Just got back from Quito and Alausi three weeks ago. We were invited to see the new train, now marketed under the Tren Ecuador brand over former (G&Q) on the Devils Nose. Steam is not scheduled till late 2013, however the business model is much different than the old G&Q. This will be all new railroad, no roof riding, modern or rebuilt coaches. I didn't hear of any efforts to encourage steam charters. If there are steam charters, it will look like it is on a mainline. Late 2013 will see a Guayaquil to Quito cruise train (sort of like Perurail's Highram Bingham) that will take 4 days to travel the full length of the railroad. Overnights will be at nearby hotels or resorts along the way.

Here are few pictures of the new train at Sibambe. BTW the Sibambe station will have 6 B&B rooms, with modern baths and showers to stay in. This is the most complete rebuilding I have ever seen next to Sumpter Valley or WW&F which were rebuilt from dirt roadbed to active railroads. This is more complete. The new roadbed and concrete ties make the line look like a mainline.

Should see more train service return in late Fall. I think they still are working on some new service ideas. Since the route will have nearly 6 different train combinations to ride over various parts of the former G&Q, S&C and San Lorenzo and Quito.

I wish them luck; but without the ramshackle narrow gage rolling stock, Baldwin steam up front and riding on the roof I can't imagine why I'd want to go that far. Journeys through time are far rarer and more precious than journeys through space.

dave

A few more views of the rebuilding progress. The new contractors have removed the original track and begin with dirt subroad, new concrete or treated wood ties, relayed rail, then finally new ballast. The route is nearly 84% complete from Duran to Quito. Last big gaps are from Latacunga to Urbina Summit, which most track in place. Then it is south of Riobamba to near Alausi with track mostly in place with gaps near Riobamba or Urbina summit. The last big gap is being worked on is the Chan Chan canyon with new tunnels and rebuilt track from south of Sibambe to Bucay onto Yaguachi.

Track completion is expected by late 2012. This is all being financed by the Ecuadorian Government and will be turned over to the new Tren Ecuador operator and it will have to be self sufficent. The total investment is over $110 million USD. This is also envisioned as a transportation system for both local passengers and some freight is possible. The main push is for tourists over several of the most popular sections of the former G&Q.

Really interesting. Thanks for posting.

Did someone say, "Steam in Ecuador"?

WRC has been on site in Ecuador since late last week evaluating steam locomotives in an effort to develop a scope of work for restoration. G&Q Locomotive No. 53 was also transported through city streets to its restoration location, which WRC assisted with. The WRC team included CEO John E. Rimmasch and CMO Blake Gadbury. Blake's brother, Bart Gadbury, assisted as an English-Spanish translator.

We plan on releasing more news in the future about the WRC trip to Ecuador, the future of this locomotive, and the ambitious effort to put steam back on the rails in Ecuador.

Here is a view of #53 in Riobamba in January 2009 in the shops. It was reportedly under restoration at the time. Several tour companies that year were promoting that this loco was to be used in March. It looks that little work had been done.

Where is the loco now? Also it was reported #17 was moved back to Riobamba also. Is it still at the shops?

Dale Brown

WOW. There is a lot going on in Ecuador. Thanks for sharing. Please keep us posted.

Sounds like the G&Q might be envisioning an eventual steam service similar to the Tren de la Sabana in Colombia.

Sure beats an empty grade through the Chan Chan River canyon.


Best Regards,
Glenn