1994, revised 2002
An Energy/Transportation Fantasy for
New Mexico
A great addition to the cultural and historical landscape of New Mexico would
be another railroad attraction somewhat along the lines of the
Cumbres/Toltec RR, but featuring several major differences.
- These trains would go anywhere in the state that the tracks go, or could be
made to go again, especially to places that are not your regular tourist
destinations
- While the ambiance of the Cumbres/Toltec is that of yesterday, this network
will be about tomorrow, both in technology and in attitude.
- There would be research and educational aspects to the system, analogous
to those of a museum or bio-park, complete with literature, tapes, videos, and
(most definitely) guides or docents. And add on the train crews, also.
These trains would consist of one or several cars as needed. They could at
first be retrofitted double-ended commuter cars, but as time goes by the
rolling stock would be modern, even futuristic, featuring space age materials
(ideally, designed and built in New Mexico). These units would be powered by
renewable energy, with clean traditional backup
systems. There are several possibilities for propulsion components:
- Solar photvoltaic panels on the car roofs.
- Batteries charged from solar and/or wind systems.
- Standard overhead wires energized from renewable sources.
- Innovations like the stored-energy flywheel that has been tried on buses
in San Francisco.
- Natural gas or propane for backup.
And this isn't just theory. Some of the systems are already in use!
There would be several classes of comfort and amenities, with a fare
structure to match. Some cars would be rolling classrooms,
some would be coaches, some could even be sleepers. There would also be rest
rooms, refreshments, and bicycle and handicapped access.
The docents, or guides, would be drawn form the ranks of any responsible
persons with general or specialized knowledge of the area to be travelled
through - teachers, farmer, ranchers, builders, naturalists, local historians,
old geezers, colorful charaters - who could travel with the train or be
invited aboard at stopping points.
Excursions could last for hours or days, and would make an excellent field trip
for students at any level.
This project would not be expected to pay for itself through fares, but
as a public investment, that is, a combination
of educational institution, tourist attraction, and research facility.
Besides the self-evident attactions to those who would ride the system, there
are other benefits to New Mexico:
- The design, manufacture, maintenance, and operation of this system would
generate considerable employment within our state - plowshares, not swords.
- It would be a great way for New Mexico to catch up, and even get
ahead, in several industries which must inevitably grow with the coming
decades, industries such as public transportation, renewable energy,
education, tourism, historical preservation, and environmental restoration.
- It would be good clean fun.
This thing could be started now - no major
technological breakthroughs or land acquisitions are required, not even all
that much money compared to, say, the Big I or just about any other major
road project.
There is much work to be done before this service becomes a reality. We will
need inter-governmental cooperation, coordination with existing railroads,
and, most importantly, vision to pull together
as a state for our own long-term benefit. Given our history and present
condition, this is a tall order. But we can do it.
Rails, Inc.