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Mexico Travel & Adventure

Posted on Nov 02, 2010 under Travel | 4 Comments

Photos and story by Rolf Metzger

Back on July 27, 2002, the staff of MEXonline.com was invited to join a train ride tour from Tijuana to the mountain village of Tecate, famous for its brewery of the same name. We gladly accepted the invitation, and packed out cameras for the event.

So join us on a pictorial and rare train ride across the border, through Tijuana, up the hills and into Tecate.

	The big star of this event was Engine No. 100, a beautifully refurbished diesel locomotive from the San Diego Railroad Museum, normally housed in the town of Campo, further out east in the San Diego country side.
	With the whistle blowing we prepare to board the train. The cars themselves are all historic, having been fixed up and made somewhat new again.
	“All aboard, sonny … and watch your step.” The entire crew was dressed up in authentic outfits from the past.

	The crew seemed to be having a good time … “Hey, where can I get one of those cool conductor caps??”
	Once seated (after snooping around the train for a bit first) we waited to get clearance to have the border gates opened to allow the train to pass – something that had not happened for nearly twenty years.
	Soon we’re off … well, for a full 100 yards, as we stop to pick up more people on the Tijuana side. Once we had everyone on board there were reporters, camera crews, and some news personalities – this was history we were making.

	Soon we were really under way, crossing the Tijuana River and into downtown Tijuana itself.
	It was interesting to get this unique vantage point of the city and landmarks you know. In the background is the giant statue of Jesus Christ, similar to the one in Rio de Janiero.
	As we drove right through intersections and along busy streets, people were genuinely amazed to see this big train with people on it going through their neighborhoods. It was great to watch everyone waving, to see how people react to a train with a smile.

	As we began to leave the main city and head into the outer lying areas, Tijuana’s suburbs, it was time to explore the train a little more. This is the front First Class car – you can touch the locomotive and get a great view at the same time.
	The refurbished First Class car, complete with couches, small coffee tables and original style comfort. This is the way to travel.
	Moving further out past town, we approach the famous Rodriguez Dam, water supply for all of Tijuana and the surrounding area. You never get to see it from this angle, the shot is taken just before we enter a tunnel to pass through the mountainside.

	Now that we’ve passed the dam only a few commercial areas remain.
	The best seat in the house wasn’t on a chair in a car, but in between cars where you could stick your head out and feel the wind on your face … just watch out for close objects!
	Eventually we were out in the hills, with great views all around. As it’s the end of July, there has been very little rain and the ground is dry, the weather hot.

	As the train continues eastward, we climb higher in elevation toward the mountains.
	To get up the hills, the train passes back and forth over a number of different switchbacks …
	across ranches with horses that roam freely along the tracks.

The rail line continues to take us up higher into the hills, going around bends that let you see the whole train. In the picture, that’s not someone hanging off the train, but a temporary air duct used by the big electrical generator on that car.

After a little less than three hours, we arrive at our destination at the Tecate Brewery, in the mountain village of Tecate. Going uphill and through busy downtown Tijuana prevented and high speed runs, the speed was just right for enjoying the trip.

Going from Tijuana to Tecate was a real treat, and we were glad to have been invited along. The the real star of the show was good old Engine No. 100 – Spirit. Available information seems to indicate it is a 1959 F7 Diesel, owned by the Fillmore & Western Railway Company. It is a beauty today, and we hope you enjoyed the ride.

Learn more about the San Diego Railroad Museum here.

Nice train ride, wouldn’t you agree?

Resources: Mexonline.com

Published or Posted by Aetna J B November l, 2010