La tecnología fue traída de Gran Bretaña
Topic: Train Travel Argentina

Contexto Historico

El primer ferrocarril se inauguró en la provincia de Buenos Aires el 30 de agosto de 1857 con un reducido recorrido de 10 kilómetros.

. ..............Para 1886 había 5826 kilómetros de vías habilitadas en todo el país

Las empresas más importantes del período fueron el Ferrocarril Oeste y el Ferrocarril Sud, ambas concesiones de la provincia de Buenos Aires, y el Ferrocarril Central Argentino, de concesión nacional.

 

Fue Buenos Aires quien logró poner en funcionamiento, por primera vez en la Argentina, una línea férrea. En agosto de 1857 se inauguró el primer tramo, muy corto por cierto, de lo que se denominaría Ferrocarril Oeste (FCO).

 

La tecnología fue traída de Gran Bretaña

De ese origen fue el empresario constructor y de Inglaterra vino el primer material rodante. El recorrido original era de la estación del Parque (donde hoy se encuentra el Teatro Colón) hasta Floresta aproximadamente 10 kilómetros.La construcción y explotación de los primeros ferrocarriles en la Argentina están ligadas a su historia política. Este modo de transporte fue considerado como la herramienta más eficaz para consolidar la unión nacional y promover la transformación social y económica por los grupos dirigentes que ocuparon cargos gubernativos a partir de 1852.

Cambios sociales Desde su aparición en la Argentina el ferrocarril produjo una transformación radical de la sociedad y la economía. Algunos de los cambios fueron: ·        La especulación por las tierras:  comprando aquéllas por las que pasarían líneas proyectadas con la esperanza de venderlas tiempo después por un precio multiplicado. En general fueron los promotores y constructores de ferrocarriles, y no las empresas ferroviarias, las que se embarcaron en esta actividad. ·        La  aceleración en la penetración de las formas capitalistas en la Argentina. ·        Con la sanción del Código de Comercio fue apareciendo el marco regulatorio para la creación de empresas de gran capital.  ·        Se introdujeron nuevas formas de trabajo que dieron origen a grandes organizaciones de oficios especializados que requerían trabajadores calificados y la introducción de verdaderas industrias como fueron los talleres ferroviarios. El trabajo organizado de los ferrocarriles contribuyó al desarrollo de dos instituciones vinculadas a aquél: los sindicatos y la previsión social.   .............. The Buenos Aires Toy Museum, el Museo del Juguete Argentino. El Primer Museo Argentina en la web desde 1996.  http://www.the-ba-toymuseum.com/Información sobre Arte y Antiguedades en la Argentina,  http://www.frassinetti.biz/ Saludos desde Buenos Aires, Roberto ( Bob ) Frassinetti.   

 

Un viaje en tren,.........
Topic: Train Travel Argentina

     

 LA  NACIONALIZACIÓN.  LA  EMPRESA  FERROVIARIA      ESTATAL  1947-1976 La crisis del sector ferroviario favoreció la compra de las empresas por el Estado nacional. Lo ocurrido en la Argentina fue repetición de lo sucedido en otras naciones. Sin embargo, el gobierno de Perón dio a la operación de adquisición un sentido político, acorde con ideas nacionalistas, que lo desvirtuó. Lo más importante de las empresas, su capital humano, se perdió en parte. La empresa estatal resultante padeció así un defecto crónico en su organización lo que afectó su eficiencia. Los desafíos de una nueva época, en la que el ferrocarril debía hacer frente en general a la competencia del automotor, y  en el tráfico de pasajeros de larga distancia a la del avión, no encontraron respuestas adecuadas y la participación ferroviaria en el transporte nacional comenzó a decaer rápidamente. La elaboración de sucesivos planes de racionalización no se llevaron a la práctica y el problema del futuro de los ferrocarriles quedó pendiente de solución. Plan Larkin Hacia 1960 el ferrocarril se encontraba con serias deficiencias, no se había modernizado la operación, el material rodante y tractivo era obsoleto, había demasiado personal. La explotación generaba un enorme déficit que pesaba sobre el Tesoro nacional. El Plan Larkin pretendía revertir esta situación. Se adecuaba la red ferroviaria eliminando sectores económicamente no convenientes que serían reemplazados por carreteras, se modernizaba la explotación y se realizaban fuertes inversiones en infraestructura y material rodante. Los sucesos políticos de 1961 y 1962 impidieron la concreción del plan. RACIONALIZACION  Y  PRIVATIZACION. 1976-2003. La crisis ferroviaria llevó a tomar en forma abrupta decisiones que redujeron en forma drástica la presencia del ferrocarril en el país. A partir de 1977 comenzó una etapa de racionalización que significó el cierre de numerosos ramales y la supresión de muchos servicios de pasajeros de larga distancia. La eficiencia del ente estatal no mejoró por ello y a comienzos de la década de 1990 se inició un proceso de privatización que llevó a la liquidación de la empresa “Ferrocarriles Argentinos”. Se dieron en concesión, por un lado, los servicios de transporte de carga y, por otro, los de pasajeros suburbanos del Gran Buenos Aires. Los servicios de pasajeros de larga distancia que subsistían quedaron librados a la gestión provincial y en su mayoría no continuaron. La gestión privada trajo diversidad y cada una de las empresas que surgió tuvo resultados distintos. Racionalización y Privatización

Racionalización

 

En 1962 se elaboró el "Plan de Largo Alcance" que establecía los lineamientos a seguir en política ferroviaria en el futuro. Implicaba la modernización del sistema, la optimización del modo ferroviario en los tráficos y corredores principales con grandes inversiones en nuevos equipos y reconstrucción de la red. También implicaba la eliminación de los ramales de baja densidad de tráfico y su reemplazo por carreteras y evitar líneas férreas que compitan entre sí. La inestabilidad política hizo que el plan no se llevara adelante. A partir de allí periódicamente se suprimieron ramales y no se construyeron los caminos. Salvo pocas excepciones la empresa ferroviaria entró en un largo período de abandono y desinversión  degradando progresivamente el servicio de pasajeros y cargas.

 Privatización: 

En los años 90, el sistema ferroviario argentino requería un gran aporte de la Tesorería para funcionar. Los servicios eran malos y el desmanejo de la empresa hacía preveer un final cercano. El gobierno para revertir la situación tomó la decisión de concesionar a empresas privadas separando las tres clases de servicios que operaba Ferrocarriles Argentinos. El servicio de cargas fue concesionado sin subsidio. El servicio de trenes de la región metropolitana fue concesionado con aportes de capital para obras y subsidio del Estado con el fin de mantener barata la tarifa. Y por último el servicio de trenes de pasajeros de larga distancia fue transferido a la provincias.  Como resultado de esta política puede decirse que la carga y los pasajeros metropolitanos han funcionado razonablemente, y han demostrado que el ferrocarril sobrevivió a varias crisis, aunque se evidencia la necesidad de mejorar la calidad de los servicios. El sistema de pasajeros de larga distancia en manos provinciales virtualmente desapareció y los pocos servicios que subsisten son de mala calidad y no pueden competir con otros modos de transporte.

Trenes en la Argentina. La adventura hoy.
Topic: Train Travel Argentina
Temas a tratar y desarrollar

Geografía...nostalgia... ciudades....pueblos..aldeas.... ventanillas, puertas...ojos de buey (partes del ferrocarril)

Resurgimiento...Reestablecimiento de tres ramales...bs as -rosario- santa fe , retiro tucuman y Lacroze posadas

 

Recate de ramales( bs as-cordoba, bariloche y Santa rosa, trasandino de mendoza a chile... y linea q uniria paraná con concepción del uruguay) expectativa

 

Tren sanitario alma...Taif viejo (tuc)

 

Santacruz... rio gallegos- rio turbio...

 

Bs as... Castelar.-haedo- ramos mejia –puerto madero (lunes a viernes)

 

Entre Rios ...Pontevedra, Arroyo Barú

Chivilicoy

 

Ferroclub Remedios de escalada... trocha angosta (circuito de 300 m)...vagones recuperados por vecinos

  

Trenes funcionando

Tren de la costa (suburbano)

De olivos a tigre

De Maipú al parque de la costa... estaciones recicladas.. $2 todo el dia subir y bajar...(tel 4002-6000)

 

Tren de las nubes

De salta capital a la puna

189km... 7 hs... hasta el viaducto La Polvorilla

en verano se acorta a 100km hasta Diego de Almagro... cuesta $189

 

Tren del sol

Alternativa de verano del de las nubes... nueva propuesta... el de las nubes funcina entre abril y nov... en el verano este... . trayecto reducido a traves del ramal c 14.... desde la estacion de la cuidad de salta hasta las formaciones rocosas andinas de la quebrada de Lagunillas...

Quebrada de toro, estacion Diego de almagro, finca El Gólgota, ruinas de Santa rosa de tastil o hacer trekking de 3 km hasta Alfarcito

Sale a las 7 am llega alas 8 pm

Diferencia con el de las nubes... este no llega hasta el famoso viaducto  La Polvorilla... aunque recorre la mitad del trayecto original... si hace zigzag y rulos... no pasa los 2500 metros de altura... el otro pasaba lños 4200..

Directivo del tren de las nuves Julio Ruiz de los Llanos...

159$

La veloz turismo 4326-0123

www.trenlasnubes.com.ar

  

F.C. Central Entrerriano

De villa elisa al palacio san jose

Vistas guiadas ... tel (03447) 480-472/146/285

 

Via Central

De basavilbaso hasta villaguay

62km

centro de entrerios

museo del riel...$1...tel (03445) 481-015/55

 

Tren de la selva

Al pie del as cataratas del iguazú

Cada media hora 5 vagones... selva misionera... desde la entrada al parque nacional hasta la garganta del diablo... solo se paga la entrada al parque $12...(03757-491-476)

 

La trochita

A el maitén y esquel, en chubut

Atraviesa la estepa patagonica... dos ramales ...De el maitpen a Desvío Thomae y el museo Leleque

Y  Esquel-Nahuelpán... artesanias mapuches....Ida y vuelta $25....(02945-495-190)

  

Tren Patagonico

Viedma-Bariloche

Restaurante, bodegas para autos $140,  4x4 $170, clase turista $20, pullman $51, camarote $80... trece estaciones en 17 hs...(02920-422-130)

  

Histórico tren a Vapor

Por el lago nahuel huapi... museo rodante... 5hs... estaciones abandonadas...turista $35 ..primera 56... Exclusiva 70...chicos 42 (02944-423-858)

 

Tren del fin del mundo

tierra del fuego

locomotora a vapor... ushuaia primera $72, turista $ 46, de 3 a 12 años  $16, jubilados $34.

Con almuerzo a bordo $135..(4314-8555)

Museo del presidio...

El gran capitan ...contacto clarín... Siblia Camps scamps@clarin.com (hizo crónica de viaje)

Lacroze –posadas... mesopotamia....

Después de 11 años vuelve a realizarse.

“hace mucho q esperábamos el tren la gente en bs as no tiene idea del daño que produjo su cancelación” fue en marzo de 1993

la maquiena pesa 90 toneladas, los vagones 400, ... se necesitan 400m para parar aunque solo vaya a 60km/h

es como un juguete gigante

el viaje tardara 25 horas....promedo 50km/h... iria mas rapido si arreglan las vias..

 

Museo Ferroviario

Actualmente en retiro... quiern hacerlo en Liniers...proyecto... en los ex talleres ferroviarios... y crear un mega centro cultural....

Ente nacional administrado de bienes ferroviarios (enabief).... (nota fue del 98)

 

Grupo de vecinos de liniers..

Edificios ladrilleros... decalarados area de protección historica

 

Ramales urbanos

Subte

Linea A cumplio 90 años... 1 de oct inauguración fue en 1913...fue el primero de america de latino america...

Colectivos invento arg  1903...

En 1892 oct 25... ensayo de un precari tranvía en La Plata... antecedente de la version capitalina de 22 abril 1897... trayecto desde las heras y cannning hasta plaza italia..... el 4 de dic de ese año se inauguro otro trayecto mas largo... desde av Entre rios hasta flores...

En 1908 existian 12 empresas del servicio.. un año después se fuiconaron para crear la compania general de tranvías de Tramways... principal accionista era la Anglo Argentina que tuvo a cargo la creación del subte... tranvía baho tierra... obras se iniciaron 1911...

En los trabajos particiopoaron 1500 obreros , se excavaron 440000 m3 de tierra ... se usaron 31 millones de ladrillos. 108.000 volquetes de 179 kg cada uno 13000 ton de tirantes de hierro  y 90000 m2 de capa aisladora...

Se usaron distintos colores de azulejos para cada estacin para que los analfabetos (35% de la pob en 1910) pudiera ubicarse...

2 de dic 1913... 1°dia en que adquirio carácter publico el servicio ...viajaron 170.000 pasajeros

Asocioacion de Amigos del Tranvía (AAT)

Restauraron dos mauqinas originales

“en nuestro pais a dif de europa no existe una cultura de la conservación y por eso me parece muy importante que haya gente dedicada a preservar nuestra identidad”

“es volver a dar vida a nuestros antepasados.... es increíble como a medida que vas armando y desarmando piezas te encontras con pedazos de historia”

 

Proyecto para rehabilitar trenes de pasajeros

Circularon hasta 1990 ... reconstrucción de las vias troncales ... reapertura de talleres ferroviarios, reparacionde locomotoras y coches...

Trenes q volverían acircular...

Jujuy –tucuman... 355km.. viaje de 13hs 50$

Salta- Embarcación... 10hs, 272km,  17$

Tucuman-Frías…208km…15$

Cordoba-Dean Funes...118km, 8$

Cordoba-San Francisco...207km, 4hs, 12$St Fe-Rafaela...92,5km ..9$

St Fe-San Cristobal… 196km 12 trenes mensuales… 8hs… 15$

Pergamino –Rosario…12 estacones 8$

 

Necesita subsidio del estado para funcionar.. con la venta de boletos solo paagrian 30 40 % del costo...

 

Tucuman... Tafi viejo... Tren sanitario pediátrico... fundación Alma.... 73km q unen tucuman y concepción... tendrían q “reubicar”  300 familias q construyeron sus casa en las vias

The Old Patagonia Express La Trochita by Bob Frassinetti
Topic: Train Travel Argentina

Train Tours in Argentina. Steam Engine from 1922 known as The Old Patagonia Express La Trochita by Bob Frassinetti

 

An image is worth more than a thousand words… The Old Patagonia Express La Trochita by Bob Frassinetti

 

Steam Engine Train.

 

This is the story of an amazing journey thru the South of the South. In and around the Patagonia of Argentina and Chile, the Big Island of Chiloe and the famous Route 40 we’ve discovered and documented these wonderful journeys.

 

This time we’ve head south to travel in one of the World’s Oldest Working trains: La Trochita. This Steam Engine Train that dates back from 1922, and runs thru the Argentine Patagonian Lands.

 

It has been a lifetime journey, and I thought I’d document it since it’s quite an experience. Taking upon the challenge of the new technologies our world has to offer at this moment I created this short video with the aid of my PC Sony Ericson iP990, quite an accomplishment considering it's seize. It’s been filmed “al natural”, in real time, hand cam and the beauty of nature to delight us…

T

he music is by Julian Rodriguez a talented young Musician who recently graduated from

CAEMSA Center of High Musical Studies which is linked to the famous Berklee College of Music in academic terms. Julian specially created the music to suit this short documentary.

See Video Clip The Old Patagonia Express La Trochita by Bob Frassinetti

Discovering the Southern Nature

 

Frassinetti.biz is a broad cultural project that aims to revalue Argentina’s history, culture and natural assets from a global point of view. Throughout the last years we’ve been traveling thru Argentina and documenting our experiences in order to share our perspective to the world.

 

We’ve developed photo documentaries on Lighthouses, Route 40, and Patagonia so far. Thanks to our specialized insight, we’ve been able to assist collectors and intrepid travelers to plan their trips with valuable insiders tips and one of a kind experiences off the tourist path.

 

 

So if you are interested in Art or Antiques, and you are travelling to Buenos Aires, Argentina and need help, please feel free to email us…….Please feel free to contact Bob Frassinetti: For more information: Email: Bob Frassinetti. Press here to go back to web blog:Daily Updates on Art, Antiques, Collectibles as well as travel information for Buenos Aires, Argentina. Phone me thru Skype, ID: Bob Frassinetti or you can also chat with me thru Yahoo, press here:

Yahoo Contact

Find me on MySpace and be my friend!

Phone me direct to my mobile phone: 00 54 911 44 75 39 83.  Or when in B's A's: 15 44 75 39 83. Or to my studio: 00 54 11 47 92 47 87  in Buenos Aires, Argentina

.

Click to join artandantiques

Bob Frassinetti Copyright 2007 Roberto Dario Frassinetti

In Argentina Travel by Train
Topic: Train Travel Argentina
Argentina is a country whose communication system’s foundations have been laid down in rail systems’ blueprints. All through our history trains have been an indispensable factor, for production, leisure, communications and tourism. Firstly laid down for productive purposes, these rails have rapidly been also used to put our natural beauties in contact with those curious and adventurous travelers. And the result has been just awesome, because the possibilities of accessing some of these gorgeous places are very much limited because of the complex geography. Up in the northern part of our country, limiting with Chile and Bolivia, there’s one of the worlds most beautiful places: the Quebrada de Humahuaca. Before colonial times, this area was a very important part of the Inca Empire, for it’s a one of a kind oasis in the middle of the arid Puna, the Humahuaca valley is very fertile area surrounded by some of the highest mountains in South America, the Andes. Even during colonial times people in these places kept on working their lands as their forefathers did for many generations. Colonial authorities exploited other natural resources such as coal, silver and copper mines as well as sugar cane production. These two production systems still coexist to our days. The need of communications in times of the Independence brought the rail system to this area. The objective was to establish a fluent communication with Chile’s mine’s production. The result was the amazing “Tren de las nubes”, train of the clouds. This train was built in several stages between 1921 and 1948, by more than 3,000 workers. More than 500 km of rails open the path to an amazing journey through the clouds. “La Polvorilla” is the last stop of the tour, running at more that 4000 mts of the sea level the train appears to ride on air as it crosses the viaduct of the same name. The journey is a lifetime experience and can be done all year long –although during winter there are some parts that are not available-. All ten couches are moved by the diesel locomotors. There are no words to describe this experience –believe me, I see myself as a very expressive person but that journey left me speechless… However the full smile on my face and the glowing in my eyes showed my inner happiness and astonishment in front of one of the most beautiful experiences ever. Other incredible train ride in our country is also in the northern area, but this time in the eastern part, in the border with Brazil. The rain forest train, “tren de la selva”, the jungle train runs all the way through the National park of Iguaçu, to one of America’s greatest falls: the Iguaçu Falls. The beauty of this place, one of nature’s outstanding pictures, in the middle of the rain forest, this gigantic red watered falls (the ground in this area is reddish, very brick like because of its particular chemical composition) are just a beautiful spectacle available all year round, though in summer the temperature can easily reach the 45°C, all the rest of the year this area has a very warm weather. Nonetheless, the heat, the area is very well prepared to receive visitors from all over the world, therefore when visiting Iguaçu there are many outstanding accommodation options –all included as well as spa resorts- that would make you feel very much at ease. Traveling south from Buenos Aires, there’s a must for all of those who want to travel through our Patagonia. Worldly known because of its cross path, short cut super economic: “La Trochita” (short of Trocha which is Spanish for cross path). This 75 cm. cross path rail was begun to be constructed in the early years of the 1920s, though its construction was delayed due to climate inconveniences. By 1936 it began to run through its amazing 402 km.
Old Patagonia Express."La Trochita" This train had ups and downs regarding governmental policies, and it was closed many times. But thanks to the hard work of the authorities of the province of Chubut, the train is still alive and running, not through the original 402 km, but know only 165km, of beauty, through “Esquel”, “Lepá” and “El Maitén”. Argentina.....
             
Argentina in Photos Part 2 This train is not only a circulation service to witness amazing sights, but living history. The wagons in which we ride are the original 1922 ones that are heated by antique salamanders regulated by the passengers to their preference. The whole train is an antique treasure that we have the pleasure to enjoy, even the locomotives, one of the two available is a Baldwin Locomotive Works, American, class 75 B with 431 hp of power; the German Henschel, class 75 H with 411 hp of power. There’s also a moanouver locomotive class 75 M, made by Henschel y Sohn. Yet another train treasure of the south is the historic steam train that rides in the surrounding area of the Nahuel Huapí lake in the internationally renamed sky resort, Bariloche. Very much a rolling museum, this train was manufactured in Scotland in 1912 by the North British Locomotives company in Glasgow plaque number 121; the wagons were originally made in England, in an outstanding art deco style, made out of Cedar and Mahogany. All seats are covered in red and green velvet in the 667 wagon that was made in 1914. There are wagons that had been specially made for the important managers of some of this British trains and their family. The wagon booked for the family number 677 was specially made for them in England in 1913 and it has three bed rooms, kitchen, bathroom, Tourist class wagons number 128 was made in Glousester; the pine chassis was locally manufactured in 1914 by “Ferrocarriles Entre Ríos”, the wagon number 671 was a sleeping wagon owned by Ferrocarril del Oeste and it was specially made for them in Birmingham in 1914. The Dining cars number 5560 and 546 were made by the English brand Gloucester and the chassis was fully made in cedar and mahogany. This specific information shows the class and comfort offered in this trains. As to the ride, the sights are just incredibly beautiful, there are many stops so one can enjoy the amazing views and scenes. A perfect ride that combines the perfection and style of art and antique and the beauty of nature. The last stop in our tail of possible train tours, and a must when visiting our Argentinean trains is the “Tren del fin del Mundo”, is the most southern rail system in the world, and one of the smaller cross paths. This the “Ferrocarril Austral Fueguino” was the first tourist train to be built in Latin America. This incredible amazing train runs through the same rails that the one that long ago carried prisoners to the maximum security prison in Ushuaia –now closed-. Far from the image of a prisoners train, this train is an outstanding and chick train, with all the top of the top commodities specially arranged for the passenger’s delight, especially with those rearranged big windows to enjoy the sights. As well as the two locomotives, diesel and steam, two true beauties. The station of the “End of the World” is located 8 km west from Ushuaia that is the starting point of an amazing and ecological journey to the most southern train station in the world in the “National Park of Tierra del Fuego” The journey is beautiful, the sights, the places; nature’s treasures are exhibited in all their greatness. Just before arriving to our last stop, the curve the train takes opens up into thick woods of local millenary trees. There is no better ending to a wonderful and amazing trip. Interested in more information on trains, please contact me: Interested in buying antiques and collectibles from Buenos Aires or for that matter any other item that I have mentioned in any article you have found on this my web site, you can buy Toys from my museum and threw eBay, threw the Toy Museum on eBay press here; Toy Museum on eBay and threw The Buenos Aires ArtDealer, press here; Art Dealer on eBay From Art to Antiques. Or contact me direct. For more information :Email Bob Frassinetti. Press here to go to The Buenos Aires Art Dealer is a webzine magazine on Art, Antiques & Collectibles made or found in Argentina. The Buenos Aires ArtDealer, Argentina.
Route 40,Argentina Bob Frassinetti. Copyright 2005. Roberto Dario Frassinetti. Argentina.

The Old Patagonia Express.
Topic: Train Travel Argentina
The Old Patagonia Express. "La Trochita",in the south of Argentina. Book by Sergio Sepiurka and Jorge Migliolo,only book on the Trochita that I have found, and with great details and wonderfull photos.A great addition to your train book collection.


Old Patagonia Express."La Trochita"






Email Bob Frassinetti.
The Buenos Aires Art
Dealer,Argentina.

Bob Frassinetti. Copyright 2004. Roberto Dario Frassinetti.

Train trips: an excellent option for alternative tourism
Topic: Train Travel Argentina
Train trips: an excellent option for alternative tourism



Argentina is a country whose communication system's foundations have been layed down in rail systems' blueprints.

All through our history trains have been an indispensable factor, for production, leisure, communications and tourism.

Firstly layed down for productive purposes, these rails have rapidly been also used to put our natural beauties in contact with those curious and adventurous travelers. And the result has been just awesome, because the possibilities of accesing some of this georgeous places are very much limmited because of the complex geography.

Up in the northern part of our country, limmiting with Chile and Bolivia, there's one of the worlds most beautiful places: the Quebrada de Humahuaca. Before colonial times, this area was a very important part of the Inca Empire, for it's a one of a kind oasis in the middle of the arid puna, the Humahuaca valley is very fertile area surrounded by some of the highest mountains in South America, the Andes. Even during colonial times people in this places kept on working their lands as their forefathers did for many generations. Colonial authorities exploited other natural resources such as cole, silver and copper mines as well as sugar cane production. These two production systems still coexist to our days. The need of communications in times of the Independence brought the rail system to this area. The objective was to establish a fluent communication with Chile's mine's production. The result was the amazing Tren de las nubes, train of the clouds. This train was built in several stages between 1921 and 1948, by more than 3,000 workers. More than 500 km of rails open the path to an amazing journey through the clouds. La polvorilla is the last stop of the tour, running at more that 4000 mts of the sea level the train appears to ride on air as it crosses the viaduct of the same name. The journey is a lifetime experience and can be done all year long -although during winter there are some parts that are not available-. All ten couches are moved by the diesel locomotor. Comfort, a must in such an amazing experience, is also very taken care of, so that we, passengers can enjoy the ride without having to worry about anything.

There are no words to describe this experience -believe me, I see myself as a very expressive person but that journey left me speechless... However the full smile on my face and the glowing in my eyes showed my inner happiness and astonishment in front of one of the most beautiful experiences ever.



An other incredible train ride in our country is also in the northern area, but this time in the eastern part, in the border with Brazil. The rain forest train, tren de la selva, runs all the way through the National park of Iguaz?, to one of America's greatest falls: the Iguaz? Falls. The beauty of this place, one of nature's outstanding pictures, in the middle of the rain forest, this gigantic red watered falls (the ground in this area is reddish, very brick like because of its particular chemical composition) are just a beautiful spectacle available all year round, though in summer the temperature can easily reach the 45?C, all the rest of the year this area has a very warm weather. Nonetheless, the heat, the area is very well prepared to receive visitors from all over the world, therefore when visiting Iguaz? there are many outstanding accommodation options -all includded as well as spa resorts- that would make you feel very much at ease.



Traveling south from Buenos Aires, there's a must for all of those who want to travel through our Patagonia. Worldly known because of its cross path, short cut super economic: La trochita (short of Trocha which is Spanish for cross path). This 75 cm. cross path rail was began to construct in the early years of the 1920s, though its construction was delayed due to climate inconveniences. By 1936 it began to run through its amazing 402 km.

This train had ups and downs regarding governmental policies, and it was closed many times. But thanks to the hard work of the authorities of the province of Chubut, the train is still alive and running, not through the original 402 km. But through 165km. Of beauty, through Esquel. Lep? and El Mait?n.

This train is not only a circulation service to witness amazing sights, but living history. The wagons in which we ride are the original 1922 ones, that are heated by antique salamanders regulated by the passengers to their preference. The whole train is an antique treasure that we have the pleasure to enjoy, even the locomotives, one of the two available is a Baldwin Locomotive Works, American, class 75 B with 431 hp of power; the German Henschel, class 75 H with 411 hp of power. There's also a moanouver locomotive class 75 M, made by Henschel y Sohn.

An other train treasure of the south is the historic steam train that rides in the sorrounding area of the Nahuel Huap? lake in the internationally renamed sky resort, Bariloche. Very much a rolling museum, this train was manufactured in Scotland in 1912 by the North British Locomotives company in Glasgow plaque number 121, the wagons were originally made in England, in an outstanding art deco style, made out of Cedar and Mahogany. All seats are covered in red and green velvet in the 667 wagon that was made in 1914.

There are wagons that had been specially made for the important managers of some of this British trains and their family. The wagon booked for the family number 677 was specially made for them in England in 1913 and it has three bed rooms, kithcen, bathroom and a special room for the help that travelled along.

Tourist class wagons number 128 was made in Glousester; the pine chasis was locally manufactured in 1914 by Ferrocarriles Entre R?os, the wagon number 671 was a sleepling wagon owned by Ferrocarril del Oeste and it was specially made for them in Birmingham in 1914.

The Dining cars number 5560 and 546 were made by the English brand Glousester and the chasis was fully made in Ceder and Mahogany.

This specific information shows the class and confort offerd in this trains. AS to the ride, the sights are just incredibly beautiful, there are many stops so one can enjoy the amazing views and scenes. A perfect ride that combines the perfection and style of art and antique and the beauty of nature.



The last stop in our train tour, and a must when visiting our Argentinean trains is the Tren del fin del Mundo, is the most southern rail system in the world, and one of the smaller cross paths. This the Ferrocarril Austral Fueguino was the first tourist train to be built in Latin America. This incredible amazing train runs through the same rails that the one who long ago carried prisoners to the maximum security prison in Ushuaia -now closed-. Far from the image of a prisoners train, this train is an outstanding and chick train, with all the top of the top commodities specially arranged for the passenger's delight, specially with those rearanged big windows to enjoy the sights. As well as the two locomotives, diesel and steam, two true beauties. The station of the End of the world is located 8 km west from Ushuaia, that is the starting point of an amazing and ecological journey to the most southern train station in the world in the National Park of Tierra del fuego. The journey is beautiful, the sights, the places, nature's treasures are exhibited in all their greatness. Just before arriving to our last stop, the curve the train takes opens up into thick woods cohiues and lengas, local millenary trees.

There is no better ending to a wonderful and amazing trip.



Email Bob Frassinetti.
The Buenos Aires Art
Dealer,Argentina.

Bob Frassinetti. Copyright 2004. Roberto Dario Frassinetti.

Argentinean Trains, a love story
Topic: Train Travel Argentina
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By the end of the 19th century Argentina was one of the world's most important grain and meat producers. Many said back then that this was a gifted country, that God had given us a great opportunity, because of the fertile of our lands, and the appealing of our culture to immigrants, this would be an outstanding place if we could handle one little disadvantage: distances. Located in the southern part of the southern hemisphere, Argentina is the second biggest country in Latin America after the immense Brazil. Our national territory runs from the Andes to the Atlantic Ocean, from the warmth north at the Capricorn's tropic to the last stop before that long journey to the Antarctic, Tierra del Fuego, throughout all those 3,761,274 square kilometers this amazing land offers all weathers' variations expressed in one eclectic geography.

Just by looking at a map, it appears very evident the importance of communications to this country. Back then, when telephones, cars, planes, email and videophone didn't exist, trains and ships were indispensable to every nation in progress.

Looking back in time, re reading our history in this code, 1857 was a key year to our history, may be as important as 1810 -the year of our independence-, because it was then when, for the first time, Argentina began to trace it railway system, within the province of Buenos Aires, the rails connected 10 km, nowadays one can walk over those lines traced by our forefathers that began in what nowadays is our national Opera House, Teatro Col?n, and went all the way to the neighborhood of Floresta, some 20 minutes car ride.

Only 29 years latter, there were trains all along the country, that connected more than 5826 km. This was the beginning of the nations' growth in terms of society and economy. All those trains were not produced locally, they came from Great Britain with which we had a fluent commercial relationship. However the management of those lines was indeed run by Argentineans. This rapidly changed. As the grain and meat exportation grew, and more and more trains connected the country, the necessary inversion and maintains escalated. So, many British began to see with good eyes management possibilities in Argentina, they seemed to foresee a brighter future that local businessmen. And they were absolutely right. During the last years of the 19th century all our national rails system was being managed by British capitals. Apart of the evident influences in the trace of the rails all through the country -British engineers were the top of the top at that time and did an amazing job that still remains to our days, eg. The main train service that connects the northern part of the city to the outskirts in the north of the Grater Buenos Aires are very nearby the river, and although it too governmental authorities many years to avoid those areas from flooding every time the Rio de la Plata tide comes up, the rails have never been flooded, ever!- the British companies left also very important trade marks in every station they built, perfect examples of this are the Retiro and Constituci?n main train terminals in the city of Buenos Aires. Their architectual style very much reminds us to Victoria Station in London, as well as many other important British buildings, with impressive domes, and excellent use of light and windows all through the place, as well as very elaborated steel works.

When tracing the rail system, the most important matter to take into consideration was that of production, and the need to arrive to port areas. So that was the main interest while constructing them, all productive centers were connected to Buenos Aires, from which those products would be shipped to other countries world wide.

After the huge economic crisis of the 1930s, British capitals decided the business was becoming more and more unstable and began to transfer their trains to the Argentinean State, this process would only be completed during the government of Juan Domingo Per?n by the end of the 40s.

It was also back then when, because of the economic crisis, businessmen began to look for more efficient ways of powering, diesel engines were the solution to that big crisis.

The boom of automobiles began in the mid 40s in Argentina. Therefore many unproductive areas that had been connected by trains, were left aside, and the rails were converted into roads, highways and routs.

As the car/trucks industry evolved, trains were more and more left aside. During the 1990s, under Menem's presidency all the Argentinean rail system was managed once again by private companies, who took control of very unstable companies and put them back to work.

Nowadays, the government is working very hard to put back into life those 19th century rails, many of which are no longer integrated to products transportation but are a great input for tourism, for they appear to all travelers (locals and foreigners) as a great way to travel around for not much money and enjoy one amazing train trip through a variety of geographies and weathers with the necessary comfort and speed.



There's no doubt there have been ups and downs in the history of trains in Argentina, at the same time, this has been for a long time the best rail system of Latin America, and has offered both productors -the best possible way to export and transport their products- as well as those adventurous travelers who wish to experience the world, the possibility of witnessing many of Nature's gifts such as seeing the Patagonian glaciars, entering rain forest in the National Park of Iguaz?, a ride through the clouds in the northen Jujuy and of course travelling by train to the end of the world: Ushuaia. These trains have help us build our nation, put us in contact with those far way beloved ones and touched our hearts and souls in amazing journeys through this wonderful lands, all of which many grateful artists have portrayed in songs, paintings and stories. When visiting our country this travelling experience is a must!




Email Bob Frassinetti.
The Buenos Aires Art
Dealer,Argentina.

Bob Frassinetti. Copyright 2004. Roberto Dario Frassinetti.

The Portena, the love story begins with the first train
Topic: Train Travel Argentina
The Portena, the love story begins with the first train, named "La Portena", 147 years ago, La Porte?a train run for the first time. It was an early
winter morning on August 30, 1857 when the first steam locomotive run in
Buenos Aires. The voyage began at the Park Station, where nowadays there's
no longer a train station but one of Latin America's and the world's most
beautiful and important Opera houses, the Colon theatre.
The mythical locomotive was built in England, but its objective wasn't to
transport passengers in Argentina but in India, for the Crimea war in 1857.
England didn't claim for the machine, for it wasn't one of their coveted
possessions... A few months later the Argentinean society of the Iron Roads
acquired the gorgeous machine and brought it to these southern Pampas.
Nowadays it can be admired at the Colonial museum of Lujan.



Email Bob Frassinetti.
The Buenos Aires Art
Dealer,Argentina.

Bob Frassinetti. Copyright 2004. Roberto Dario Frassinetti.