FC de Matanzas 4-2-2 Locomotives in Cuba

Class La Junta de Fomento (Locobase 9192)

Data from [], accessed 10 February 2008.

This museum piece began work in Cuba as the first locomotive on the Matanzas line on 17 August 1843. The article from which Locobase draws its information reproduces the original report of La Junta's first sally. "The column of smoke that rose from the chimney of the magnificent locomotive ..., which enshrouded in national flags, announced the approach of the festive train." And the language doesn't recoil from dramatizing the moment: :"At the urging of the powerful machine, the train of 1 carriage and 3 other cars began to move majestically along the line." (Locobase's translation).

A typical Rogers product that used the D-shape firebox and hemispherical steam dome like that of the Bury firebox.

La Junta remained in service for decades despite its relatively low power. She retained her #1 until 1890, when it was shifted to another Alco locomotives. The curator is unable to say when La Junta actually left service, but she was on display by 1912.

Although some parts have been replaced, the museum's curator believes that much of the locomotive is still original 160 years later.