The metal-on-metal squeal of wheels pressing hard against the rails on this curve, roughly 150 kilometers west of Chihuahua as El Chepe approaches the Sierra Madre mountains, is pure music to a railfan’s ears. Instinctively drawn to the window, I begin filming as the train bends gracefully through the rugged landscape.
The afternoon sun falls perfectly on the beautifully painted coaches, their deep bottle green and yellow colors giving the train the appearance of an elegant gentleman dressed for a grand occasion. A crisp November breeze rushes through the open window, cool against the face before the warm sunlight takes over once again. Eyes closed for a moment, ears soaking in the sound of steel against steel — one of those small yet unforgettable moments of travel magic.