I unfortunately could not get up to Huancayo this trip. However I have talked to two people with ties to the rails in Peru. The FCHH has been out of service since 2008. A program of changing the gauge to standard began in June of 2008. Sometime in mid-2009 the track work had proceeded to almost Huancavelica. The track was completely rebuilt from 3 ft to standard. The original dual gauge 3 rail project was dropped when Central Andina took over the project and used different construction technique's of replacing rail and ties to standard. Concrete ties were introduced and the narrow gauge equipment was moved to Chicla shops in Huancayo and stored. Heavier rail from an abandoned standard gauge branch line was used to upgrade part of the track. However bridges have not been upgraded to handle heavier loads as well as curves and grades. Many tunnels would have to been enlarged to accommodate standard gauge cars.

At the beginning of 2010 no regular service has resumed on the line. The track reconstruction seemed to be stalled. Then came the floods that hit the Machu Picchu line and sweep away miles of right of way, resulting in a nearly three month project to rebuild the line from Cusco to MP. The same rains also resulted in damage to the rebuilt standard gauge line of the FCHH. As of my visit in August trains have not resumed or will in near future. One of my contacts reported to me that the Peruvian Government want to award a new concession contract for the line and require the new operator to make the repairs.

In other words and very well operating narrow gauge railroad was re-gauged for projected new increase in traffic. The traffic has not materialized, nor has service been resumed to the many isolated communities. Passengers and freight has switched to trucks. A unique, but unfortunately financially loosing operation has been lost. The service was always subsided by the Government to provide social service to one of the poorest areas of the Peruvian Andes.

Dale Brown
www.wingsandrails.com