I visited Verde
Canyon RR at Clarkdale, AZ on April 22, 2006, Saturday. It was a day that
offered two schedules for the trip and I chose 9:00 AM departure rather than
2:30 PM. It was a wise decision for desert climate. Start your day before it
gets too hot.
The consist was EMD F7, VCRR #1510 & #1512. Their sibling #1500
can be seen at Alaska RR Museum near Wasilla, AK.
16-coach rake had one power car (since F7 at ARR did not have HEP), one caboose,
7 passenger coaches and 7 Gondolas. One gondola was assigned for each passenger
coach.
Caboose as seen at Clarkdale Deport.
Picnic area at Clarkdale Depot.
Musician entertains RR patrons.
Ticket
GP9 waiting for work.
Inside coach. It has three ceiling fans plus air conditioner, when necessary.
Sludge formed by 40 years of smeltering covers 40-acres averaging 40 feet high.
Unlike restored local lines to cater tourists, VCRR uses 20 miles
part of (38 miles) freight line owned by her. It connects to BNSF's L.A. to
Chicago Main Line at Drake, AZ. Coal hoppers by BNSF can be seen here.
