Arizona & Pacific Railroad
Follow the progress on the Arizona & Pacific Railroad's current projects by clicking here
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Arizona & Pacific Railroad 
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The Arizona and Pacific Railroad, a project of John Sayre (with help from brother David), is located in Peoria, Arizona a rapidly growing suburb northwest of Phoenix. The roster of motive power includes MTC G-16 No. 582 and two Allan Herschell S-16s numbers 59-1873 and 60-1880. Two speeders, a handcar and three coaches fill out the MOW and rolling stock rosters.
The A & P RR can trace its origins to a Fall day in 1994 when the Sayre Bros. attended a rare open house at the Flagstaff and Middle Verde Railroad of Malcolm and Martha Mackey in Camp Verde, Arizona and "got hooked" on Allan Herschell and Miniature Train Company equipment and its operation. We purchased our first significant piece of equipment in May of the following year.
The current line consists of just over 1500 feet of 16” gauge mainline and sidetracks which travel among fruit trees and gardens and past our brick observation patios. Nine switches, two crossing signals, five trestles, water tank, gallows style turntable, transfer table and one-stall engine house are currently in place. Two additional MTC switches, three more crossing signals, two MTC block signals and a MTC crossing gate have been restored and await installation in future phases of our project. Our current major construction projects include a speeder building and a three-stall engine house.
Arizona & Pacific Railroad 
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Arizona & Pacific Railroad 
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Completion of the “Sandusky” engine (no. 2) and the acquisition of additional rolling stock remain on the “projects list” and have been pushed back until after completion of our three-stall engine house/car barn. The architectural drawings for that structure are complete and finally approved. We have pulled our permits and will break ground in the Spring of 2007. Photos of the line and equipment can be found here.
Engine No. 1 of the A & P RR , the "Phoenix" is the current workhorse of the railroad. It was originally purchased by Del Webb (1959) and operated at his HiWay House Hotel and convention center in Phoenix. The history of the engine can be found here.
Arizona & Pacific Railroad 
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Arizona & Pacific Railroad 
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We pay tremendous attention to detail in the contruction or restoration of each one of our projects and as a result our projects don't get completed as quickly as those of some other enthusiasts. We are, however, very pleased as are others with the finished projects. We hope you enjoy some of our before and after photos as well as our construction photographs.
We are a private railroad and not open to the public or drop-in guests. Working a 50+ hour a week job necessitates that policy. Requests in advance to visit by other park train enthusiasts are welcome when schedules permit.
Arizona & Pacific Railroad 
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Arizona & Pacific Railroad 
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Interactive map showing the Arizona & Pacific Railroad right of way |
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Aerial photos of the Arizona & Pacific Railroad |
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What's been accomplished at the Arizona & Pacific Railroad this year? |
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The Arizona & Pacific Railroad photo tour highlights the construction of the A&P RR |
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See photos of the restoration work performed on equipment of the A&P RR. |
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See photos of the "Phoenix" back when she was running at the Del Webb HiWay House. |
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A brief history of the S-16 |
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Some post cards featuring the Allan Herschell S-16 "1865 model" train |
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The Allan Herschell S-24 "Iron Horse" train - A brief history |
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The Allan Herschell S-24 "Iron Horse" train is featured on this collection of post cards |
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Articles and photos of miniature railroads in the state of Arizona. |
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Periodically we will spotlight another miniature railroad outside of Arizona that we got the opportunity to visit. |
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Photos sent in by friends of the Arizona and Pacific Railroad |
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In April of 2008 we became aware that one of you had nominated us for the Discover Live Steam/Bitter Creek Western Website Excellence award. We appreciate the nomination and the support of those of you who visit our site on a regular basis. May 2nd we were notified the ballots were in and been counted, there were no hanging chads, and we were named the winner of the “individual” division. Thank you to whoever nominated us and to all the people who voted for us. We will try to keep the website fresh and expanding and interesting in the months and years ahead. Thank you again for the honor and your viewership.
Another beautiful day for railroading! |
Last site update 01/25/12 |
since 6/15/02 |