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Gregorio Arlee Mañalich Mill |
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Gregorio Arlee Mañalich Mill is one of only two to maintain active standard gauge and narrow gauge (2ft 6in) steam rosters into recent years. Nearby Osvaldo Sánchez Mill was the other one and even this succumbed in 1999. All over the island, narrow gauge systems have been closed or converted to standard gauge, often the steam locomotives were scrapped, occasionally as with 1338 (ex-Elpidio Gómez Mill), 1351 (ex-Hermanos Ameijeiras Mill) and 1365 (ex-Sierra de Cubitas Mill) they have been sent on for a new lease of life. It is not clear how this system has survived as the area it serves is quite flat and conversion would not have been difficult. Of course, this means that compared to the other narrow gauge steam mills, the field lines are rather less attractive scenically. Fortunately, the mill area itself is very photogenic. There is a flat crossing with the main line immediately outside the mill, the patio area is spacious and loaded trains run on through some old trees to reach the fulls yard. In recent years, security has been relaxed here although official permission is still needed to reach the shed. Standard gauge activity is mainly limited to shunting hopper wagons for the main line. Strangely there are always several diesels hanging around here as it is the area's diesel maintenance depot but demarcation ensures they do not perform shunting. The lucky visitor will find centenarian Rogers 2-6-0 1403 on this duty. Locomotives 1202, 1304, 1338 and 1709 are in the locomotive gallery. After years when the locomotives were kept in a mediocre state, 1998 and 1999 saw them in two stunning liveries, firstly a rich ruddy chocolate brown and then a stunning (and possibly impractical) sky blue in a complete break from Cuban traditional black. |
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