The next morning, July 2, we took taxis to the El Fuerte train station where we boarded a vintage (1950) private railroad car that we had chartered for the week. As you can see, the train station ain't much! Our car was sitting on a siding, awaiting the arrival of the rest of the train.
When the train arrived, it consisted only of a diesel engine and three other cars. The track into the mountains is steep, and the trains must be kept short in order not to exceed the capacity of the engines.
Bill Wallace (center), an American who spends much time in Mexico, has owned this car for a few years, and has been restoring it. He usually operates it only during winter months, so this was the first time he had tried to run the air conditioning. Luckily, it worked.
When the train pulled up alongside, there was a "discussion" about the paperwork. The conductor said he already had his maximum number of cars and, therefore, couldn't switch us in. Luckily, Bill and the conductor "went way back," and Bill was able to convince him to take us.
The front end of our car is configured for comfortable seating. Cessna's looking out the window, just prior to leaving.
©2001 Doug Kaye