The Steam Engines of Carahue, Southern Chile

The greater part of Carahue is perched on a cliff overlooking the Imperial river. Carahue is the gateway town you must pass through to reach Puerto Dominguez, Lago Budi, Boca Budi, or Puerto Saavedra from Temuco. The city of Carahue, prior to the Tsunami that hit southern Chile and destroyed much of Chile's southern Coastline in the 60's (yes, the wave reached this far inland), was a major center of wheat production. The number of old steam engines that line the main street and the park are a testimony to level of production that took place.

It is very common around the world to see old train steam engines preserved, but we do not believe we have ever seen such a collection of industrial steam engines used for just work. The larger cousins most likely get better care, and thus tend to last longer. These little engines tend to rust away in farmers fields or end up as scrap metal.

There is perhaps fifty to a hundred steam engines scattered throughout Carahue (that we found). Near the main bridge and river you will also fined several old steam trains, cars, and a more of the smaller cousins.

We are told that town had one steam engine they maintained in working order for a once a year display. However, it is not clear what became of this. It most likely started to become difficult to maintain and perhaps dangerous. They were known for exploding from time to time. The only sad thing is that they really should be in a covered museum, as the engines are starting to rust from years of being exposed to southern Chile's rains. Nevertheless, the steam engines and the beauty of Carahue, make stopping for lunch or a cup of coffee on the way to the coast well worth it.