Train watching on the Belen Cutoff

[Camper]

I want to check out the Belen Cutoff in New Mexico in March. Can anyone give me any information on good spots to find the tracks, good area's for photos and places to camp? I've done a lot of watching/camping in California between Bakersfield and Needles.[:)]

[Anonymous]

Its been a long time, but the highway follows the track through Abo Canyon pretty much. There are some interesting bridges off in the distance west of Abo as I remember. The whole route is within view western style (one can see great distance out there), but much is rather close up. Out west, nearly all rail routes are paralleled by old secondary(now) highways. Take food and drink. Its a long way to the next coke machine or MickeyD's. Interesting points to see: Station at Mountainair,NM, BNSF over
U.P. (exSP) at Vaughn NM (giant fill/overpass). Lots of train action at all times on whole route. Hope it helps some