645 posted:New Mexico is basically it now for semaphores such as:
http://www.railpictures.net/photo/611635/
http://www.railpictures.net/photo/631501/
http://www.railpictures.net/photo/632418/
Be advised the only regular traffic on this line is Amtrak's Southwest Chief and a (sometimes?) BNSF local from what I understand so the pickings for action will be very slim.
Assume you will be based in Phoenix area - will be 4 to 5 hours to the AZ/NM state line headed northeast to pick up I-40 then more time required to a specific location.
Have time to pop over to Colorado? Then consider catching the last wig wag signal on a mainline too:
http://www.railpictures.net/photo/577364/
Sorry I can't be of more help. The few other semaphores still around are generally protecting a crossing in a fixed (non-operational) position. However here is one that is closer to your home in Ohio:
I'll be flying into Vegas and will be staying in Utah. But we're planning on spending a lot of time in Arizona though. I wish I could go to Colorado. Thanks for the help 645! I appreciate it.
By the way, I'm from Indiana. No biggie though. I can't tell you how many people thought I was from Warren, OH.