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

[@joelpoland40]

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.

[@CVisionProductions1]

You’re right on, Joel. No matter how well things are going today, it could all change tomorrow. It’s quite amazing that the Apache has survived, but it shows what dedication, determination, and teamwork can accomplish, even in the toughest of times. As always, thank you for watching and commenting.

[@Kevin-lo7se]

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.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Ahhhh, yes. That climb heading south out of Holbrook was pretty steep! They really did need five Alcos for those grades. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. Definitely some great memories!

[@antonbruce1241]

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

[@CVisionProductions1]

The Apache Railway gave those old Alcos another lease on life. And we’re sure you could tell from the video, they took great care of them. You generally wouldn’t see large clouds of exhaust smoke coming from those engines. Thank you for watching, and for the positive comment.

[@mjrodriguez8670]

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

[@CVisionProductions1]

Alcos seem to be pretty popular, from what we’ve found. They were neat locomotives! And they were great pullers. It’s a shame that Alco went out of business so early. We appreciate the comment, MJ.

[@cris_261]

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.

[@CVisionProductions1]

We noticed that too. There was definitely an interesting and colorful mix of railcars traveling on the Apache Railway in that era. And yes, those old Santa Fe gondolas were pretty neat to see. Thank you for pointing them out.

[@danielneeley5480]

Love the Prime 920 horn, my favorite!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Old Leslies and Primes do sound interesting. Some are better than others! Thank you for watching the video.

[@andrewcrumb8027]

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

[@CVisionProductions1]

We do too, Andrew! The Apache’s green and white scheme is a great fit for the desert scenery that they operate through. Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment.

[@andrewcrumb8027]

@@CVisionProductions1 My pleasure!

[@thomasharrington5369]

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

[@CVisionProductions1]

That’s awesome! We’re certain that was a great experience, especially with those old Alcos. As you know, the Apache was a very friendly railroad. The videographer discovered that firsthand. Thank you for the comment.

[@wildbill9919]

14:00 '78 or '79 Ford truck. I wanted one so bad when I was in high school in the late 80s.....I still want one.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Those were great trucks! One of the vehicles at the crossing honked at the train in that scene. We couldn’t tell which one it was. Thank you for the comment.

[@dhdisprsmith2296]

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.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thanks, Gordy! We’re glad that you enjoyed the video. The green and white scheme is very nice. It really stands out in the desert landscape. And yes, the 90s would have been a great time to document the Apache. Mr. Hadley showed us that! Thanks again.

[@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

[@CVisionProductions1]

That’s great to hear! We figured that you guys might like a little more Alco action. We very much appreciate the comment.

[@anb7408]

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!

[@CVisionProductions1]

You’re absolutely right. But if you maintained them properly, they could pull the world. And yes, they did put on a fantastic show! Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@DL541]

I worked on DSRC’s C420-it had a few challenges but in general were about the same as anything else. But as noted, it pulled very well.

[@wildbill9919]

9:08 nice headlights.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Those oscillating headlights were pretty neat. Too bad they’ve fallen out of favor on most every railroad these days. We’re not sure if train crews appreciated them as much as we did, however. They could get a little distracting at night…

[@RailPreserver2K]

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

[@CVisionProductions1]

We’re fairly certain that you’re correct on that. It was noted during our review of the Apache’s roster. Pretty neat, for sure! Thank you for mentioning it.

[@JuanSilveti-z9p]

Hermosas locomotoras

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yes, we agree! Those old Alcos looked great in both of Apache’s paint schemes. The Santa Fe locomotives seen in Holbrook were also quite attractive. We appreciate you watching the video.

[@_mynewcareer]

Alco power 💪🏽💨

[@CVisionProductions1]

You got it! They were (and still are) mighty little engines. Thank you for watching the video.

[@peteyblack8890]

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

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yes and yes! The railroad still exists, but its operations are limited due to the substantial loss of traffic following the closure of the paper mill and coal-fired power plant west of Snowflake. We appreciate the question.

[@stuew6]

Locomotives with Working Mars light .

[@CVisionProductions1]

Those lights were definitely a neat feature. The Apache was one of the last railroads to use them. They are mostly museum pieces today. Thank you for the comment.

[@Storm-ol7kh]

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

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you for asking. The Apache has enough track capacity in their yards at each end of the railroad to handle the traffic. It does take quite a bit of switching however, as these big trains wouldn’t fit into a single track. The crews always found a way to get it done. We appreciate you watching the video.

[@GEVOlutionCPKC]

Like96 my friend

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much! We appreciate you stopping by and watching the video.

[@GEVOlutionCPKC]

@@CVisionProductions1 Appreciate broo✌🏼✨🫵🏼

[@notlisted-cl5ls]

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

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much! The “original” Apache Railway was a class act. As far as we know, they are still running today under new ownership, but their operations are limited. We appreciate you watching the video.