Turning a train at Matthie Wye

The following sequence of photos was taken 15 October 2005 when the annual BNSF 'Make-a-Wish' special train ran from Peoria, Arizona to Wickenburg, Arizona and back. Matthie Wye, about 5 miles north of Wickenburg, was used to turn the train around. I was perched on top of a low hill to the east of the wye to record the rare movement.

BNSF 2445 leading the special train arrives after passing through Wickenburg Arizona. The train has already entered the leg of the wye leading to the Arizona & California RR. The BNSF 'Peavine' is visible in the foreground.


The special is entirely on Arizona & California track at this point and is preparing to reverse
onto the opposite leg of the wye in order to turn around.


In this view, the train has reversed almost entirely onto the opposite leg of the wye. The locomotives are now at the spot the end of the train was at in the previous photo.


Here the train has completely cleared the wye and is facing back toward Phoenix on the Peavine and ready to highball.


Matthie Wye is clearly visible in this view looking west.


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