November 9th, 1937

The head of the Chilean railways, Javier Esposo, today announced a collaborative program with his counterpart, Minister of Industry Gabriel Sotomayor under the Chilean Three Pillars Program.

"Today's new program contributes towards Pillar One of Chairman Grove's three pillars program, Industrialization. We are enthusiastic to announce the commencement of production of railway locomotives in Santiago, a proud moment for the Chilean people as they take their place among the industrialized, modern nations of the world," he stated in a press conference given in front of the main shops of the Empresa de los Ferrocarriles del Estado, where the locomotives will be produced.

Esposo revealed plans to produce two initial types of locomotives: a meter gauge 2-8-2 locomotive, meant for service on the Ferrocarril de Arica a La Paz and on the General Belgrano railway in Argentina, as well as an Indian gauge 2-8-2 meant for service in the south of Chile and on the various Indian gauge lines in Argentina.

"These locomotives are designed for ease of production and to use a minimum amount of materials, considering the worsening world political situation," Esposo noted. "Many components are identical between these two locomotives, with their only main difference being the boiler and cylinders."

Esposo called these designs the Locomotoras Estándar (Standard Locomotives), and indicated that additional production would follow in the future. "Our hope is to produce 20 of each type by the end of the year, with around 50 per year afterwards as our materials allow. A significant amount will be sold to the Ferrocarriles Argentinos to help our comrades in Argentina in the reconstruction of their country."