Greeting all...I am pleased to report on my recent visit to Guatemala City, having the oppotunity to ride on the historic (formerly IRCA) now operated by the Ferrovias Guatemala.

On Thusday 17 March, we toured the gigantic shop complex located in Zone One in Guatemala City. Turntable, roundhouse, foundry,car shops, engine shops and two transfer tables. Not to forget one most important pieces of equipment...an self-propelled business car Edwards built and sold to United Fruit Co. n 1938 for their General Manager to use for inspection trips. (Full report on this car to follow soon)

On Friday 18 March we traveled to El Rancho via highway motor coach. Waiting for us was steam engine #204 and a consist of two open gondola cars, one coach, resturant (table) car and open platform business car.

We departed at 10:00 am heading for Guatemala City. This was one of the most spectacular train rides I have been on. Real mountain narrow gauge railroading at its best! We traved 62 miles going from El Rancho (MP135) altitude 1200 ft above sea level to Guatemala City (MP 197) altitude almost 5000 ft.!! Two long tunnels and many many high bridges!

Steam Locomotive #204, 2-8-2, performed without flaw. Our engineer was 82 years old...needless to say he is the "senior" engineer at Ferrovias Guatemala. One of our passengers, Richard Grigsby, asked the engineer what was his secret to his obvious good health and younger appearance...he said "all of my life, every night before bed I eat a handfull of figs!"

I can not tell you all enough as to the historic treasure of a railroad that exists in Guatemala. Thier General Manager, Jorge Senn and his crew displayed the highest leval of professionalism, organization and hospitality in regards to the safety of the passengers and equipment.

Three cheers to Henry Posner, III, Bill Duggan and RDC for keeping this historic national treasure ALIVE!