Why did BNSF shift freight off this line just recently...when the better alternative had been around for 100 years...with the Belen cutoff. Is there another reason they wanted to abandon?
Also, much of the Southern Transcon through NM looks to have a ROW designed for 3 tracks...were there 3 tracks at one time?
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So why did BNSF shift freight off this line just recently..
It hasn't been "recently". Freight traffic has been reducing on the Raton Pass line for decades, and with the serious reductions of coal loadings out of the Trinadad mine area, BNSF has not had ANY freight traffic on that line for many, many years.
.when the better alternative had been around for 100 years...with the Belen cutoff. Is there another reason they wanted to abandon?
Maybe the 3% + grade?
Also, much of the Southern Transcon through NM looks to have a ROW designed for 3 tracks...were there 3 tracks at one time?
. . . much of the Southern Transcon through NM looks to have a ROW designed for 3 tracks...were there 3 tracks at one time?
No. Santa Fe graded right of way roads along most of its main lines. Not many other railroads did this as much as Santa Fe.
It was the 3% grade, sharp curves and tunnel. The BNSF prefers to go around the mountain rather than over it.
About the only trains on the line now is Amtrak and perhaps the new Road Runner commuter service.
Joe
A curious aspect of the transcon in NM is portions of 2 main tracks that are widely separated...in old timetables the siding lengths are designated for N**** and S****.
I am too out of touch to know if this used to be Double Track, or if it is now 2 Main Tracks.
I should be able to add to this, but I cannot. I have flown every inch of the line through Raton at low level, and also the one east from Belen. Only thing I remember for sure is the length of the rattlesnakes at the Mountainair airport. Raton pass is beautiful, whether in an auto or a Piper Cub. Have not done it by train - yet.
It was the 3% grade, sharp curves and tunnel. The BNSF prefers to go around the mountain rather than over it.
About the only trains on the line now is Amtrak and perhaps the new Road Runner commuter service.
Joe
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