FC Perseverancia 2-6-0 Locomotives in Cuba

Class 5 (Locobase 14016)

Data from Baldwin Locomotive Works Specification for Engines as digitized by the DeGolyer Library of Southern Methodist University, Vol 44, p. 264; 54, p.74. Works numbers were 38587-38588 in October 1912 and 42298 in August 1915.

The Perseverancia was a sugar mill in Cuba's westernmost province. These 3 Moguls suited the narrow, lightly built track typical of most plantations. Rail weights amounted to 30-35 lb/yard (15-17.5 kg/metre). They were modestly powered, in part because the boiler pressure was set at a relatively low level.

In addition to the narrow-gauge lines, the FC de Perseverancia operated standard-gauge trackage and locomotives; see Locobase 14017.

Class 7 (Locobase 14017)

Data from Baldwin Locomotive Works Specification for Engines as digitized by the DeGolyer Library of Southern Methodist University, Vol 54, p. 120. Works numbers were 42347-42348 in September 1915.

Most Moguls delivered by Baldwin to Cuba during the middle years of steam were small sugar-plantation engines. This pair was different not only because they were clearly intended to operate as common-carrier freight and passenger engines but also because they were superheated. The line ran from the mill (located near Cienfuegos in the southwest) to Pueblo Nuevo and from the mill in a different direction through Santa Ana, Romero, Guasimas Pozo, Cercado, and La Caoba.

After the 1959 Revolution brought Castro to power in Cuba, the Perseverancia was renamed to celebrate the now-traditional May Day holiday and is now known as the Central Primero de Mayo.