From KCS News: http://notes.kcsi.com/WebApps/kcsnews.nsf/232fb972fdf88c288625666a0066b294/5f7fb2d6071f056f8625712c007a8fa8?OpenDocument A number of capacity-enhancing projects are recently completed, or in progress and soon to be completed, on KCSM to handle a projected increase in traffic volumes. In addition to the design of three sidings for the Lazaro Cardenas corridor, multiple projects are increasing capacity in the corridors between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey and between Monterrey and Saltillo. Nuevo Laredo to Monterrey In December 2005, KCSM placed into service 5.1 kilometers of second main track between Sanchez Yard and the connection to the BJ line south of Nuevo Laredo. The project increases capacity and allows for expedited movements to and from the International Bridge. In January 2006, KCSM placed into service a 50-car load out track for a new ballast quarry at Cerro Colorado, which is approximately 150 kilometers south of the U.S. border on the KCSM main line. Cerro Colorado is ideally situated to supply KCSM and KCSR with quality granite for ballast for years to come. Commercial opportunities are being explored. In March, KCSM will begin to connect Leal and Columbia sidings north of Monterrey to create 15 kilometers of double main track to facilitate crew changes at Leal and increase capacity in the busy corridor. Monterrey to Saltillo Three capacity projects are facilitating train meets and overall train velocity in the mountains between Monterrey and Saltillo. In February, KCSM completed the extension of the Santa Maria siding to 2,700 meters. Slated for completion in March, KCSM is creating 5.7 kilometers of second main track by connecting Higueras and Ojo Caliente sidings. Later this year, KCSM will extend Rinconada siding to 2,700 meters.
Farfrom dead. Although in the past 30-40 years a huge amount of trackage was abandoned and scrapped, what's left is actually being improved. Privatization, while a dirty word down here, is improving the condition of the railroads, and helping to lead to steadily increasing rail traffic. And that goes for the Ferromex trackage as well as the KCSdeM lines. Regards Ed
Just my unscientific opinion, but I'd say that there are maybe two different camps on this. 1. railroad employees - generally like and support railfans. Every crew that's seen me with a camera ready has waved or sounded the horn (I suppose it could have been sounded for some other reason...). I've been invited up into the cabs of a couple of local switchers. And rode in the cab on a run out in the "lesser provinces" a short while back. 2. management and (some of) their private security services - generally adopting north of the border habits. Putting regs in place trying to limit access and picture taking. One example, the old railroad terminal in Veracruz is a national landmark. It's now (under privatization) also serving as local offices of one of the railroads. They allow you in to see the main lobby/waiting room, but no picture taking?!? There's an old 2-6-0 on static display in the adjacent park (but inside the terminal fence). No picture taking of the old locomotive?!? It's still generally a lot looser than up north. At least for now. It should also be noted that there are much fewer railfans here than up north. Regards Ed
