Significant things are starting to happen at the tips of Argentina and Chile. An official press release was published today. An illustrated version can be read here: http://www.martynbane.co.uk/modernsteam ... 06news.htm

We can expect to see significant progress in the next 12 months. This will be THE PLACE to be to see what a modern reciprocating steam locomotive is like, what it can do and what the future could hold. A key aspect of the entire project is the rational use of energy. The question has been asked 'why use diesels when we don't have oil but have hundreds of years of coal?' And here is the answer.......

As I posted on the "ACE 3000" thread, I recall that Ross Rowland was doing an ACE study in the '80s and an internet search a few years ago found that in South America, they were still studying the feasability studies in the late '90s. So maybe this is part of it. But I fear that even if the efficiencies could be brought close to those of diesel, the maintenance of steam locomotives would be prohibitive. But wouldn't it be nice to see a relatively new steam loco running in revenue service?

Later!
Mr. Ed

TUT already has a tour scheduled for this railroad in NOV 2007.

A truly modern steam will require less maintenance than a diesel and when maintenance is required the parts aren't expecially expensive and can be made locally by any competant workshop.

This work has little to do with the ACE type of project, rather we are talking about more traditional types of locomotives.

Make no small plans........

Fascinating project. Please do keep us insular Yanks informed as things progress.

dave

On another forum (Yahoo's steam_tech) a couple of interesting questions have been raised. I am copying them here:

"The answers (to the best of my knowledge) are:

> 1. When is the railway expected to open?

By 2010 - this is Latin America and things can take time! Also 2010 is
symbolically very important in Argentina and Chile so the opening may
be timed to coincide with national events.

> 2. What is the traffic level on the RFIRT, from Río Turbio to Punta
> Loyola?

Very low due to the run down state of the line, rolling stock and
useless diesels. There are, I think, just a couple of trains a week.
Also there was a very serious mine accident a couple of years ago from
which the mine and railway is only just recovering. In the future
traffic levels are uncertain. It depends what happens to the coal!
Some may go, as it used to do, up to Buenos Aires to power stations
but it is also possible it will be used locally for power generation
and for domestic heating (mixed with bio-fuels into briquettes) and
other local uses. I believe the decisions on this area is some way
off, 1 step at a time!

> 3. Will steam be re-introduced on the RFIRT, from Río Turbio to Punta
> Loyola, as soon as they are overhauled? It seems a bit odd to be
> running diesels on one line, while promoting steam on another newly
built.

This again is to be decided but you won't be surprised to know the
apparent contradiction has been noted at the highest levels! It is
also worth pointing out the project is underpinned by the idea of the
rational use of energy. Thus it is possible diesels could be used IF
they turn out to be the best option. But how likely is that with
current oil prices and the likely future trends?! And as per the
answer to 2 the traffic demands are yet to be determined so we don't
yet know what motive power will be required. However should the
Advanced Santa Fe type be required for coal train haulage we know it
will do it and very well!"

Thanks for the update Martyn!

I've been watching your other pages for some time. This is a VERY EXCITING project! I wish both nations and all participants and localities great success!!!

Can't wait to buy my ticket!


Sincerely,
Glenn

See you there!