Re: Update on Railroad in Ecuador - Quito sees passenger service again!.

It would seem that grade inflation doesn't just happen in school.

The following is from the chapter on Ecuador in "Railways of South America" by Rodney Long, published in 1927 by the United States Department of Commerce.

"The road runs from 12 feet above sea level to an altitude of 11,851 feet at Urbina, the highest point on the road. The gauge of the railroad is 42 inches throughout. The maximum grade on the road is 5-1/2% compensated. This grade occurs in the mountain division between Bucay and Guamote and is almost continuous for 50 miles. Outside of this division the maximum grade is one of 4%."

"Curves-The radius of the maximum curve on the road is 197 feet."

"Allignment-The alignment has 60 feet between reverse curves, 5-1/2% maximum grade, and 29 degree curves on the American system."

"Bridges-There are 72 bridges on the road. They are of the through truss, deck-truss, both pin-connected and through-riveted girders and both through and deck type steel-riveted plate, also a few short openings of I beam construction. Other small openings are timber stringers."

"Tunnels- There are three tunnels on the road, all of which are located between Huigra and Sibambe. One, 163 feet long, is cut through solid rock, one 263 feet long, is cut through gravel; and the other, 60 feet long is cut through solid rock. The minimum clearance of the tunnels is 13 feet in width and 16 1/2 feet from top of rail."

Having traveled through each of the tunnels on the roof of a box car, I can attest to the accuracy of the height data!

The report goes into considerable additional detail on construction, maintenance and equipment, as well as including a financial statement. They actually made a small operating profit in 1923!

Michael Allen