2-8-0 Steam Locomotives in Cuba

Class 4 (Locobase 12165)

Data from Baldwin Locomotive Works Specification for Engines as digitized by the DeGolyer Library of Southern Methodist University, Vol 20 p. 28 ,and Vol 30, p. 128. Works number was 14436 in September 1895 and 29277 in October 1906.

Typical 2 1/2-foot Baldwin Consolidations for Cuba delivered more than 10 years apart. The 4 came through Krajewski & Pesant (a broker responsible for many such purchases according to the Baldwin record) just before the revolution. Several years after the revolution, the Hormiguero ordered a duplicate. A third, heavier younger brother would arrive in 1911; see Locobase 13844.

A search of contemporary journals shows that Hormiguero, like other large sugar operations, was often threatened with destruction by its own workers.

The 4 later was sold to Central Espartaco and was described as "in existence" in 1995.

Class 6 (Locobase 13844)

Data from Baldwin Locomotive Works Specification for Engines as digitized by the DeGolyer Library of Southern Methodist University Volume 39, p. 199. Works number was 37142 in October 1911 and 52573 in November 1919.

Central Hormiguero had bought two Consolidations from Baldwin in earlier years (Locobase 12165) and the newest stablemate had the same boiler, grate, and power dimensions as they did. But it was four tons heavier on the drivers. The 8 was a bit heavier and burned

The Central Hormiguero was later absorbed by the Central Espartaco and the 6 and 8 were renumbered 1327 and 1329. They were reported "in existence" in 1995.

Class 7 (Locobase 13845)

Data from Baldwin Locomotive Works Specification for Engines as digitized by the DeGolyer Library of Southern Methodist University Volume 54, p. 152. Works number was 42093 in May 1915.

The CH bid welcome to 20th Century "mod cons" when it ordered this plantation Consolidation from Baldwin. The new design retained the power dimensions of the older 2-8-0s shown in in Locobases 12165 and 13844 and weighed just a ton more than the 6 of 1911, but it now sported a superheated boiler, outside constant-lead radial valve gear, and a bigger tender. Both the superheater flues and the small tubes had smaller diameters than most superheated engines, but the proportions were generous enough. Indeed, this was a big engine for the gauge in any case and its superheater provided quite a jump in effective power.

The Central Hormiguero was later absorbed by the Central Espartaco and the 7, now with road number 1328, was reported "in existence" in 1995.