Freeport McMoran switches the concentrate track at the the massive crusher complex. The Morenci Mine is one of largest Copper Mines and reserves in the world. As the road sign for gas indicates,... (more)

Not a Illusion The grade here is not a illusion, it looks like the ramp on a roller coaster. This Freeport McMoran Copper and Gold Company's "Hill Turn" is hanging over the steep... (more)

King of the Mountains 4.5%! Freeport McMoran Copper and Gold Company's "Hill Turn" conquers the grade above Clifton, AZ. This is the 1st of three Hill turns the FRI will make up... (more)

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... (more)

58, 57, 51 & 56 depart Morenci with the first of three trains for the interchange sidings at Clifton, 4 Nov 2019. This was the first of three runs down the hill using two sets of locos...

The second train up the hill from Clifton to Morenci passes the runaway siding where 58, 57, 51 & 56 wait to fetch a third...

58, 57, 51 & 56 depart Morenci with the first of three trains for the interchange sidings at Clifton, 4 Nov 2019. This was the first of three runs down the hill using two sets of locos...

Freeport McMoran #63 belches out smoke as it hits the first sharp curve of the 5% grade out of Clifton.

Freeport McMoran #63 accelerates up the 3% leaving Clifton behind.

Freeport McMoran #63 peeks around the red rock cliffs at the bottom of the 5% grade out of Clifton. This steep, winding section of track was originally a three foot gauge branchline to Shannon Sme... (more)

Freeport McMoran #63 slogs up the steep 5% grade up Shannon Hill with a long train of empties for Morenci. This steep, winding section of track was originally a three foot gauge branchline to Shan... (more)

Freeport McMoran #63 accelerates up the steep grade out of Clifton, while three units wait in the runaway track for the train to pass. Soon these other units will head into Clifton to retrieve the... (more)

Freeport McMoran #49 is in full dynamic as the loaded train descends the steep grade to Clifton.

Freeport McMoran #63 throttles up the start of the steep %.5% grade out of Clifton yard. This train will climb over 1200 feet vertical over the next 6 miles of railroad, the steepest operating fre... (more)

Freeport McMoran #63 storms up the 5.5% grade out of Clifton with a heavy train for the Morenci Mine.