The extension of the EP&NE’s main line from Alamogordo to Capitan was completed via Carrizozo and opened for business on October 1, 1899. The Capitan Mining Company started extracting coal from the Salado field near Capitan in the same month. The line was operational between 1899-1905 under the El Paso and Northeastern Railway Company, between 1905-1924 under the El Paso and Southwestern Railroad Company, and by the Southern Pacific Transportation Company from 1924 until its abandonment in 1943 when coal mining played out. It was near the historic Chisum trail (circa 1870) and near a road to Fort Sumner dating from 1862.

Today, Capitan is a small thriving community that is supported by the tourist industry. The town is located in Lincoln County, which was made infamous by the Lincoln County War and Billy the Kid.

MODELING CAPITAN IN 1955

The modeling focal point is the large Capitan Mining Company coal operation that existed east of the town. The mine has three loading tracks, a siding for receivables and a switching lead. Use of the mainline for switching moves and departure from Capitan requires observing signal indications as the mainline is not visible in either direction due to the substantial mountain range surrounding the town.