International Railroad Discussion > Springtime in Chile

Like in California, for a short time in the spring, it's green(er) around Santiago and the golden poppies bloom. Here are a few images of one of Fepasa's 'Art in Motion' SD40-2s on the solid refuse trains. The unit is 3301, x-BNSF 6379.

1. Southbound empties at Montenegro, Chile 10-10-12

2. Same train nearing Til Til. 10-10-12

3. Northbound loads in the canyon between Til Til and Runge. 9-25-12



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/16/12 06:48 by masterphots.

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How are these cars handled? Are they containers?

Mike Root
Madras, OR

Very nice Alan.

shortlineboss Wrote:
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> How are these cars handled? Are they containers?

They are containers and the trash is compacted into them at the south end in Santiago (Quillicura to be exact), lifted onto railroad cars, heads north about 45 miles, and then lifted off and put on trucks at the landfill which then haul them up the hill from the yard. When a loaded train enters the 3-track landfill yard, a second cut of cars is usually close to or completely loaded with empty containers, the road unit switches trains and is on its way south within 45 min. or so. They keep a pair of GE U10Bs at the landfill to switch the trains. There are normally two road locomotives assigned to this operation so as the empties head south they'll meet northbound loads about halfway.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/28/12 13:50 by masterphots.

86235 Wrote:
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> Very nice Alan.

Thanks. Amazing how well 3301 hauls when the rails and sand are dry.

Very pleased to see photos of the ex-6379 in action. Was sorry when it left the USA but glad it's still in service somewhere else and not being scrapped like some of the other newer ex-BN SD40-2's are.

Thanks for sharing the photos. Keep them coming!

Brian Ambrose
Renton, WA

Looks like there used to be an electric operation. When was the catenary pulled down?

-j

jofegan Wrote:
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> Looks like there used to be an electric operation.
> When was the catenary pulled down?
>
> -j

It was. When Fepasa became the operator of the southern network, that catenary came down around 2000. Don't have the exact date. Now the only wire is from Santiago south to Chillan, about 250 miles; and a shorter stretch from Talcahuano (Concepcion area) to Negrete, where the government passenger operation operates elderly EMUs.

Some great captures and some nice looking units: hey you mean there are actually trains around that aren't covered in graffiti?

Thanks for the share,
Karl

oldhound Wrote:
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> Some great captures and some nice looking units:
> hey you mean there are actually trains around that
> aren't covered in graffiti?
>
> Thanks for the share,
> Karl

The refuse trains stay graffiti-free due mostly to the fact they're either moving or in secure areas. When they do stop for meets and the like, they're in country towns where this stuff doesn't happen much. And locos are usually parked in secure areas too and any graffiti is removed quickly, although this doesn't apply to the remaining E32 electrics which look terrible.