Boxcab: Well, I guess that beats walking.... Hey, I was railfanning/riding. I wasn't in any hurry. We slept overnight in a one burro town so we could take another 6 hours returning on the train the next day!!! Regards Ed
I'm certain you've no regrets. May not want to do it again. But the memories are yours forever! Boxcab E50
Actually, I wouldn't mind doing it again. There are still rumors that they may re-establish local passenger service on that stretch, just because some of the communities are so isolated. What passes down here for the national railfan and model railroading convention is going to be in Oaxaca this year (August). I know they're trying to get a short fan run going on that line, but just from the city up to the start of the climb up to the summit. That's the easiest stretch, but you miss the great scenery in Tomellin Canyon. The locomotive and the one coach are still sitting in the engine shed in Oaxaca, where they were left when service was cut off. Regards Ed
Here is trouble waiting to happen. The rail on the right is not supported by the tie. This track is still in use, but, fortunately, not very often.
Yes, there's a greaser in between tunnel 4 and 5, and one on the east side of T2. The rails were greasy, too--note the greasy grunge on that sliver hanging from the rail!
Looking closely, it appears the angle bar is already cracked. Boxcab E50 </font>[/QUOTE]Looks pretty solid to me. The little line at the very bottom is the gap between the two rails that are joined by the bar.
When I first posted this picture a couple of years ago, I was told that the proper set-up is to have the joint over the middle of the tie. This way the ends of both rails are supported. I can see where this would extend the life if the joint greatly. I have forgotten who told me this, but I believe is may have been Watash.
