End of the line!
With numerous reports stating that this is thier final weekend in operation. It was stated that today would be (potentially) the last coal train to run on the Black Mesa & Lake Powell Railway.
The BMLP is a unique, isolated, 78 mile shortline in the northeastern rural parts of Arizona. Being fully electric and using E60 type locomotives this is one of the few electric freight opperations left in the US.
The future of the BMLP is unknown, there are many rumours of a possible tourist line, full scrapping of all equipment and possibly just remaining doment.
The reason beind the closing of this opperation is the power plant in Page, AZ. With technology only advancing as everyday passes, the coal opperation is now obsoleate as they want to move to a gas powered power instead of burning coal.
It was a honor to be able to experince and see this unique shortline.
Long live to Black Mesa.
