DC-10 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Confusion
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Ground Incursion Runway
Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Airport; Human Factors
Pushed back onto Taxiway 'A' at HRL.  Completed the After Start checklist and Before Takeoff checklist down to the line prior to commencing taxi.  Conditions were CAVU; however; the lighting was poor. We were given clearance to taxi to RW 35L via taxiway 'A' and hold short of the runway.  I (First Officer) had never been to Harlingen; so; I was unfamiliar somewhat other than the standard airfield study/prep.  As we approached the runway; yet still pretty far from Runway 35L; I noticed what appeared to be hold short markings and brought it to the Captain's attention.  He began to brake as soon as I said it; but the aircraft ended up approximately 20 FT past the hold short marking.  The aircraft was still well clear of the runway  and there was no conflict with any other traffic.  Ground did not contact us on the matter. The hold short is in an unusual location and there is no depiction on the airfield diagram and there are no  notes 'spelling this out.'  Recommend both a note and notation on the airfield diagram.  Lighting is also  poor (which makes this even more of a hazard).
I always do my best to maintain my attention 100% while operating the aircraft. I will just continue to do the same. I believe I made a mistake. The hold short line on A taxiway to rwy 35L has to be depicted on the taxiway chart and maybe mention it could be a hot spot to make an error. Also; there should be a note advising crewmembers the hold short line is way back from the approach end of rwy 35L. The company briefing pages should also mention this unusual hold short spot.
Air carrier flight crew reports inadvertently crossing the hold line for Runway 35L at HRL due to its great distance from the runway.