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The
most obscure portion of Peru's Central network is the Chaucha Branch, a
spectacular 50-mile line built in 1948 as the Cerro de Pasco’s
Yauricocha Railway.
The Cerro de Pasco was subsequently absorbed by ENAFER and in turn
incorporated into the Central concession with its privatization in 1999.
Unfortunately, revenue traffic (occasional shipments from a mine near
Chaucha) ended in the year 2000. Even in its heyday, its main source of traffic was the copper
mines at Yauricocha, accessed via a 9-mile aerial tramway from Chaucha. The tragedy of this line is
therefore that it is at the same time spectacular and devoid of traffic.
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(click on each photo to view a larger image in a New Window) |
Gateway to the Pachacayo Valley. | Runaway track removed. | Minor landslide. |
The line passes various lakes. |
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Official Photo Stop. | The road ahead. | Official group photo. | (L to R) FCCA President Jack Roberson discusses take-up with Operations Manager Gabriel Echandia and Engineer-Maintenance of Way Willie Cooper. |
Shoving the last mile into Chaucha. | End of the line. | Half of the local population that we met. |
Taking up yard tracks. |
Our return transportation, by hi-rail vehicle. | Overview of Chaucha Station. | Remains
of aerial tramway (foundations remain, towers removed by thieves). |
The final view. |
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© 2005
Railroad Development Corporation
All photographs are the property of RDC. Unauthorized duplication is
prohibited.