Chugging along. That’s the sound echoing in my mind as I stand before the Ferroclub de Remedios de Escalada. This isn’t just a club. It’s a living testament to Argentina’s railway heritage.
Founded in 1972 the Ferroclub de Remedios de Escalada began as a small gathering of railway enthusiasts. These passionate individuals met in pizzerias dreaming of preserving Argentina’s rich railroad past. Their early meetings involved Friday night gatherings. Weekends were dedicated to exploring railway sites. They took photos and collected information for their very own magazine. The first edition rolled off the press on July 20 1973.
The Ferroclub’s mission expanded beyond photography and publications. A pivotal moment arrived in 1987. The club secured a significant donation from the Argentine Navy. This gift was a wide-gauge locomotive number 3826. It came with a space to house it in the Remedios de Escalada workshops of the General Roca Railway. This location became the Escalada Preservation Center the heart of the Ferroclub today.
The Escalada center sprawls across three hectares. It boasts impressive facilities. These include a main workshop with a 6-ton crane a library a museum a southern carriage shed and a multi-purpose building with a 3-ton crane. There’s even a miniature 26 cm gauge railway that children love to ride.
But the Ferroclub de Remedios de Escalada is more than just a collection of old trains. It’s a vibrant community. The members work tirelessly restoring locomotives and carriages. They share their passion with the public offering tours and demonstrations.
Restoration projects are incredibly detailed and time-consuming. Take the 1926 steam locomotive for example. Its restoration included a complete overhaul of the boiler new cylinder components and painstaking hand-painting. The result is a stunning display of craftsmanship.
Many of the locomotives at the Ferroclub are iconic. Number 4116 a steam locomotive built in England in 1913 is a highlight. So is the diesel Baldwin locomotive from 1953. Remarkably preserved historic carriages include a dynamometer car a dining car and even a family sleeper with a marble bathroom.
The Ferroclub de Remedios de Escalada has also featured prominently in films. The club provided vehicles and locations for productions like Seven Years in Tibet. Its involvement even earned it a new fence funded by the director of Evita.
Today the Ferroclub continues to thrive. Visitors can explore the historical vehicles ride the miniature train and learn about Argentina’s railway history. The Ferroclub de Remedios de Escalada is a must-see destination for any train enthusiast a place where history chugs along.