The part of the GyQ between Duran and Yaguachi is hardly the scenic part of the railroad, but Baldwin class of 1900 No. 11 and its matching train certainly provide some color. The boxcars have been converted to carry a new commodity, touristas. In times long past the little 2-6-0's were the regular power on this part of the line, with 2-8-0's taking over at Bucay for the steep climb into the Andes that included the famous Devil's Nose, and long stretches of 5.5 percent grades. The GyQ has been very much in the railfan news these days with reports that the government is rebuilding parts of the line that have been out of service for years. But the mountain sections are not for the faint of heart. In answer to Matt L's comment, the GyQ is a "make work" operation. The folks on top of the cars are brakeman working the hand brakes, even though I believe the train had air brakes. There were probably at least ten crew members on the six car train. Later on, on a different train, at water stops up in the mountains ten or fifteen crew members would be standing around on the tender while they took water.
