Guantanamo Sugar 0-4-2 Locomotives in Cuba

Class unknown (Locobase 15343)

Data from Baldwin Locomotive Works Specification for Engines as digitized by the DeGolyer Library of Southern Methodist University, Volume 78, pp. 1+. (Thanks to Alex Blessing for his 19 November 2023 email correcting the Works number was 58470 in June 1925.

This vehicle originally was built to be part of Baldwin Havana's stock in hand. It was sold "as is" in August 1930 to Guantanamo Sugar. What that eastern Cuba buyer got was a small, powerful steam motor car that, unusually for the type, was superheated and fitted with 5" (127 mm) piston valves. Note the unusual tube and flue diameters. The water tank rode under the car body while the oil fuel was held in a saddle tank over the boiler.

Instead of trailing truck, the two wheels supporting the firebox were held in pedestals along the frame. Baldwin's estimated adhesion weight amounted to 34,900 lb (15,740 kg) and 52,700 lb (23,904 kg)) for the engine unit. Alex Blessing's review of the builder's card revealed a considerable increase in service.

The vehicle measured 54 ft 6 in (16.61 m) from rear corner post to front of engine room; the passenger compartment took up 35 ft 6 3/8 in (10.83 m) and the baggage compartment another 5 ft 6 in (1.676 m). Maximum seating capacity was 46 passengers. If necessary, the steam motor could pull an additional coach.