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Leaving the station, the Railroad passes through the old slag dump, the 50 million tons of waste material from the smelter which was actually poured in a molten state. The mountain of slag covers about 40 acres, averages 40 feet in depth, and represents almost 40 years of operation. Stories are told by long-time residents about seeing red hot ribbons glowing in the dark when the smelter was active.
From the train, remains of the original Arizona Power Company power plant, better known as TAPCO, are visible. Finished in 1918 just prior to the end of World War I, TAPCO supplied power to the Verde Valley and even Phoenix in peak seasons. In the 1960s, it was supplanted by a substation, also visible from the train.
The first railroad bridge, or trestle the Verde Canyon Railroad crosses, was actually constructed utilizing the old turntable from the Prescott roundhouse, thus named “Turntable Bridge.”
"If you or your office staff are ready for a retreat, or need a place to meet and discuss business in a relaxed setting, the Verde Canyon Railroad is the perfect ride for you."
—Scottsdale Airpark News
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