Virtual Railfan Tour of Bolivia - Viacha to Oruro

 

In 2002 I attended and gave a paper at the Latin American Railroad Congress meeting in La Paz. A part of this meeting included a trip between Viacha and Oruro. At that time this section of line was part of the main railway spine on the altiplano. Today the line is still in place but is not in regular use.
I prefer this picture taken with a people filter 

The conductor was turned out in a smart uniform
Just one small mud brick dwelling is visible

Llamas and sheep

The altiplano is a high altitude vast emptiness. Our approach to a small village would be signaled by an accumulation of wind-blown plastic bags and other garbage carelessly dumped

The approach to Oruro was interesting to say the least

The main line into Oruro

Main line runs through a local market

Watch out - here comes the train. You can just see it in the distance
People are beginning to make way

View from the cab - clear road ahead? - except for that boxcar

Some people leave things until the last  moment

This is an opportunity to climb up to sell things to the crew.

Surprisingly the yard is completely fenced and trains have to enter and leave by the gates which are normally closed. This is one of the cleanest and well kept yards I have seen - no litter or weeds and everything neat and tidy

Roller bearings on all freight stock


Two types of frog


At last I can photograph locomotives in peace 













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