| Community Response |
Locomotive Details |
Location/Date of Photo |
 | | Views: 8,127 Favorited: 15 | | Since added on March 31, 2020 | |
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» Freeport McMoRan Sierrita Operations (more..)
» EMD GP38 (more..) |
» Shannon Hill
» Morenci, Arizona, USA (more..)
» March, 2019 |
| Locomotive No./Train ID |
Photographer |
» FMI 51 (more..)
» Unknown |
» Jason Cary (more..)
» Contact Photographer |
| Remarks & Notes |
| The Little Engines that Could! In a isolated corner of Arizona lies the meanest operational railroad grade in the United States, the 3%+ climb up Shannon Hill. The grade climbs a ramp from Clifton, AZ to the enormous reduction works at Morenci, AZ. There is 1000 feet of elevation separating the ends of this mountain railroad owned by Freeport McMoran Copper and Gold Company. The modern section of this railroad bypassed a network of switchbacks in 1965. The 'new' alignment reaches a incredible 4.5%. To battle this mountain Freeport McMoran owns a fleet of low geared GP38s. These little mountain locomotives are each good for pulling about 550 tons each up the "Hill". Locomotive 51 wears the colorful scheme of the prior owner Phelps Dodge Mining. The train is turning off the 4.5% into a "easier" 3.5% section. The sound of the four Geeps screaming upgrade is quite a experience to behold! |
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Photo Comments (3) |
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