All (Be forewarned, this is gonna be a long one),
I'm getting stationed in San Diego. If all goes as planned, the transit from Pittsburgh to SD will be by way of a two week railfanning blow out vacation. While I have some shots in the Midwest plan, I'm planning on spending the bulk of time following the Joint Line down from Denver, over Raton Pass and then the mainline all the way to Cajon Pass. While no doubt there is more than enough shots to take up my time on the old ATSF, I'm big into shortlines and would like to get as many as possible.
Here is my plan at this point. Would be great if somebody could tell me if this is realistic and/or what operations are like on any of these roads. Another BIG BIG help would be quality of the roads in these places. I'm looking at buying a Mustang for the drive out.... obviously not the best clearance.
1. Santa Fe Southern - looks like this is a high sun only operation, so I figured I would shoot the westbound Southwest Chief somewhere near Raton Pass, go to Lamy and chase back to Santa Fe if worth it, finish with an overnight in Albuquerque. Wouldn't mind shooting that new commuter service if possible going down the middle of the highway, but a roster shot sitting at the station would work too.
2. Apache - figured I would spend a few days working my way across NM, eventually ending up in Holbrook. Depending on when they start, I would like to either do a there and back chase from Snowflake (I think) or just chase them back from the interchange. Any idea of times for this road? Found a few old internet post suggesting a 10am start time M-F.
3. Copper Basin - depending on Apache operations, would either spend the night in Snowflake and drive to Hayden in the morning or vise versa (assuming there is hotel near by in either). I've heard the Copper Basin is busy enough that you can just show up and wait and have a good day.
4. Grand Canyon - figured on spending the night somewhere near Phoenix after the Copper Basin. Because of that, not sure how to handle the Grand Canyon. Figured I will be beat after going balls to the walls with the Apache/Copper Basin, so I was thinking of sleeping in, then following the branch back to Williams and photographing the return trip from the Grand Canyon there. I've been told that there is really nowhere to shot this train north of Williams, true?
Thats all I have for sure. After Williams, I'll be Santa Fe all the way into SD. I wouldn't mind shooting the ARZC or those electrics mine railroads, but from what I can tell, including those would require some serious back tracking. Figure the ARZC can be a weekend trip and the electrics a long weekend at a later date.
Anyways, any insight would be greatly appreciated. Final note; anything I missed? I find it hard to believe that there is so little in New Mexico, but I can't seem to find anything worth shooting.
Thanks in advance. Can't wait for my plans to change next and end up just flying out the day before after writing all this