North of Tucson and southeast of Phoenix is an interesting SP branch. This line hauled copper ore to Hayden for the Kennecott Copper Company. Late in the day on December 1, 1977 Extra 6562 West comes into Ray Junction with empty hoppers. The SP handled the copper ore trains for Kennecott between Ray Junction and the smelter in Hayden. The Copper Basin Railway took over this operation in 1986.

After exchanging empties for loads the train is ready to head back to Hayden. This area is notorious for snakes, so watch where you step if you are here between March and October.

Just ahead of the train are two of the three tunnels on this branch line. Number 2 is 140 feet long and number 3 is 125 feet long. Ray Junction is at milepost 988.

Sunset Route Index

Kennecott Copper GP39s at Ray Jct.