If you are in Alamagordo, might I recomend a side trip. Take US 82 to Cloudcroft. Remnents of the old Alamagordo & Sacramento Mountains RR is visible in places. Almost at the top of the hill, you can see the last remaining wooden bridge (trestle). There is a small parking area across the trestle off US82. Park car, cross highway (carefully) and take pictures.
Las Cruces is on BNSF's Belen-El Paso secondary line and averages less than 2 trains per 24-hour period.
Alamogordo is on the UP Golden State Route and is averaging 24 trains per 24-hour period, mostly double-stacks and autos. There is one regular manifest train each way daily, and occasionally coal and grain moves to Mexico.
The area with the most curvature on the Golden State is between Carrizozo and Corona. From El Paso to Carrizozo the line is straight and flat, but I like it very much.
Another good area you may wish to consider is east of El Paso between Fort Hancock and Sierra Blanca. The Sunset Route climbs a stiff and scenic hill there.
West of El Paso the Sunset Route is near to the border until it reaches Deming.
Expect to get many cordial visits from Border Patrol officers if you park near to the tracks in this area, especially east and west of El Paso.
RWM
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