Mexican Government stopped the piggyback tours, reportedly due to safety considerations. I believe the caravan companies now include a trip as a passenger to Devisadero from one end of the line or the other (Chihuahua or one of the Western stops like El Fuerte or Los Mochis. Still very much worthwhile.
Harry
With wife Carole 10 yrs fulltiming
Retired U.S. Army
2002 Carriage LS 37' 5er; 2006 Lance 1181
2008 F-450 King Ranch 4x4 fully loaded
2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee toad
SKP # 54751
Geocacher "DosTortugas" Harry's BLOG
I believe that caravans were the only ones ever allowed to do the piggyback trip. They no longer allow them to do it because the govt felt it was too dangerous. Having looked at one caravan on a train there, I agree. I wouldn't have done it.
Taking the train is a great experience, the first class train is very comfortable with a bar and restaurant car and excellent seats. It's definitely worth going out of your way to experience.
Riding the flatbed was a blast - - we thoroughly enjoyed it. Glad we made it on before they cancelled it. Travelled most of the time in our lawn chair out on the deck while we were rolling. Great pictures. Quite interesting to be out on the deck and hit the one mile long tunnel - - boy it is pitch black in there.
Bob
2003 Dodge 3500 HO dually 6 speed Laramie, Jordan Controller, RDS aux tank/tool box, Bremen boards, RamAirIII, Jacobs EBrake, Air Safe 25K hitch
Carriage 36' Triple slide Fiver, Onan Gen, Sat, Prosine Inv., MORryd IS and pinbox