The northernmost railway line across the Andes Mountains between Chile and Argentina was not completed until 1948. Until 1972, when diesels arrived, big 2-10-2 steam locomotives were the only motive-power to work freights and the weekly passenger train on the Argentine portion. Known as "Ramal C-14", the line is a series of startling engineering wonders, including tunnels, high bridges, switchbacks and loops. The half-way engine terminal is at the 11,000- foot altitude level at San Antonio de los Cobres, where 2-10-2 No. 1349, built by Skoda in 1949, was working a freight on March 8, 1972.
