The International Steam Pages |
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Argentina August/September 1996 |
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Manfred Schoeler has sent me this short report:: He visited from 24.8. to 13.9.1996 Viejo Expreso Patagonico "La Trochita"
(Ing. Jacobacci - El Maiten - Esquel) The section El Maiten - Esquel is now a tourist atraction of Chubut Province. The 31 railwaymen are now employed by the Province. For service and personal costs the province made 2 Mio$ avaiable to "La Trochita". Timetable during winter 1. Servicio publico: Wednesday 1100 El Maiten ----> Esquel 1715 Fare: 15,- $ one way 2. Servicio turistico regular: Esquel - Nahuel Pan - Esquel Saturday 1400 dep. Esquel Fare: 15,- $ This service only runs if there are enough passengers. More information Viejo Expreso Patagonico Telefax 0945-95190 Serviceable locos (end of August 1996) were: Henschel 114 (Esquel) Both Henschels 105 and 107 are under repair The train to Esquel (28.8.) and back (29.8.) was hauled by Baldwin No. 6. The Saturday train Esquel - Nahuel Pan - Esquel ran with Henschel 114 on 31.8. RFIRT Trafic was down to one pair of trains at beginning of September. Most departures were in the evening (around sunset or later) and arrivals at their destination was during morning hours. The first 3 from 5 expected diesel locos arrived at Rio Gallegos and spoiled the steam scene badly! If traffic levels are low then all trains are diesel. Only loaded trains from Rio Turbio to the new deep-water harbour at Porto Puerto Loyola had a steam loco behind to support the diesel to brake the 60 wagons. Trains to Loyola had the following composition: diesel + tank wagon + steam loco + tank wagon + 60 loaded wagons Trains to Rio Turbio were diesel only. So each day in late afternoon there is a light engine going up to Rio Turbio. Steam trains were possible if level of traffic was more than one pair of trains per day. Locos in use: September 1996 Diesel: 001 / 002 / 003 Steam: 104 / 105 / 107 / 108 / 109 / 113 / 120 Steam duties are:
Observed trains:
Traffic on 11 and 12.9 according to the diagram of train control
Information: "control trenes",Tel. / Fax.: 20874 Adress of YCF: YCF |
Rob Dickinson
Email: webmaster@internationalsteam.co.uk