Insulators out in the Wild

Foreign insulators found in Argentina.

Buenos Aires' narrow trail

Argentina has a rich railway related history. It couldn't be either way in
such a large country specializing it's economy in exportating cereals and
meat. The latest years of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th
uptill the proliferation of automobiles and trucks, Argentina wouldn't have
existed nor developed if it wasn't for the superb railway system built
jointly with British and French companies -the foremost experienced
countries within this field.
Among the famous railway stories in Argentina is the outstanding and chick
Trochita that took us in a journey of history, culture, pleasure and
outstanding landscapes, throughout the Patagonia.
However this was not the only narrow trail train in the country. In 1906 a
joint venture of French & Belgium capitals acquired a former Argentinean
train company owned by De Bruyn and Otamendi. It was a 1,000 mm narrow trail
train that run from Buenos Aires to Rosario, from Pergamino to Vedia, from
Patricios to Victorino de la Plaza & from González Catán to La Plata. It was
the Companía General de Ferrocarriles de la Provincia de Buenos
Aires -Buenos Aires Province Railway General company- also known as CGBA.
Initially this huge project was carried on combining local prime materials
such as the hard wood and steal for the railways as well as local workers
with a primarily and initially foreign management as well as imported
technical material specially due to the fact that the local industries were
not producing technological goods. From insulators such as the 1099 Isorex,CD 435 that can be appreciated on top of the poles and by the
station, to steam and gas powered locomotives all of these things were
brought from abroad specially from France and Belgium.
For over 40 years the CGBA was the thread putting together families,
workers, supplies, knitting the web of our nation.
Some of the most famous locomotives that drove these trains throughout
endless towns and cities were the German Werkspoor DEB-600 and the British
The Whitcomb 70-DE-30.
The journey can be done today at some extent, for most of the railroads were
left in oblivion during the 70s when auto transportation outplaced the
railway system. Non of the stations and trails were demolished or taken out
of place, they stand upon still as a dusted memoir of a once upon a time
country. Such is the case of Moll, a vintage open air museum of the
greatness of ancient machinery and appliances. Their lasting throughout
time -a miracle if looked from a world made with desposable items-. Possible
to visit and discover one of a kind stories and items when chatting with
locals, eager to relate their glorious past.

109 photos | 608 views

items are from between 25 Jan 2006 & 07 May 2009.