The Apache Railway: Arizona’s Alco Sanctuary (1992-1998)

In this video, C. Vision Productions visits the Apache Railway in Arizona, with footage provided by videographer Dan Hadley. We’ll tour the Apache’s entire mainline from the paper mill west of Snowflake, to the Santa Fe interchange in Holbrook. In addition to ground shots along the line, this program features a full cab ride aboard Apache C420 number 82. The Apache Railway was well known for its fleet of classic Alco diesels. Locomotive models C420 and RS-36 were in use at the time of production, and both were seen in operation. Come along, as we explore one of the Southwest’s most interesting shortlines, in this C. Vision video presentation.

More classic railroad action can be found in the links below:

America’s Obscure Industrial Railroads: Deseret Western Railway & USG’s Plaster City Gypsum Railroad

LTV Mining Railroad: F-Units, Alcos, and Baldwins in Minnesota’s Arrowhead (1991-2004)

Mexico’s Ferrocarril del Pacífico (FCP) - National Railways of Mexico, Part 3

Mexican Steam’s Last Stand: Ferrocarril Mexicano del Pacífico (1990)

Mexico’s Abandoned Branch Lines - National Railways of Mexico, Part 2

Mexico’s Mainlines in the Early 1990s - National Railways of Mexico, Part 1

Green Bay & Western Alco Finale - Farewell to the GB&W

Southern Pacific’s Desert Raceway - The Sunset Route in 1995

[bestfriendhank]

Pretty cool seeing that GBW boxcar being pulled by Alcos in AZ. It probably felt right at home.

[joelpoland]

You really can't take anything for granted. It's crazy seeing such long trains only for the mill to be gone in less than 20 years. At least the Apache is still making a go of it.

[antonbruce]

Beautiful to see a small railroad getting a lot more life out of those Alco's. Good for you guys!!!

[Kevin-lose]

I grew up near Holbrook. You could always tell when an Apache Railway train was in town by the black smoke. The Alco's were fun to watch as they clawed their way out of the Little Colorado River valley when they left Holbrook.

[mjrodriguez]

My favourite diesel locomotives are those built by ALCo in Schenectady, NY! The Apache Rwy did not fail to disappoint!

[andrewcrumb]

I love the green and white paint scheme on these Alcos. Very beautiful.

[dhdisprsmith]

A great video of this cool railroad! Not too many pics of the earlier blue/white paint scheme. I really like the newer scheme that they still carry. I’m glad I did it back in the 90s on a western trip with Marshall.

[Interesting_Banana]

this is quickly becoming one of my favorite programs that you guys have made. I'm a huge sucker for alco diesels :P

[cris_]

While enjoying the Alco action, I also took notice of the different types of railcars in the train's consist. Especially those Santa Fe composite gondolas in wood chip service.

[danielneeley]

Love the Prime 920 horn, my favorite!

[thomasharrington]

Many years ago i hauled paper in and out of the paper mill. I was able to get a cab ride. 🚂🚂🚂

[wildbill]

14:00 '78 or '79 Ford truck. I wanted one so bad when I was in high school in the late still want one.

[anb]

Alcos weren’t too fondly thought of by the mechanics that had to keep them running. But they sure could put on a show in sight and sound!

[notlisted-clls]

great vidya on the Alkys!! sure miss that little shortline and its alcos.

[RailPreserverK]

I think they one of the last Tennessee central alcos in existence if im not mistaken

[Storm-olkh]

How can such a long train fit on such a short-line

[peteyblack]

Is that line at Holbrook to Snowflake and Apache still around today.