Smokescape: Land of the 40 mph run-by. Some 15 miles south of Coconino Canyon, GCR Locomotive #29 and her Passenger Special are now out on the high plains, where the tracks are super-straight and the speed limit is 40 mph. Stopping at around MP 43 for a couple of photo run-bys , #29's crew turns their horse loose, pouring on the veggie oil in a strong, gusty crosswind. There are not many tourist railroads in the US that run this fast and especially not with steam. Watching from the ground, the show is loud and visually very impressive. From on board, it is very smooth, thanks to some very well-maintained track. Standing on the coach platform just behind the tender as she climbs the grade, the acoustic experience is well worth the price of admission.
The Grand Canyon Railroad, operating a 64-miles former Santa Fe branch to the eponymous natural wonder, is one of the best tourist railroads in the United States. It operates both steam and diesel locomotives.
