A review from Today's
Railways 78 (June 2002) issue
"LA TROCHITA" by Sergio Sepiurka and Jorge Miglioli
"This book takes the reader on one of the world's greatest
railway journeys, on the Old Patagonian Express (a.k.a. La Trochita)
across Argentina. Superbly illustrated throughout, the book captures
the atmosphere of the region and its spectacular scenery very
well, and tells the story of the rise, fall, and revival of this
famous train on the world's longest steam narrow gauge line.
"This train, and the Argentinian railway network as a whole,
has a remarkable history with both broad and narrow gauge lines.
Like many other rail networks all over the world it suffered decline
from the 1970s onwards because of increasing competition from
road traffic, with Argentina's national government finally closing
the route of La Trochita in 1993. Luckily the provincial governments
decided to keep the train going, albeit only on a small section
of its original route to date.
"There are also chapters describing the locomotives and rolling
stock, and some of the attractions to be visited on the route
including a projected railway theme park and two museums. By present
day European standards it seems incredible that trains for journeys
of such long distances are still formed of coaches with only a
wood-burning stove, and with wooden seats in second class!"
AY
