G&Q Lasso and Cotopaxi

Some more photos from out visit 10 Jan 2009.
#17 2-8-0 that was left at Lasso station. It did not steam well on Dec 30, 2008 Presidential special to Quito. So it was left here at the station. When I told the General Manager of Riobamba that his loco was left out in the open. He immmediately called someone about this. It is scheduled to be returned to Riobamba by truck. THis is the only loco class that could make it to the Devils Nose without destroying the bad track. 20,000 ties are scheduled to be delievered in late Jan or Feb for use on the Riobamba to Alausi route.

Here is a example of track work in the Cotopaxi National Park area. This is on the south side of the pass. Note it is every 4th or 5th tie. No work has been done on the route south of Latacunga to Urbina. The trackage that was once open to Mocha is closed from Urbina due to a landslide. No trains have operated to Urbina since 2007.