Tough Trains (2014)

Episode Overview

Cuba’s railway system, though worn and often unreliable, provides a captivating glimpse into the past. The nation was among the pioneers of railway construction in 1837, mainly to facilitate the booming sugarcane trade when it was the leading sugar producer globally. The journey begins on the Hershey line, Cuba’s sole electrified railway, established in the 1920s by an American chocolate firm. As travelers make their way from Havana to Santa Clara, they witness the difficulties of aging infrastructure and the repercussions of the U.S. embargo. In Santa Clara, the importance of the railways is highlighted, particularly during Che Guevara’s pivotal victory in 1958. A detour to Trinidad includes a ride on a sugar transport train, complemented by rum cocktails. Meanwhile, in Moron, mechanics keep pre-Revolution locomotives running despite scarce parts. The adventure concludes with a nostalgic ride on a 1920s steam locomotive through lush sugarcane fields, celebrating Cuba’s railway heritage