Isn’t it amazing that a train could tell so many stories? The Locomotora del tren presidencial before you is more than just a machine. It is a time capsule holding echoes of Argentina’s past.
This Tren Presidencial is part of the Museo Histórico “17 de Octubre”. The museum was once the residence of President Juan Domingo Perón. The train was built between 1908 and 1912. President Figueroa Alcorta ordered its construction. The work happened in the Tafí Viejo railway workshops.
Imagine distinguished presidents traveling on this train. It served presidents until the 1980s. Raúl Alfonsín was the last president to use it. The Tren Presidencial consists of a locomotive and three cars. Car “G1” was for the President. It included a bedroom a study and a meeting room. Car “G2” featured a kitchen and dining area. Car “G3” accommodated personnel and auxiliary services. A Kitson locomotive completes this narrow-gauge train.
The Tren Presidencial belonged to the General Belgrano line. Vice President Victorino de la Plaza inaugurated it in 1912. This inauguration consisted of a short trip. The train made its first long-distance journey in late 1913. It traveled through the northern provinces. Juan Domingo Perón used it extensively between 1948 and 1951 with Evita.
Notice the exterior of the Locomotora del tren presidencial. It is clad in petiribi wood. This wood is native to Argentina. The windows are adorned with vitreau. The lower part of the train displays beveled glass. These glasses are carved with the national coat of arms.
The Museo Histórico “17 de Octubre” is located on grounds that once belonged to Perón. He acquired the land in 1946. Law 10.856 declared the site of public interest in 1989. It became a historical museum and cultural heritage site of the Province of Buenos Aires.
The 19-hectare site houses a vast collection of Perón’s belongings and documents. You can explore the Main House the Tower and the central museum building. The museum opened in 2002. It features an exhibit called “Justa libre y soberana”. This reflects Argentina from 1945 to 1955. Since 2006 the grounds include the Mausoleum. This is where General Perón’s remains rest.
The Tren Presidencial stands as a symbol of a bygone era. It represents a time when train travel was the height of luxury and presidential transport. Its intricate details and historical significance offer a unique glimpse into Argentina’s political past. Take a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship and stories embedded in this remarkable piece of history.