Steam Locomotives in Chile

Colin J. Churcher reports:

Here is the (short) list of steam that is used in Chile - to the best of my knowledge. All of the locos are used in special charter service only and certainly not in everyday operation.

851 (4-8-2) 1952 Mitsubishi (using Baldwin plans) operates on the broad Gauge (5' 6") based in Santiago.

714 (2-8-2) 1919 Alco is based at Temuco (broad gauge)

534 (4-6-0) 1908 North British is based at Osorno (broad gauge)

3511 (2-8-2) 1923 Baldwin operates in the Atacama desert out of Baquedano on the metre gauge.

The first three have been maintained and restored by the railfan organization so their future might be fairly secure (!)

Incidentally the roundhouses at Temuco and Baquedano have been declared national historic monuments. All this means is that the locomotives there may not be cut up. There are other steam locomotives at both places, many of which are in an advanced stage of decomposition.

Let me know of any additions/corrections…………..