Ferronor Potrerillos - Llantas - Chañaral Line, Chile

Most locomotives of the Ferronor Potrerillos appear rather filthy after years of continuous operation on the mountain line with its many tunnels. Also, heavy loads have to be transported uphill, since the smelter and the refinery are located at the upper end of the line, which takes its toll from the motive power.
The valley narrows as the line climbes further, passing the 'Quebrada del Río Salado'. (Salt River Gorge) The locomotives often run with open machine room doors, which allowed enjoying the sound of the EMD units unadulterated. This is even echoed by the Río Salado Gorge to a sondscape that could hardly have been topped!
A mechanic is constantly moving forth and back from the first unit to the second; He is waiving the photographers from the machine room of the first unit.