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

In this video, C. Vision Productions explores the branch lines of Mexico in the early 1990s, shortly before mass abandonments wiped out many of these historic routes. Videographer Dan Hadley takes you all across Mexico, visiting many of these fascinating lines before operations ceased. Coverage includes Puebla to Oriental and Oriental to Teziutlán in the state of Puebla, Calles Station to Mante in Tamaulipas, El Salto to Durango, along with the Tepehuanes line in Durango, and the Margarita branch in Coahuila and Zacatecas. National Railways of Mexico operated an eclectic mix of rare and unusual motive power on these branches. You’ll see EMD locomotive models G12, GA8, and SW1504, along with a cameo appearance by an MKT GP40. Alco, MLW, and GE models C628, RSD-12, RS-11, and C30-S7 are also seen in this video. Get ready to shake, rattle, and roll aboard NdeM GA8 5427, as we take a cab ride on train 132 between Oriental and Teziutlán. Although this line wouldn’t survive, it had the distinction of being the final narrow-gauge route in service on FNM. From the open deserts to the high mountains, Mexico’s branch lines passed through some of the most beautiful and interesting territory that the country had to offer.
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[@GOPGonzo]

Opens with a high hood diesel pulling a mixed train. Then rolls out the six axle Alco. Yep this is going to the top of the "There is a prototype for anything" watch list.

[@ellisjackson336]

I honestly don’t know who made the locomotive for that opening train lol

[@CVisionProductions1]

@GOPGonzo Yes, sir! Mexico was home to the rare, obscure, and nearly extinct in this era. Thank you.

[@CVisionProductions1]

@ellisjackson336 Believe it or not, that’s an EMD. Model G12.

[@mrsrmp]

Four of those G12 are now in Argentina

[@dunxy]

Those 58** locos remind me a lot of our old Flat top T class locos (I believe based of EMD g8) we had here on the Victorian Railways in Australia, sound the same too!

[@colinmulder6806]

Well done to you folks & Dan Hadley for documenting & preserving Mexico's railroading history on their branchlines before their abandonment.

[@castelaronly]

Que paso con esas locomotora y esos ramales?

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you, Colin! We were hoping that you’d enjoy this one. For your information, it looks like two or three more of these Mexico videos could be released before the end of 2024…

[@colinmulder6806]

@@CVisionProductions1 I look forward to them & others from you folks as always. Speculation they'll be focused on mainline action around the central region of Mexico & the PACIFICO region up to Nogales, AZ yes?

[@CVisionProductions1]

That’s exactly right. You’re on top of it, Colin.

[@colinmulder6806]

@@CVisionProductions1 Thank you very much once again.

[@malcolmmarzo2461]

Interesting video, especially the narrow gauge. Mexico was going through very difficult times in the early 1990s.

[@castelaronly]

Que paso con eso se salvo, se retrocho o se abandono?

[@CVisionProductions1]

It was truly the end of an era in Mexican railroading. Privatization was coming, and there was no saving what was about to be lost. It was similar to what the railroads in the US went through in the 1970s and 1980s. Cut and reorganize to ensure survival of the remaining viable trackage. Thank you for the comment, Malcolm.

[@malcolmmarzo2461]

@@CVisionProductions1 In my Mexican mother-in-law's back yard I came across a bag of pesos, about 3 gallons in size. I was surprised and asked why they were thrown out like scrap metal. She said that's what they were worth after the devaluation and collapse in the early 90s.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Wow! We appreciate you sharing that story. The lessons learned during that economic crisis came at too high a price…

[@raymondleggs5508]

And the loco has freight car trucks!

[@alexpaumen3937]

The GA8’s traction motor setup immediately reminded me of how most HO scale model train motors are setup almost the exact same way.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Interesting observation, Alex. The design of the GA8 is quite interesting. It’s like nothing we’ve ever seen before. EMD really knew how to meet their customers’ needs, at home and abroad. Thank you for the comment.

[@danielfantino1714]

Former Russian narrow gauge used the same pronciple. Except them it´s diesel hydrolic instead of diesel electric

[@Greatdome99]

Exactly like Budd's RDCs powered by bus motors on axles 2 and 3.

[@GEVOlutionCPKC]

Maravilloso inicio de año gracias por compartir tan exclusivo material y poner el ojo en los ferrocarriles mexicanos 🏆🔥🤝🏽

[@CVisionProductions1]

You’re very welcome! Thank you for the support. We’re glad that you are enjoying our videos.

[@EnzoSeverini]

Great video, some EMD G12 owned by NdeM were sold to NREC and are currently working for Ferro Expreso Pampeano (FEPSA) in Argentina

[@CVisionProductions1]

Very good to know! It’s great to hear that some of the G12s found new homes. Thank you for sharing that information.

[@carismaticoguayabotv5649]

Tienes fotos

[@fedegonzalez4378]

@@carismaticoguayabotv5649 hay fotos en internet de nuestras g12 en la playa de maniobras de fepsa in ingeniero white

[@KCSM_1200]

fnm no tenia pinta buena pero marco una infancia para muchos mexicanos

[@CVisionProductions1]

You never knew what you’d see back then, that’s for sure. There was quite a good mix of equipment and paint schemes during this time, but it appeared that maintenance was lacking. Still, it was a fascinating era. Thank you for watching the video.

[@Algen_22]

FNM era lo mejor de lo mejor, hasta que lo privatizó y desapareció salinas de gortari, fox y calderón :/ imagínate, NdeM fue inaugurado por el general Porfirio Díaz en 1903.... hoy tendría más de 100 años de historia y grandeza :(

[@Manuelolivares239]

​​​@@Algen_22a veces nos gana la nostalgia pero hay que recordar que antes que nada el ferrocarril es un negocio, la nostalgia no da dinero y NdeM no tenía cifras a favor porque simplemente no era un negocio redituable, sea por el modelo de negocios o la corrupción, no era sustentable, compare la infraestructura actual de Ferromex, KCSM que incluso ahora son un monopolio. En fin mi argumento no es a favor de la privatización es a favor de dejar la nostalgia y pensar en el beneficio económico.

[@KCSM_1200]

@@Algen_22 No, FNM nunca fue de lo mejor, era una empresa corrupta y marginada. El gobierno perdía mucho dinero porque dejó de ser rentable en los años 80s. El que privatizó el tren fue Zedillo, los solo invertían; la privatización fue una carga menos para el gobierno de mexico Además, NdeM surgió en 1936, cuando el presidente Lázaro cardenas mandó a expropiar las redes ferroviarias mexicanas que estaban bajo empresas privadas estadounidenses. Porfiria Díaz tuvo el apoyo de empresas privadas para construir las redes ferroviarias del país.

[@patriciohe9273]

​@@Manuelolivares239Pero el ferrocarril de pasajeros nunca es un negocio pues nunca te genera las ganancias que un ferrocarril de carga da Y la finalidad de una empresa paraestatal no es solo proveer ganancias al estado, si no proveer un servicio de utilidad a la población, de manera que las "perdidas generadas de esta" se puedan ver más como simplemente gastos de operación del equipo, y esa era la finalidad de NdeM la interconexión del país para carga y pasajeros

[@arturo.fortanel190]

Thanks for the memory, from CDMX. 28/III/2024 😢❤

[@CVisionProductions1]

You’re very welcome, Arturo! Thank you for watching the video. Greetings from the C. Vision studios!

[@marcodominguez76]

My father was a machinist on the national railways of Mexico and in the 90s he was in charge of taking a special train with film equipment from the United States, from the port of Veracruz to the city of Puebla, Mexico and the film documentary will surely exist in some archive About that trip, my father told me that part of the production team traveled with him in the cabin of the locomotive during the entire trip.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Wow! Thank you for sharing that story. That was undoubtedly an interesting trip for your father. It would be awesome to uncover that footage someday...

[@robertlozano1984]

Thank you very much for posting this incredible journey from my beautiful country mexico i imagine those tracks are probably abandoned by now ,but at least we are watching history going by.i wonder why they stopped service on that route it' seems that passengers were still riding the train, what was the reason they canceled that line??

[@CVisionProductions1]

These trains were important to the communities they served, but ridership was declining. The branch lines that hosted these trains were generally in poor condition, and the trains were not generating enough money to cover the cost of track and equipment maintenance. So unfortunately, one by one, the trains were abolished. Thank you for the comment.

[@mxferro]

I do so miss this kind of railroading

[@CVisionProductions1]

We do too. The railroaders featured in this video knew how to get the job done. No modern luxuries required, just tradition and skill. Thank you for the comment.

[@MrBnsftrain]

Although the scenic route to Teziutlan is gone, the station has been turned into a museum. Two GA8s, a boxcar, and caboose sit at the old platforms while a shay with passenger cars sits in the median of the street in front of it.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yes! It was very nice to see that they decided to preserve their railroad history. The fact that the final passenger train to Teziutlán was not turned back to Oriental, and instead was abandoned at the Teziutlán station, makes the story even more interesting. Thank you for the comment.

[@Tpackage-my8dx]

I like the conductor taking notes as the train rocks back and forth

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yes! We’re glad that you noticed that. He was very calmly completing his paperwork as his train bounced and swayed down that rough narrow-gauge track. Thank you for the comment.

[@pepesorolla6707]

Simplemente extraordinario!! Una maravilla éstos videos parte de la historia del ferrocarril en México!! Felicidades por tu trabajo!!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you so much!!! Mexico’s railroad history is absolutely fascinating. It was our pleasure to share this program with you. Your friendly and thoughtful comment is greatly appreciated.

[@rimodeler7963]

Fantastic video footage. Thank you for documenting these rail lines for the history vault. Very enjoyable to watch and thank you so much for sharing! Mike

[@CVisionProductions1]

We appreciate that very much, Mike! As far as sharing this footage, it’s been our pleasure. It’s good to know that these videos are being enjoyed. Thanks again.

[@chandlerbranchrailfanprodu5928]

It’s a good thing Daniel’s footage is saved. Mr Radley’s footage I recognize from Pentrex. Good thing you have this up because Pentrex’s version was taken down. And good thing Daniel still had his raw footage.

[@CVisionProductions1]

We absolutely agree! It’s been a pleasure sharing Mr. Hadley’s footage with all of you over the past couple of years. We are very grateful that he chose to allow us to use it. Thank you for watching the video.

[@joelpoland40]

Those GA8's sure are something else. There's lots of other fascinating stuff in here as well. Thank you and Dan for getting this footage up!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you so much, Joel! Mexico was a treasure trove for all types of obscure equipment and operations back in those days. We always appreciate hearing from you.

[@FXE_HO_773]

Awesome video!!! Really appreciate this video! Amazing to see Mexican railroads specialty locomotives and operations.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you for appreciating this video! We’re grateful for all the comments and support from you and so many others. We plan to release additional videos covering Mexico in the coming months. Thanks again!

[@centaurodelnorte4555]

Hello friends!! It is very pleasant to know that there is still unpublished material from the Mexican railways. We look forward to more material on this matter, and are very grateful for having published it. Greetings from Mexico

[@CVisionProductions1]

Greetings! Thank you for the encouraging comment. Your support does mean a lot to us. And yes, we have plenty of FNM footage in our archives that is marked for use in 2024. Stay tuned!

[@kevintaylor3427]

This is like riding on one of those amusement park train rides from back in the day ... only the ride was a lot longer. Thanks for sharing.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Ha! That narrow-gauge train was really racing through those curves up in the mountains. Thank you for the comment. The C. Vision team appreciates a little railroad humor from time to time.

[@luismanuelmartinezcastaned8880]

Incredible, it reminds me of the incredible NdeM scheme, I hope you continue sharing C vision productions... 👍👍

[@CVisionProductions1]

Your wish will come true! We are planning to release more footage from Mexico within the next several months. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@jfjgcgc5525]

Un millon de gracias 😢

[@CVisionProductions1]

You’re very welcome! We appreciate your gratitude. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@Greatdome99]

Really great stuff. Thanks for sharing

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you!!! And you’re very welcome. It’s our pleasure to share these videos with you. We appreciate the comment.

[@TonyFleetwood]

I enjoyed everything about this video!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you so much, Tony! We’re happy to hear that you enjoyed the video.

[@mjrodriguez8670]

It was amazing that Dan Hadley videotaped these unique diesel dinosaurs in different areas of Mexico circa 1992!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yes! Mr. Hadley really knew how to track down the rarest of the rare, even when visiting unfamiliar territory. As always, thank you for watching and commenting, MJ!

[@JavierRamirez-tr3lo]

El México que se nos fue!! Gracias por el recuerdo!!

[@CVisionProductions1]

You’re very welcome! We appreciate you watching the video.

[@azrailfan2717]

Awesome video. Hope part one is to follow soon 😎

[@ellisjackson336]

Part one already came out a month or two ago

[@azrailfan2717]

Thanks. I’ll go look through the library. Probably missed it

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you!!! Part 1 was released to KZbin on December 1, 2023. Parts 3 and 4 are forthcoming. We appreciate you checking out the video.

[@thedesertdwellerfromutah4354]

This is the Holy Grail of Railroad videos.... Wow 😮 💯💯💯💯👍.... Never seen footage like this from this time period in Mexico... Outstanding 💯

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much for the kind words! We owe it to Mr. Dan Hadley, the videographer, for capturing this incredible footage. He truly was in the right place at the right time. Thanks again.

[@thedesertdwellerfromutah4354]

@@CVisionProductions1 We appreciate you bringing this type of outstanding and rare videos for our viewing pleasure C Vision Productions... And a mighty Thank You to Mr.Dan Hadley 💯...

[@CVisionProductions1]

It’s our pleasure to share this footage with you. Knowing that these videos are being enjoyed gives us the necessary motivation to continue producing them.

[@alejandroalbino4689]

Muchas gracias por compartir tan maravilloso documental, espero que tengas otros videos de otros estados

[@CVisionProductions1]

You’re very welcome! And yes, there is plenty more on the way. These programs seem to be well received, so we are encouraged to release additional videos covering the railways of Mexico. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@user-si7kf1xr8u]

@@CVisionProductions1 Excelente produccion Tal vez habria algo del Kansas City Mexico y Oriente ?? Gracias

[@robertdipaola3447]

That train with all that smoke, it's like a diesel choo- choo steam locomotive!!!--- thanks for this great Mexican train video, well done!!!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you so much, Robert! Those old Alcos could really smoke up a storm. The same went for many of their GE counterparts. And, you’re very welcome! There will be more Mexican coverage in the future. Thanks again.

[@Dexter037S4]

@@CVisionProductions1 Especially if the Turbocharger was blown, The CMQs predecessor was notorious for just not maintaining it's Turbochargers.

[@danielfantino1714]

Thanks for the ride specially the narrow gauge. The scenic part would have pleased tourists.

[@CVisionProductions1]

You’re very welcome! And yes, the ride to Teziutlán was very scenic! It’s quite a shame that all of that narrow gauge trackage is gone. Thank you for the comment.

[@CazatrenesToluca22]

Very Beautiful video with trains in time of NdeM and FNM

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you so much! It certainly was an exciting time in the history of Mexican railroading. We appreciate you watching the video.

[@papeleriamaru9809]

Hola! muy buen video. que buenas epocas aquellas del tren de pasajeros. lo bueno que ya va renacer otra vez el tren de pasajeros en mexico. saludos desde tizayuca, hgo.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Greetings, and thank you very much for watching the video. Those passenger trains were pretty incredible. If only they could have survived, possibly with new or refurbished equipment? We’re hoping for a positive outcome for the Mexican rail network, and its employees. We appreciate your comment.

[@baruchs6775]

Que tiempos aquellos, en los 70's fui maquinista en los FNM era un orgullo trasladar a tantos pasajeros que usaban el servicio a los diferentes destinos desde la CDMX en la estación de Buenavista gracias por el video

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you for sharing your story! Railroading in the 1970s must have been pretty exciting. It took real skill to ensure the safety of your passengers and other employees. We appreciate you watching the video.

[@laurelaure3347]

Agradezco mucho a las personas que subieron estos videos, soy poblano viaje con mi esposa y mis 2 hijos en el 1er tren que aparece en el video, viajamos de la ciudad de puebla a grajales, salia de la estación a las 9 de la mañana y llegaba a grajales como a las 11am, fue algo unico, este tren llegaba a oriental fue el transporte de los pobres

[@CVisionProductions1]

We’re happy that we could share these videos with you! Thank you for taking the time to share your story with us. That line must have been quite interesting to ride. Today, it appears that much of the route has fallen out of use. We appreciate your comment.

[@kevincruz4045]

Those little engines run like a champ!

[@CVisionProductions1]

It would appear so! Classic EMD power, for sure. Simple designs, yet extremely versatile and reliable. Thank you, Kevin.

[@CNW4634Railfanner]

Good ol days. I cannot wait for the all orange RCPE

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you for watching! Stay tuned for the RCPE. By the end of 2024, you’ll see something pop up.

[@ironhorsethrottlemaster5202]

I love this video very interesting never heard of this Narrow Gauge Railroad and it looks narrower than 3 ft gauge can you please tell me what gauge this railroad is just out of pure curiosity thank you very much for the video keep up the great workC Vision production

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much! To answer your question, we’re fairly certain that Oriental to Teziutlán was 3’ gauge. If anyone knows different, please feel free to chime in.

[@Bosslifebiz661]

I remember as a kid in the late 80’s early 90’s visiting my dads hometown in Guanajuato Mexico and having units like these waking me up early in the morning as it traveled off the side of the hill attached in the center of town myself being a young rail fan at the time no more then 10 years old or so I really enjoyed all of it remember walking the side of the hill or mountain headed to my aunts house who lived close to the tracks and finding dead donkeys which had got hit by the train used to have fun in Anducutin GTO.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Great memories! Sorry to hear about those unfortunate donkeys… Either way, it sounds like you witnessed some awesome railroading. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@PedroLopez-ic7ob]

En ese tiempo solo ustedes los americanos tenian la tecnología avanzada para tomar videos muchas gracias por compartir esa joya de videos y acernos recordar recordar la grandesa que fue NACIONALES DE MÉXICO

[@CVisionProductions1]

You’re very welcome!!! Thank you for appreciating this footage. We’re happy to share it with you. For your information, there will be more of these videos released in the future. Thanks again.

[@RailPreserver2K]

In terms of the Narrow Gauge did they save any of the equipment shown in the video by chance?

[@alanconstantinoreyes5243]

Fortunately, some GA-8 units are still preserved, along with freight cars, passenger cars (mostly second class cars) and steam locomotives.

[@castelaronly]

​@@alanconstantinoreyes5243en donde se conservan? Funcionan?

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yes, they did. From what we’ve been able to determine, three of the GA8s seen in the video were preserved. NdeM 90, 5410, and 5427 were saved, and are now museum pieces. As you may remember, 5427 was the GA8 featured in the cab ride on train 132 to Teziutlán. Thank you for watching the video.

[@KansasPower]

Min 30:38 Actually, it is a MP15AC and not a SW1504, that 9801 locomotive would become TFM 1035, and I could not find what number it currently is with CPKC.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Good catch on that. You are absolutely correct. Thank you for sharing what you found.

[@JacoboAmaro]

The video quality is outstanding, its even better that many consumer camcorders launched in the mid 2000's. Do you happen to know which camera was used to films this videos?

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much! We’re not sure on the camera model, but the format used was Betacam. For its time, the quality was excellent. We appreciate the comment.

[@patricknoveski6409]

God what an incredible video. Narrow Guage too? Of course they abandoned it. It was too cool.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you, P.J.!!! We couldn’t believe our eyes while reviewing that narrow-gauge footage prior to editing. And you’re right. Anything on that level of cool won’t be allowed to survive. We find it amazing that it lasted as long as it did. We appreciate you stopping by, as always.

[@patricknoveski6409]

I watch often. Amazed you caught this before gone. ​@@CVisionProductions1

[@lepetitnabot]

A huevo!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yes! And there’s more on the way… Stay tuned.

[@glennfoster2423]

Switching at El Salto (?) is very interesting. The hand signals from the man on the ground to the maquinista is virtually identical and inderstood in the US.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you for pointing that out, Glenn. We found it quite interesting as well. Watching these Mexican railroaders performing fast and efficient switch moves using only hand signals is fascinating. We appreciate the comment.

[@sistecozomeR174]

Mi Amado FNM❤❤❤

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yes! We’re happy to feature them. Look for more FNM coverage in the future. Thank you for the comment.

[@marioalbertorodriguezflore9939]

Una pregunta tienen mas videos de trenes de mexico??? Gracias saludos cordiales

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you for asking. Yes, we do have additional footage, and we intend to share it. As you may know, “Part 1” of this series has already been released. Parts 3 and 4 are in the works. Stay tuned!

[@fernandocervantes7882]

Rs@@CVisionProductions1Estupendo material que nos has presentado es muy completo e interesante y muy agradable.Feliciddades

[@orinhoruiz1324]

​@@CVisionProductions1Do you have images of the GP9 and GP18 locomotives from NDM and SBC in the next videos? Thanks

[@CVisionProductions1]

@fernandocervantes7882 Thank you for the kind words, Fernando. It means a lot to us that so many viewers are enjoying these videos.

[@CVisionProductions1]

@orinhoruiz1324 It doesn’t look like any of those units were seen in operation. However, there are several other surprise visitors from EMD that will appear in later videos. Thank you for asking.

[@raymondleggs5508]

EMD G12 at the beginning!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yes! Those were neat little units. G12s seemed to be the preferred locomotives on many of Mexico’s branch lines, especially those with light rail and small trains. We appreciate your comments.

[@edmctug8800]

good old emds

[@CVisionProductions1]

There were some true classics operating in Mexico during this era. Those GA8s and G12s were especially interesting. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@derrickwong5337]

Is this the end of National Mexico Railroad 1990s 2 parts show?

[@CVisionProductions1]

Believe it or not, we still have more of this footage in the archives. Our intention is to release at least two more videos covering the railroads of Mexico. Thank you for inquiring, Derrick!

[@derrickwong5337]

Okay! You're welcome and will be waiting for 2 more videos.

[@molossis]

thhe N DE M older alco looking locomotives remind me of CN's paint scheme for their EMD's.

[@CVisionProductions1]

They are quite similar! Thank you for pointing that out. Both paint schemes are appealing. There seemed to be some Canadian influence in Mexico, at least regarding locomotives.

[@williamoleschoolarendt7016]

Crazy to see prisoner train cars mixed in with passenger cars. Some really old engines and looks like very bad tracks!

[@CVisionProductions1]

It was definitely a different world back then! Some of the worst track seen in this video was on lines that did not survive. The branch lines of Mexico, along with the country’s passenger trains, were pretty much wiped out shortly after these scenes were filmed. We appreciate the comment.

[@patricknoveski6409]

How do the people reach their towns now? Wonder if track is still in place. Sad they couldn't hold on.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Hey there, P.J. - Today, these smaller communities are accessed by road. The highway system has been built up in many areas. We’re sure that there are air travel options as well, but they would certainly be limited. As for the tracks themselves, they are gone. Only a small portion of the trackage covered in this video is still in place. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@patricknoveski6409]

​@CVisionProductions1 No worries my friend. I'm just happy that you got the video of this historic time before it was all gone. I noticed the rock built water towers that were used in steam days. Wonder when these lines were built. Amazing stuff brother .😢

[@littlegp18]

The good ol' days. When crews didn't wear that hi vis reflective stuff

[@CVisionProductions1]

It was a different era, for sure. If only we could go back… Thank you for the comment.

[@PedroLopez-ic7ob]

Me hicieron llorar en ese ramal Calles al Mante trabaje yo en el Dpto de expres

[@CVisionProductions1]

Hopefully we brought back some good memories for you! It’s great to hear from someone who was employed by the FNM during this era.

[@Nortekman]

The years before privatization. In 1997, the government privatized the railroads during the privatization of state run enterprises, promising better service, modernization, and loads of private investments. Sadly, once they were privatized, passenger service was eliminated, many branches were closed, entire villages that were built because of the railroad were abandoned, and thousands of jobs were lost. Private investment in the years since privatization, has been minimal, although freight services are highly profitable for the companies.

[@CVisionProductions1]

While we were researching the current status of the routes featured in this video, we were saddened to see that so many of these branch lines are now empty right-of-ways. It was often difficult to track them on maps due to land reclamation, development, and 20-30 years of nature being nature. We appreciate the informative, well-written comment.

[@Nortekman]

@@CVisionProductions1 If I remember correctly, at the height of railroads in Mexico in the 1960’s, the peak length was 27,000 km. By 2005, eight years after privatization, the length was around 16000 km. It’s now back up to 23,000 km. The last time I traveled by train in Mexico, was back in 1991, from Tampico to Monterrey. Hopefully, with the new administration, passenger service can be reinstated. Thanks for the video.

[@CVisionProductions1]

You’re very welcome. Thank you for that information. The Mexican rail system is quite fascinating.

[@juanperes-jy1di]

investment in railways had growth in México, today lines operated by ferromex, and kcsm are pretty good mantained, and they recover the cargo freight that was also in a big decline when it was part of NdM. but investment in new infraestructure by private companies is a constant lack in all México, not in the railway area. Most of the people, including rich people want to invest only in safe investments like services.

[@CVisionProductions1]

@juanperes-jy1di Thank you for sharing your insights, Juan.

[@XNY556-Apple]

Are passenger trains still common in Mexico?

[@CVisionProductions1]

Unfortunately, they are not. Regular passenger service ended once Mexico’s rail network was privatized back in the 1990s. We appreciate the question.

[@danielriveragorgonio4977]

The first scene is Amozoc?

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yes! You are absolutely correct. What a beautiful area that is… Thank you, Daniel.

[@ZombieSlayer-dj3wb]

That a g12 or retrucked g8 ?

[@c.finley9660]

NdeM never had G8s, only GL8s, G12s and G16s.

[@eduardourtazareyes1]

Ndem did not have the G8 although it did have the GA8, it also had the G12 with and without dynamic brake. It also had a fleet of G16s but the last G16s that were in service were decommissioned in 1987.

[@ZombieSlayer-dj3wb]

Wonder if they were from nfld

[@CVisionProductions1]

@ZombieSlayer-dj3wb Welcome back! Which locomotive were you referring to? If it helps, GA8s were numbered in the 5400 series, while the G12s occupied the 5800 series.

[@ZombieSlayer-dj3wb]

@@CVisionProductions1 g12

[@rodolfovaldez4411]

✌️🌾🌾🌾🌾👍👍👍

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much!!!

[@caseyvanboxtel2279]

Amtrak wishes they had so many riders outside New York.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Those Mexican passenger trains were quite popular! It’s just too bad they didn’t generate enough revenue to justify their operation. Thank you for watching the video.

[@raymondleggs5508]

Those narrow gauge passenger care look like they are from the 1800's

[@CVisionProductions1]

They do look rather ancient! True classics… Thank you for watching the video.

[@PaulGomezromo]

Subtitulado a español no tienes

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you for letting us know. We made sure to include location graphics to help everyone follow along. Best regards, and thanks for watching.

[@enr3870]

Hmm, so Canadian and Mexican locomotives get hotplates, lol

[@CVisionProductions1]

That’s correct! Locomotive luxuries… Thank you for the comment.

[@ligalatinoamericana369]

Mexico didn't abandoned the branch lines they were sold by two of our former presidents (Ernesto Zedillo and Felipe Calderon) Mexico don't have no more railways and passenger trains. These 2 presidents sold the railways to Union Pacific and the rest is history. They went to work for this company for a few years also. If you see these 2 rats in USA, can you call pest control? I will pay for the services. Mexican National living in Florida USA.