The Last Working Caboose

The Escalante Western Railway closure a sign of the times!

Set in the spectacular New Mexico scenery, the Escalante Western Railway makes one final run with a caboose in tow.

As the result of the closure of the Escalante Generating Station, the lone customer of the railroad was gone.

After 35 years of existence, New Mexico’s Escalante-Western Railway (ESWR) ceased operations as a result of the movement towards renewable energy as a result of the Energy Transition Act which was signed into New Mexico law in 2019.

Triple SD40’s are seen here running up a 1.82% grade with a caboose following close behind. A vanishing sight in what may be the last use of a caboose commercially.

Let us know if you have ever had the opportunity to witness this railroad in action. We would love to hear your comments…