In this video, C. Vision Productions takes you on a journey along Southern Pacific’s Sunset Route, with coverage between Tucson, Arizona and Lordsburg, New Mexico. From classic semaphores, to 70-mile-per-hour intermodal trains racing through the desert, SP’s Lordsburg District delivered a show like none other. Videographer Dan Hadley left no stone unturned as he toured this fascinating section of railroad in March of 1995. To begin our show, we’ll visit the yard tower in Tucson to see the type of activity that took place at this busy terminal. Next, we’ll head out along the high iron, as we move east along the line. This video features extensive coverage of the US&S Style “B” Lower Quadrant semaphores along the No. 2 track between Vail and Mescal, which were taken out of service shortly after these scenes were captured. Also between Vail and Mescal, trains are seen crossing over the impressive Ciénega Creek bridge on the old El Paso & Southwestern No. 1 track. As we continue east, we’ll explore the route as it passes over several mountain grades, cresting at Mescal, Dragoon, Raso, and Steins. Between Cochise and Willcox, the tracks cross Willcox Playa, a dry lakebed that often collects water during times of adequate precipitation. Intermodal and general freight trains dominated the traffic over the Sunset Route in 1995, and you’ll see a good variety of these trains powered by an eclectic mix of EMD and GE motive power. Southern Pacific, Cotton Belt, and Rio Grande locomotive models SD40 (SD40-2), SD40M-2, SD40T-2, SD45, SD45T-2, B30-7, B36-7, B39-8E, B40-8, GP40-2, GP60, and SW1500 are all seen in operation, along with leased power from various sources. Locomotives from CSX, Union Pacific, Santa Fe, and Conrail also make appearances. This program was produced using raw footage provided to us by Mr. Dan Hadley. It was edited at the studios of C. Vision Productions in November of 2023.

Would you like to see more? Check out the links below!

Tennessee Pass - The Historic Final Days
   • Tennessee Pass - The Historic Final Days  

Saluda Grade - The Final Months of America’s Steepest Mainline Route
   • Saluda Grade - The Final Months of Am...  

Southern Pacific Steam in the 1950s - FULL VIDEO
   • Southern Pacific Steam in the 1950s -...  

Smoky U28Bs on Coal Trains! - Transkentucky Transportation Railroad (TTI)
   • Smoky U28Bs on Coal Trains! - Transke...  

Kansas City Southern - C. Vision’s Tribute to the Mighty KCS
   • Kansas City Southern - C. Vision’s Tr...  

KYLE Railroad and Missouri & Northern Arkansas - SD45T-2 Tunnel Motors in America’s Heartland
   • KYLE Railroad and Missouri & Northern...  

Arizona & California Railroad in the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts: 30 Years of ARZC
   • Arizona & California Railroad in the ...  

Trona Railway in the Mojave Desert: EMD SD40-2, SD40T-2, and Baldwin AS-616 Locomotives
   • Trona Railway in the Mojave Desert: E...