The elusive and rarely photographed Arizona Central railroad is rarely photographed for a few reasons. In the past, their operations were infrequent and usually only occurred on an as-needed basis. When they did operate, it was frequently at night to be out of the way of the Verde River Canyon excursion trains which run on the same track. On top of all of this, the line is incredibly remote with little to no access. And if that wasnt enough, the paint scheme also has a side effect of camoflage, making it hard to pick out their equipment in a vast landscape.
If you are brave enough to photograph this line you will be rewarded by some amazing scenery.
Good news, this line is very active, as evidenced by some new power on the property. Here, the turn to Drake
passes through S.O.B. Canyon as it makes its way back to Clarkdale light. Once it arrives it will pick up another loco to run up to Phoenix Cement plant to pull loads to take to the interchange at Drake on tomorrow's turn.
