Until 2007, one of the more interesting steam operations in modern times could be found on the three foot gauge railway of Guatemala. Following the total shutdown of the nationalized system in 1996, a few years later, the railroad, now named Ferrovias Guatemala, was reopened under an agreement with the government by Railroad Development Corporation of Pittsburgh. Periodically, steam powered passenger trains utilizing Baldwin built 2-8-2s would be operated for the benefit of customers, employees' families, international railfan tour groups and the general public. FVG was very accomodating of its passengers and was extremely generous in terms of granting access to facililties and equipment. The railroad went so far as to mount a bench seat on the tender as seen in the photograph of the 204:
The seat provided an unparalleled view of the right of way and Engineer and Fireman at work. Stops were frequent and interested passengers took turns riding on the tender. Here's a video of an excursion run from Rancho to Guatemala City. You can see folks sitting on the tender's bench seat. The tall individual seen standing behind the bench in many scenes is Mr. Henry Posner, III, Chairman of the company.
Unfortunately, due to a dispute with the government, FVG ceased operations in 2007 so, at least for now, these scenes are but a memory.
Bob
