Join the discussion on the following article:
Cuba orders 300 Russian DMUs
If it wasn’t for the US commercial embargo of Cuba this could have been an order that US manufacturers, in a boost to the US economy, might have been able to bid on.
One point for US foreign policy stupidity and one point for strengthened Russian-Cuban relations.
They sorely need jobs in Cuba, and this will go a long way to that end. Who knows, soon we may be riding that equipment while on vacation there…
Are they using political prisoners to do the work?
A photo would have been interesting. I wonder is this a sugar for trains deal? At one time the Hershey owned railroad was a well maintained property with both steam and electric propulsion… From what I have read , their track is certainly under maintained and in not very good shape,
The embargo has nothing to do with it, Cuba has no cash to buy from a US manufacturer anyway. And definitely no sugar deal since the socialist economy destroyed the sugar industry.
Wise idea letting Cuban labor assemble the vehicles.
Anyone know any online photos of Cuba railroading?
I’m not so sure Cuba couldn’t have bid on US-built locomotives anyway, save for the embargo. Some years ago they purchased rail equipment from Spain. The island has upgraded its telephone system thanks to a deal from Sweden’s Eriksen. Other examples of deals with Western countries can be found.
Does ANYBODY in the US or Canada even make anything like what they are buying from the Russians?