Ecuador Update - Almost There - All our Christmases Are Coming!

Still nothing but good news from Ecuador although the usual delay. Following is latest:

Duran - Yaguachi - operational.

Yaguachi - Bucay. Possibly April to June 2013.

Bucay - Huigra - Ready.

Huigra - Sibambe - Probably April to June 2013.

Sibambe - Alausi - Operational

Alausi - Palmira - April to June 2013.

Palmira - Colta - Ready

Colta - Riobamba - Urbina - Operational

Urbina - Mocha - Ready.

Mocha - Ambato - Latacunga - June 2013.

Latacunga - Quito - operational.


The Palmira to Colta section was only ready this week but no trains have been announced yet. However, it is expected there will be a daily Riobamba to Palmira and back autoferro for the moment starting January 1.

Assuming that no further delays are encountered it is more than possible that the first through train from QUito to Duran will be in June 2013 and while it may be late, it is coming and that really is all that matters.

As for the steam program that is definitely back to 2014 as all effort is concentrated on getting the line operational with normal trains first, which is fair enough.

If anyone wants further information or wants to contact me e-mail me at michael.grimes@hotmail.com.

All in all, a nice Christmas present.

Michael Grimes