Re: Sumpter mallet tender

Taylor - all,
First, there are so many steel passenger railcars here, you'd need a small ship to get half of them to McEwen. Secondly, remember that all railroad equipment here is owned by the Guatemalan government. That presents a quandry. They may see it not like yourself (junk), but it is theirs and it still exists here. Regardless of condition, the railroad guys are very proud of all they have and would fix it all if they had more time and resources. Beyond passenger equipment, there is enough unique freight equipment left in Guatemala for several operations. There are GE and Bombardiar diseasals everywhere.
I suggest saving your money this year and make plans to come to Guatemala next year. My re-occuring thought is how the genuine old wild west lives, and lives here in Guatemala. They have all the modern technology available, but you still see genuine cowboys. Six shooters on everybody's hip are replaced with mechetes (spelling?) with countless people. The unwritten rule here is that you are responsible for yourself, as is everybody. Good courtesy and manners go a long way. Guatemalans have been very friendly, and it has been an incredible adventure. I've taken well over 1,000 pictures - perhaps I'll post some here.
The railroad in Guatemala is on an upward swing for getting better. The accomodations for visting are first class.
Save your money and come to Guatemala City. See the country, meet the people, ride steam.