The 1978 RSTI (Rail Study Tours International) trip to South America included a free day in Rio Gallegos. One option offered was to fly to Calafate to see the Perito Moreno glacier. Three of us decided instead to rent a taxi for the day and to chase some of the narrow gauge trains between Rio Gallegos and Rio Turbio. I really wanted to see the glacier, Lago Argentino, and the Southern Ice Cap, but as it turned out chasing the narrow gauge was the best choice. In the intervening years I saw the glacier a number of times, but never saw the coal hauling narrow gauge in operation again.
In 1978 the railroad was running several trains a day each way, and we were able to chase a number of them. The westbound trains consisted mainly of empty coal cars, but also included various loads headed to the mines at Rio Turbio. Here the consist included two tank cars in the middle of the train.
At least one of the group members opted for a third option, riding the cab of 2-10-2 No. 105, seen here enjoying the action while sitting on the tender deck.