Once vital to Newfoundland, Canada’s NF210 locomotives now power Chilean rail lines—decades after their last Canadian run.
Canadian Locomotives, New Life Abroad
Canadian-built locomotives that once served Newfoundland’s narrow-gauge railway have found new purpose thousands of kilometres away—in Chile. Though Newfoundland’s rail service ended in 1988, the NF210 diesel engines continue to operate, embraced by Chilean rail workers and train enthusiasts alike.
A Train Lover’s Global Journey
Paul Springowski, a train enthusiast from Lorain, Ohio, recently travelled to Chile specifically to witness the retired Canadian locomotives still in motion. Known for sharing his passion for railways online, Springowski described the experience as both surreal and emotional. “It’s very bitter that the railroad is not running anymore [in Newfoundland], but the locomotives are in the best place they could be,” he told.
Where These Trains Still Run
In Chile’s northern region, NF210 locomotives now traverse routes between the port city of Mejillones, Antofagasta, and Calama. While the flat coastal terrain may not appear challenging, Springowski noted the steep climbs inland tell a different story. “They’re just in full throttle… trying to make it over the grade,” he said, describing the mountainous stretches that test the engines’ resilience.
Why Chile Adopted Newfoundland’s Engines
After Newfoundland decommissioned its railway in 1988, many of its NF210 engines were scrapped—but several were exported. Chile, then expanding its industrial railway for transporting sulfuric acid and minerals, needed robust and reliable locomotives for its narrow-gauge system. The NF210s, built by General Motors Diesel, proved an ideal fit.
How the Locomotives Still Hold Up
Decades later, these trains remain in use—not just as functional workhorses, but as respected machines. Springowski noted their comfortable cabins and mechanical durability. “They’re robust engines… if you just keep up with it, it would probably run forever,” he said. For Chilean railway staff, the locomotives aren’t just old imports—they’re dependable daily tools.
Rediscovering a Canadian Legacy
Springowski’s fascination with the Newfoundland Railway began years ago when he found a VHS documentary in his local Ohio library. Captivated by the unusual design of the narrow-gauge engines, he was surprised to learn they had found a second life in South America. “I thought, ‘Man, I’d love to see those engines,’” he recalled. Now, after seeing them in action, he encourages Canadians with a passion for railway history to do the same—while they still can.
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