Cuba (March 2001)

403 - Mal Tiempo: One of the most popular mills in Cuba is Mal Tiempo. It's situated in Cienfuegos area 180 km south-east of Varadero. The beautiful landscape, steep gradients and a lot of action make it worth to visit this narrow gauge line. In March 2001 up to 4 engines (Consolidation-class) were under steam at the same time, mostly two of them in action on the line to Potrelillo. The other branch lines were not in use. Potrelillo-line is the longest and the most interesting line because of it's bridges and impressive scenery with hills and palm-trees.

Mal Tiempo as we know it: #1322 is coming up the steep gradient near Potrelillo.		The same engine is shunting at Oliva.
One of the three steel-bridges: #1322 is crossing the Rio La Virga.		Behind the next gradient #1322 is rolling through the fields...
No double-traction: #1320 is hauling the defect #1321 back to the mill.		At other sugar lines not often is it here a daily thing: A train-crossing out in the fields (#1322 and #1320).
In the last daylight: #1322 not far from the mill.		#1345 is waiting for next service in front of the shed.

The absolut highlight of Mal Tiempo: The bridge over the Rio La Virga...