainline at grade.

A southbound Ferromex train (above) hits the diamond at Viborillas. Below, a short TFM intermodal train passes over the diamond. This southbound train will soon connect to Linea A at Ahorcado, and continue south toward Mexico City.

Leaving Viborillas, this southbound TFM train from Monterrey approaches Ahorcado on Linea BC.

This northbound TFM train has just entered Linea BC from Linea A at Ahorcado. This signal visible in the distance is the approach to the connection at Ahorcado. The trackage diverging to the right of the train leads to a new grain elevator that receives unit trains of grain from the US. Although the facility is still growing, the unloading loop routinely handles 110 car trains from KCSM.

The Mountains - Linea A

At the south end of the valley, KCSM's Linea A begins the steady climb into the mountains of Hidalgo. The tracks pass through the city of San Juan del Rio, which is situated at the south west corner of the valley.

This northbound train is descending into the valley. In the distance is the city of San Juan del Rio, situated on a hillside over looking the valley.

A southbound is slowly climbing the grade at San Juan del Rio on a rainy summer morning. In the distance, the train can be seen curving toward the impressive concrete bride over the Rio San Juan.

Above San Juan del Rio, the line passes through

a horseshoe curve, doubling back through the outskirts of town as it gains elevation. The line also passes through a few tunnels in this area. Above, a southbound KCSM manifest train is passing through Tunnel 8 as it climbs toward Hidalgo. Below, moments later this empty auto train is passing through the same tunnel on the other main track. The train is lead by a brand new ES44AC, still wearing its GE applied primer. The unit will eventually be painted into KCSM's "belle" paint scheme in San Luis Potosi.

The Mountains - Linea B

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Meanwhile, Ferromex's Linea B begins climbing further to the east. This line is much steeper and more windy than the modernized Linea A. Linea B climbs to a pass above the resort town of Tequisquiapan before descending into a neighboring valley in Hidalgo state.

Beginning the climb out of the Valle de San Juan del Rio, the line passes above Presa Centenario, a reservoir near San Nicholas.

Above Tequisquiapan, the tracks curve southward into a canyon that leads toward the summit of the climb. Above, a northbound intermodal train loops around the hillside as it descends into the distant valley.

A southbound grain train is curving into the canyon nearing the summit.

Northbound autoracks are descending through the canyon.

At the summit above Tequisquiapan, the tracks pass through a rock-lined tunnel under the ridge. The tunnel passes under the Querétaro-Hidalgo state line. Here, a northbound train is still pulling hard as it exits the north portal of the tunnel.

Emerging into Hidalgo, this southbound is beginning the easy descent into a broad valley near the village of San Joaquin.

In the middle of this valley is the city of Huichipan. Here, the line begins to climb again, encountering a stiff grade as the tracks climb southward. Here, a southbound grain train is curving through Huichapan siding as it begins to climb through the city of Huichipan.

Shot from the engineer's seat of a southbound Super 7, a northbound train approaches the south switch of Huichapan siding.

In the highlands of Hidalgo, early morning fog often fills the valleys. Here, a long southbound train is looping around the town of San José Atlan - although it is not visible. (scanned from B&W negative)

At San Sebastian, the line passes through two horseshoe curves as it loops up the hillside to gain elevation. This northbound intermodal train is curving through the bottom loop while coasting down-grade without its headlights on.

This intermodal train is negotiating the lower loop moments after sunrise.

This southbound train is slowly climbing the grade between the two loops.

Passing through the upper loop, this southbound manifest is down to a crawl as it slowly climbs the grade.

This southbound train is exiting the upper loop, once again heading southward toward toward Mexico City.

Meanwhile, on the opposite side of this valley, KCSM's Linea A crosses a plateau that keeps their route level, straight and fast. This train is leaning into a curve above the town of Nopala. The resevoir there can be seen in the distance.

On the Ferromex line, the grade begins to let up at Nopala. Here, the tracks run along the banks of a large reservoir as they continue to climb toward a summit south of the town.

A heavy southbound train is slowly grinding toward Nopala siding. In the distance, a northbound can be seen waiting in the siding for the train to pass. (scanned from B&W neagative)

This southbound is passing through Nopala. Notice the Ferromex painted speeder in the siding.

The section houses at Nopala are still in use by the local track gang.

South of Nopala, Linea A and Linea B converge again at Argon, sharing the same right of way over the summit of the grade. Although there is a connection between the two lines, they are opperated seperately. This southbound train is entering the shared right of way at Argon on Linea B. The two tracks to the left are KCSM's double tracked mainline. The train can still be seen in the distance winding through the town of Nopala.

A fast northbound intermodal train at Argon on Linea A. Ferromex's Linea B is in the foreground.

Maravillas

Maravillas is the summit of the grades between Queretaro and Mexico City. Here, the two lines diverge again to the south, begining the descent into the Valle de Mexico and Mexico City.

A northbound TFM train is easily passing through Maravillas on Linea A.

On Ferromex's Linea B, a northbound empty grain train is climbing toward the summit. The difference of grades and curvature on Linea A and B is easily visible here.

A northbound intermodal train approadching Maravillas on a stormy afternoon.

The empty grain train climbing between Escandon and Maravillas.

At the same location, this short intermodal train has enough power to easily make it up the grade to Maravillas.

Huehuetoca

After descending into the Valle de Mexico, Linea A and Linea B again connect at the city of Huehuetoca. It is at Huehuetoca that Ferrovalle (FC Terminal Valle de Mexcio - the terminal railway of Mexico City) ownership of both lines begin. From the connection with Linea B, if is four main track the rest of the way into Mexico City.

In the 1980's, Linea A was rebuilt almost entirely on a new allignment. The original line still exists in many places - often used for storage of condemned cars. here, a southbound train has descended out of the distant hills and is arriving at Huehuetoca. Linea A joins the original right of way - seen diverging to the right.

The same southbound TFM train is shown passing a Ferrovalle switcher at Huehuetoca.

KCS de Mexico - South from Laredo

The KCS de Mexico mainline from Laredo south is the fastest and most direct line from the border to Mexico City. Union Pacific, TexMex (KCS), and BNSF (via haulage agreements with TM) interchange with KCSdeM at Laredo. The international Bridge is the busiest interchange point between Mexico and the US rail systems.

A northbound intermodal train is being interchanged from TFM to BNSF (Via TM haulage agreements) on the International Bridge at Laredo. Currently, the TFM crew is on board, pulling to the middle of the bridge. Once there, they will get off and walk back to their yard while the TM crew walks out to the train on the bridge to board the engines. They will then pull the train slowly into Laredo while customs inspects the passing cars.

South of Monterrey, the line climbs into the northern reaches of the Sierra Madre Oriental to the colonial city of Saltillo. Designated by N de M as Linea B, the line now continues southward as the grade gets steeper while climbing to a summit at Benjamin Mendez.

A southbound unit grain train is passing through Encantada, the south end of double track from Saltillo.


A southbound train of Archer Daniels Midland tank cars climbing the grade on the double tracked portion south of Saltillo. From Saltillo to Encantada, the two tracks use the grade of both the former Coahuila y Zacatecas and Mexican Nacional Railroads.

South of Encantada, the same train is curving into the valley that leads toward the summit of the climb at Benjamin Mendez.




Panned against the sierra, two KCSdeM SD70 Ace's lead a southbound grain train up the grade approaching Agua Nueva siding. There are two additional DPU's pushing on the rear of this train.

A southbound unit grain train lead by KCS and UP power is about to enter Tunnel 2. This location is only a few miles below the summit at Benjamin Mendez.

The tank train previously pictured is exiting the south portal of Tunnel 2.

A southbound TFM manifest train is slowly grinding around the curve at North Benjamin Mendez. (low resolution scan from B&W negative)

A Northbound train is beginning the descent at North Benjamin Mendez.

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Benjamin Mendez

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Benjamin Mendez is located at the summit of the Sierra Madre Oriental. Actually located in the town of Carneros, Coahuila, at some point NdeM renamed the station after a local railroad official.

A Northbound double stack train is eases into dynamic brakes as it begins the descent from Benjamin Mendez.

Security guards are stationed at most of the control points on this portion of the KCSdeM mainline. At the north switch of Benjamin Mendez, Leno is working through his 24 hour shift watching over each train that passes by.

Benjamin Mendez is a crew change point for all trains between Nuevo Laredo/Monterrey and San Luis Potosi. Quite often, trains will be tied down here, waiting for an outbound crew. Distributed power units will also be removed from southbound trains here, and wait for use on another northbound trip. The locomotives on the right are from a southbound vehicle train that was destined to the Chrysler plant at Encantada. After setting out the train, the crew continues to "Ben" to tie down their power.

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South of Benjamin Mendez, the line crosses several high desert valleys as it slowly descends toward the city of San Luis Potosi.

San Luis Potosi

In the 1970's, N de M rebuilt most of Linea B south of San Luis Potosi. From SLP, the new Linea B travels through a low valley until reaching Villa de Reyes. From here, the tracks begin to climb through a mountain range into a neighboring valley in the state of Guanajuato. Many tunnels and high concrete bridges were used to construct this new line. Once reaching Buchanan Lopez, the line splits. Linea BC continues south east toward Mexico City (bypassing Queretaro) while Linea BD diverges south west toward Celaya and Morelia.

At Villa Reyes, a southbound TFM train of automobile parts destined for Toluca is about to begin the climb through the Sierra El Cubo, and into the neighboring state of Guanajuato. This new allignment created a short cut between San Luis Potosi, and Mexico City, allowing trains to bypass Celaya and Queretaro. (low resolution scan from B&W negative)

The new allignment of Linea B crosses into Guanajuato through a series of long tunnels and high bridges in order to cross though the mountain range that separates two long valleys. Here a southbound train is emerging into Guanajuato.

A northbound double stack train is entering the canyon that leads into the Sierra El Cubo, near Santo Domingo, Guanajuato.

A southbound vehicle train is climbing out of the same canyon as a summer thunder storm approaches over the mountains. (low resolution scan from B&W negative)

A northbound TFM work train is leaving Bucahnan Lopez to dump new ties in the canyon near Santo Domingo.

Buchanan Lopez

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Buchanan Lopez is the junction of Linea BC and Line BD. Linea BC continues south east to a connection with Linea A at Ahorcado, creating a shortcut to Mexico City and bypassing the city of Queretaro. Linea BD turns southwest, toward Celaya, Morelia and eventually the expanding port of Lazaro Cardenas.

A long northbound manifest train approaches Buchanan Lopez on Linea BC from Mexico City. The distant track diverging to the right is the begining of Line BD to Celaya.

At San Diego, Guanajuato, a local switcher returns to Ahorcado, Queretaro after working the industries near San Jose Inturbide. Located on Linea BC, the short tunnel passes under the Guanajuato-Queretaro state line.

On Linea BD, Escobedo is a terminal near Celaya that is the base of KCSM's business in the Bajio. Through freight trains change crews here, and a small yard switches the local business. Above. a local southbound train prepares to leave Escobedo.

The same train as above is leaving town, pulling through the large station and toward the mainline to Acambaro.

Ferromex - Mazatlán to Guadalajara

Mazatlán is currently Ferromex's division point between the Hermosillo and Guadalajara Divions. Here most trains change locomotives here. South of Mazatlán, large consists of new ES44AC and SD70Ace's are the norm, including DPU's for the steep climb from Roseta to Tepic.South of Mazatlán, the line travels inland in order to avoid the miles of wide lagoons that cover the coast. Also traveling along the foot of the rugged Sierra Madres, the line crosses many wide rivers as they flow into the coastal plains. It is not until reaching the Rio Grande de Santiago that the line turn inland.
After crossing the Rio San Pedro, this southbound unit grain train is climbing the short grade into Estacion Ruiz.


At Yago, the line reaches the Rio Grande de Santiago. The tracks then turn inland, following the river as they climb toward the highlands of Tepic. Approaching Pani, this southbound is winding along the river as it encounters the first of the long steep grade to Tepic. The stone retaining walls along the right of way are common in this region, a trademark of SPdeM and FCP construction.


After meeting a northbound train at Mango, the brakeman on this southbound manifest train is lining the south switch for the mainline. On the 2.4% grade, this is all done while the train continues to slowly pull in order to keep from stopping on the grade.

Underway again, the southbound digs back into the grade at Mango.

Approaching the former station onf Ignacio Borrego, the same southbound is baout half way up the 2.4% grade from Roseta to Mora.

Notice the security guards riding the cars.

Distibuted power consists have put an end to to the use of manned helpers from Roseta to Tepic. Here the 3 unit mid-train consist is pushing up the southbound grade.

Near Atonalisco, this northbound manifest is descending toward the Rio Grande de Santiago.

Sugar cane, citrus and avacado groves cover the slopes of this regions. This northbound is passing through sugar cane as it approaches Mango.

A work train is in the siding at Aguirre as a southbound manifest train pulls by.

The valley is echoing with the sound of dynamic brakes as this northbound train is approaching the Highway 115.

Approaching the summit of the grade, this northbound is gaining speed as the grade begins to let up at Mora.

Lago Mora provides some level right of way near the summit.

Although Tepic is just a flat spot on the grade from the coast to Guadalajara, it is at summit of the heavy 2.4% grade from Roseta. Southbound trains remove their DPU's here, and continue to Guadalajara unassited. Northbound trains usually add locomotives at Tepic, either for additional dynamic braking or to reposition locomotives at Mazatlán. Here, a northbound is adding two locomotives to the head-end of their train, taking them down the grade to Mazatlán.

A southbound train has removed their mid-train DPU's, and is pulling into the depot at Tepic for a crew change.

After an afternoon thunderstorm, a maintainence of way crew is tying up at the Tepic Depot. The locomotives are waiting to assist a northbound trian down the grade to Mazatlán.

Distrito Tepic

South of the city of Tepic, Ferromex's Distrito Tepic continues to climb through the Sierra Madres toward Guadalajara. This segment was the last segment of the Nogales-Guadalajara line to be comleted by the Southern Pacific of Mexico in 1927. Famous for its impressive engineering through "the Barrancas", this is a mountainous line, but with maximum grades of only 1.7%.

At Tetitlán, a maintainence of way crew reairs tracks the old way.

A Form B is in effect at the derailment site. The foreman of the gang is talking with the crew of a northbound train as it passes through his limits.

A northbound train is winding through the volcanic valley between Tetitlán and Ixtlán.

Between Ixtlán and Tetitlán, the tracks wind along the foot of Volcán Ceboruco as ell as many other small craters. Near Ixtlán, this northbound is passing in front of one of the many smaller craters.

The same northbound train is pulling into Ixtlán del Rio. They will make a brief stop here to pick up a meal at the maintainence of way beanery that is kept here.

Although speeders are rearely found in use in the US, they are still commonly used by Mexican railraods. Ferromex keeps a maintainence facility for their autoarmones in Ixtlán del Rio.


The Barrancas

The mountain grade between Ixtlán del Rio and La Quemada is known by railfans as "the Barrancas." A difficult stretch to build, the tracks cling to the side of the valley as they wind up through 25 tunnels and many high trestles. Unfortunately though, much of the line in this area is very inaccessible and I have few pictures to offer.

The former FC Pacifico station sign at Barrancas is still hanging, 137KM from Guadalajara and 1708 KM from Nogales.

Presumably still standing from the SPdeM days, the water tank at Barrancas waits indefinitely. Little at Barrancas has changed since SPdeM owned the line; just compare to pictures in the Signor/Kirchner book.

A switchstand at Barrancas. The depot in the background.

Once in the highlands of Jalisco, the hillsides are covered with blue and green fields of agave. This is the Tequila region. In the photo above, the Ferromex right of way can be seen winding through the agave fields above the town of Tequila.

Ferromex runs a weekly train from Guadalajara to Amatitlan, carrying tourists to the region for a day of Tequila tasting. Known as the Tequila Express, it runs with a few Japanese Kinki cars painted in a bright scheme. Above, the brakeman is retoring the siding switch to normal after the train backs into the staion spur at Amatitlán. The train lays over on the spur until ready to leave in the evening.

Ferromex - Nogales to Mazatlán

Completed by the Southern Pacific of Mexico, the former Ferrocarril del Pacifico runs from the Arizona border to Guadalajara, Jalisco. Now part of Ferromex's División Hermosillo, the line is a venerable secondary mainline. The lightly traveled northern end is made of much weed covered jointed rail. Generally, the line is busier farther to the south.

Empalme
Empalme serves as a division point and the hub of Ferromex operations in Sonora. From here, crews work north to Nogales and Benjamín Hill (trains destined to Mexicali), west to the port of Guyamas, and south to Sufragio. Virtually all trains terminate here and are reswitched.

After the northbound D SFEM (Directo Sufragio-Empalme) has arrived in Empalme Yard, the crew is getting a ride to the depot.

A switchman is waiting for the road locomotives from the DSFEM to pull onto the mainline before backing into the engine service tracks.

The yard switcher is running down the mainline in order to switch out the inbound cars. The road locomotives will pull high on the mainline allowing the switcher to duck into the yard.



A DEMSF is approaching the end of yard limits while departing Empalme southbound. The train is being pulled by a single Super 7, running long-hood forward.

South of Empalme, a piledriver is driving a pile between the rails while the locomotive waits in the distance.



At Guasimas, a southbound manifest train trundles down the mainline.

A single C30-7 is pulling the southbound as it approaches Vicam.

The small yard at Ciudad Obregón employs two yard jobs during the day. The jobs work each end of the yard, and serve the local industries to the north and south. Here, an MP15AC switches at the south end of the yard while the other job is visible in the distace.

The yard jobs have both cleared the main track after the dispatcher notified them that the "Pami" is approaching. The D PAMI (Directo Pantaco-Mexicali) is the hotshot of the division, rushing containers and trailers northward to Mexicali. Most of the containers are bound to maquiladoras in Tijuana and Mexicali. There are standing orders that this unscheduled train is not to stop for more than two hours after leaving Guadalajara. Here it is seen cruising through the yard limits at Obregón.

After crossing the Rio Fuerte in northern Sinaloa, the FC Pacifico once crossed the FC Chihuahua al Pacifico at grade in San Blas. At some point after the consolodation of both lines into NdeM, the parallel lines were combined by laying double track through to Sufragio. At San Blas, a sign warns northbound crews that the connection with Linea Q (to the Copper Canyon) is ahead one kilometer.

On the morning of Día de Los Muertos, a southbound grain train emerges from the fog while entering the town of San Blas. Along the banks of the Rio Fuerte and at the foot hills of the Sierra Madre, heavy fog often fills this valley in the mornings.

The northbound Chepe passes the old station at San Blas.

Running 1 hour behind the Chepe, the second class passenger train is pulling through Yard Limits between Sufragio and San Blas. The Rio Fuerte is visible to the right.


Sufragio
Sufragio is Ferromex's main hub in northwestern Mexico. Manifest trains from Guadalajara arrive here, and are switched out for various destinaltions. Trains then depart northward to Empalme and Chihuahua while locals run to Los Mochis, the port of Topolobampo and Navojoa.

An SD40 switches on the north end of Sufragio yard while a maintainence crew services switches.

In the morning, a C30-7 receives sand in the Sufragio roundhouse while the distant high-nose GP38-2 is warming up for the local (turno) to Los Mochis. Ferromex's División Hermosillo is a good spot to find older locomotives. While MP15's, High-nosed GP38's and C30-7's are difficult to find on other parts of the Ferromex system, they can often be found working in everyday service on the division.


South of Sufragio, the FC Pacifico passes through the agricultural coastal plains toward Culiacán. At a point south of Culiacán, the Sierra Madre become steep and hug the coast, so the tracks turn downhill and run toward the coastline. For about 40 miles north of Mazatlán, the tracks run along beaches and through coastal towns much as the SP Coast Line and the ATSF Surfline (although a much more desolate area).

Near La Cruz siding, the tracks meet the coastline.

Through most of this area, the line is close to the quiet beaches, crossing lagoons and rivermouths like the Surfline.

Ferromex's Linea A - Torreon to Irapuato

Torreon is the largest terminal on the Ferromex system. It serves as a key clasification point for traffic between Juarez/El Paso, Piedras Negras/Eagle Pass, Monterrey and the southern points of Guadalajara, Manzanillo and Mexico City. Between Torreon and Irapuato, Linea A is Ferromex's busiest stretch of track, serving as a trunk between the northern lines and southern lines. The line is all single tracked dark territorry, dispatched by track warrants.

Immediately south of Torreon, Linea A enters a deep valley along the Rio Aguanaval. This military train is backing into the siding at Picardias in order to let two northbound trains pass by.

Official Ferromex map of Division Centro Mexico

The same military train crossing Rio Aguanaval as it enters a narrow canyon.

One of the last pasenger train in Mexico runs on this territorry from Felipe Pescador to Torreon. The weekly train serves the isolated rural communities in parts of Durango and Zacatecas states. Here the train is passing through the short canyon between Picadias and Juan Eugenio on its southbound run to Felipe Pescador.

Near Juan Eugenio, a northbound manifest train is entering the canyon along the Rio Aguanaval.

North of Felipe Pescador, Linea A connects with FC Coahuila y Durango's southern line to Durango. Above, a southbound unit grain train is seen approaching the junction. The track in the foreground in the north leg of the wye. Below, the DPU's are visible as the trian curves toward the town of "Felipe."

Felipe Pescador

Felipe Pescador, Zacatecas is a the crew change point for trains between Torreon and Aguascalientes. It is a real railroad town, home to a large contract car shop and a small yard. A hotel across from the depot lodges train crews while they layover.

A yard job sits on the mainline in front of the depot at Felipe Pescador. Meanwhile in the yard workers begin a day of repaing a line of boxcars.

An outbound engineer is inspecting the locomotives of his northbound train prior to departing for Torreon.

Another northbound train pulls up to the depot while several outbound crews wait for their trains to arrive.

As a northbound grain train departs Felipe on the mainline, the brakeman runs ahead to line a switch while the train keeps moving.

The depot at Felipe is a busy place. Most of the town's comerce is located right around the yard. Above, a local ice cream vendor carries his cart across the tracks to the depot while another northbound train approaches.

A southbound grain train departs Felipe Pescador. The large car-shop building is visible to the left, as is the venerable water tower.

At Mezquite, a northbound grain train winds through the curves in the early morning.

Zacatecas

The Colonial city of Zacatecs was built near the summit of a high pass between two valleys. Because of its trading position and local silver wealth, it became an important Mexican city. The railroads built through the pass, climbing a stiff grade on both sides. Today, the railroad has little presence in the city of Zacatecas, but the climb to the summit uses many impressive curves, looping around the city. The sounds of struggling locomotives and whistles often echo throughought the whole city, bouncing off the faces of the mountains above.

A northbound manifest train is descending the north slope of the grade from Zacatecas.

The tracks loop through the residential neighborhoods of Zacatecas before reaching the summit at the old passenger station. Although passenger trains no longer serve Zacatecas, the station building and platforms are maintained very well.

A northbound automobile train is looping around a canyon while climbing the south slope toward Zacatecas.

A southbound intermodal train is passing through the looping curves on the south side of Zacatecas. The church to the left is located at the summit of the pass, on the edge of the historical centro.

A long northbound manifest train is down to a crawl as it climbs toward Zacatecas. La Buffa - the famous bluffs above the city - are visible above the locomotives. (low resolution scan from slide)

South of Zacatecas, Linea A drops into the valley of Aguascalientes. This northbound is climbing out of the valley where the tracks wind along the hillsides.

This nothbound is beginning the climb away from Aguascalientes.

South of Aguascalientes, the tracks wind through northeast Jalisco state. This is where the line enters the Bajio - the historic and fertile central valley of Mexico. Above, a southbound grain train is dropping into Santa Maria Traspontina - near San Juan de los Lagos.

A southbound unit grain train passes through some curves near San Juan de los Lagos.

The same train is setting its out cars at a grain elevator.

A southbound manifest train leaving the city of Leon. This train is nearing the terminal of Irapuato, the junction between lines to Guadalajara and Mexico City.

Ferromex's Linea A - Juarez to Torreon

Originally built as the Ferrocarril Central Mexicano (Mexican Central), NdeM's Linea A extends from Juarez, Chihuahua to Mexico City. After the privatization of 1997, Ferromex took ownership of Linea From Juarez to Queretaro. From Juarez to Torreon, Linea A is a moderately used mainline running through a series of long valleys until reaching "La Laguna," the huge desert basin in which the city of Torreon lies.

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Ciudad Juarez

Juarez is the border city, across from El Paso, Texas. Ferromex interchanges with both BNSF and UP via two International bridges over the Rio Grande. Because Ferromex's trackage runs through downtown Juarez, the mayor has required that interchanges are only performed at night - from 9:00 PM through 6:30 AM. The main Ferromex yard lies immediately south of downtown Juarez.

A Ferromex yard job proceeds north across the International bridge, hurrying to make one last interchange with BNSF before the curfew begins at 6:30 AM.

Ferromex's official map of Division Chihuahua

A northbound vehicle train is approaching Villa Ahumada. The empty containers on the head end last carried automobile parts southward to the assembly plant. Now, the auto racks are returning in the same train loaded with new automobiles, headed for interchange to the UP at El Paso.

Near Villa Ahumada, the very recognizable mountains of Cerros Los Arrados stand over the line. This unit grain train is struggling up one of the many short grades toward Moctezuma siding. (low reolution scan from slide)

A southbound train of empty autoracks is moving through a valley south of Moctezuma while the tops of "Los Cerros" are still visible in the background.

Chihuahua

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The city of Chihuahua is at the crossroads of of the former FC Chihuahua al Pacifico and the Mexican Central. This is Ferromex's base for its Copper Canyon operations. The former Mexican Central yard in central Chihuahua has been abandoned and almost entirely removed in favor of the Chihuahua al Pacfico yard near the junction of the two lines. The roundhouse has since been turned into modern office buildings and much of the property has been turned into the city's convention center.

A unit grain train of all BNSF equipment is crossing Rio Sacramento as it winds through central Chihuahua. This train is approaching the site of the former NdeM yard that has been nearly abandoned.

A northbound grain train is leaving the former Chihuahua al Pacifico yard, heading toward central Chihuahua and Juarez.

South of Chihuahua, the tracks enter the long fertile valley of the Rio Conchos. Because three flowing rivers converge in this valley, there is enough water to sustain an agriculture industry. Above, a roadswitcher based at Delicias is pulling through Bachimba siding as a southbound train approaches on the mainline.

A southbound manifest passing over some undulating track near Delicias.

The same southbound as above is winding through the valley nearing Santa Rosalia Comargo.

Approaching Jimenez, the tracks cross over Rio Concho, then begin climbing into the high valleys of northern Durango state.

South of Jimenez, this northbound manifest train is led by two C30-7's and a BNSF 9-44CW.

As the line nears Torreon, the tracks drop into La Laguna - the large dry lake bed in which the city of Torreon lies. The tracks closely parallel Highway 45 until reaching the outskirts of town. This southbound auto train is passing the abandoned depot at Cadena.

The line first enters Gomez Palacio, Durango - the sister city of Torreon - and joins Linea M from Monterrey and Piedras Negras. In Gomez Palacio, this southbound train of mostly Cemex coal hoppers is about to cross the Rio Nazas into the city of Torreon, Coahuila.

Approaching the main yard at Torreon, the line winds through some crowded and dense residential neighborhoods.

Approaching the yard from the north, the tracks pass through a busy corner of downtown Torreon. There are many busy crossings in this area making it almost impossible to take a telephoto shots without any traffic. Above, a school girl crosses in front of a southbound manifest as it enters the yard. Below, a southbound intermodal train is meeting a northbound at the North end of Torreon yard. A motorcycle rider squeezes between the two moving trains before the crossing is blocked.

A southbound entering Torreon Yard.