Re: The Narrow Gauge In Ecuador comes back to life. Massive changes.

Alan,

I think some of Mr. Grimes photos are from previous tours. However the last few photos are of the rebuilt cars and Ferrobuses. Like you I am suspecious of the claims of the EFE to finish things on time. However look at this website and see how they literally rebuilt the track in panels and replaced the mainline.

[www.flickr.com]

I think that they are now using some advisors from both Ushuaia and FEVE Spain to supervise some of the rebuilding. Just like Mr. Grimes stated, the work is complicated by landslides, lack of coordination and funding. It seems that they have gotten thousands of new ties fromt he US for replacement. Since EFE has no mechanical track maintenance equipment all is done by hand. Sort of the Ecuadorian Rube Goldberg method of track reconstruction in some photos.

If one believes the claims of RTC that all will be ready by 2011, much work must be done to accomplish their itinerary for next year.

I am still keeping a hopeful eye on the situation and believe some type of a railfan tour could be done by late 2011. Unlike two other operators, we have been on the ground in Quito and along the line to see the progress or in some cases lack of in rebuilding the G&Q.

Dale Brown
www.wingsandrails.com