Restoring an abandoned railroad to revenue operation is a unique accomplishment, and Guatemala is the place. We trace the story from the days of Fegua through the mid 1990s, to the privatization under Ferrovias Guatemala. Along the way is the 1998 devastation caused by Hurricane Mitch. Today, six-axle MX620s are hauling containers, and an active steam program delights riders on this exceptionally rugged narrow gauge line. Grab a seat in the cab or on the tender as Baldwin 2-8-2s #204 and 205 in tandem do battle with grades up to 3.7% and cross numerous high trestles. There are plenty of shops views, showing foundry operations, and short interviews with key players in this historic turnaround.

Our 77 minutes of Guatemala coverage leads into neighboring El Salvador, where the rails were government owned in 2001. We spend a half hour riding doubleheaded 1925 vintage Baldwin 2-8-0s, a trouble-plagued railbus, and a mixed train. All aboard for a surprising and wonderful Central American holiday!