Guatemala Central 4-6-0 Locomotives in Guatemala

Class 13 (Locobase 12117)

Data from Baldwin Locomotive Works Specification for Engines, 1890, as digitized by the DeGolyer Library of Southern Methodist University Vol 19, p. 140, Vol 20, p. 19; and Vol 23, p. 218. Works numbers 14084-14085 in September 1894, 14412-14414 in September 1895, 18798-18801 in March 1901.

Using the same power dimensions as its 1890 Ten-wheeler design (Locobase 11707), this later batch changed most of the rest. Boiler pressure increased by 50 psi, heating surface area grew as well when the builder used more, but smaller-diameter tubes. The wood-burning firebox was relocated to allow for a wider grate; it was shallower and firebox heating surface was reduced. However, the use of combustion chamber added 23.4 sq ft to the direct heating surface.

The result obviously suited the CGR's profile and circumstances. Indeed, they were among the biggest Ten-wheelers ever built for the yard-wide gauge. CGR would order 9 more made to the same design over a 7-year period.

Still later, the company would return to the basic design, but fueled by oil; see Locobase 14194.

These engines followed the same path as the earlier pair, which is to say they continued in service for decades as the name of the railroad changed around them first to Guatemala Railways then International Railroad of Central America in 1913. Numbers changed too and the locomotives bore 75, 71-74, 76-79. IRCA renumbered in 1928 as 94, 90-93, 95-100

Only 92 failed to see the 1950s, being condemned in 1946.

Class 3 (Locobase 11707)

Data from Baldwin Locomotive Works Specification for Engines, 1890, as digitized by the DeGolyer Library of Southern Methodist University, Volume 16, p. 122. Works numbers 11216, 11231 in September 1890.

For some reason, the GCR preferred larger-bore firetubes for its narrow-gauge Ten-wheelers (for example, see the Schenectady engine supplied in 1897 and described in Locobase 11135). This specification for the 1890 wood-burners takes special care to note: "Flues and crown sheet to slope downwards so as to keep them always covered with water." which suggests some steep grades along the line. The firebox also had a 5" combustion chamber.

Compared to other 3'-gauge 4-6-0s, this design was relatively big in capacity.

In 1912, the GCR consolidated with the Ocos Railroad, the Occidental Railroad, and the Guatemala Railway to form the International Railways of Central America (IRCA). The IRCA renumbered this pair 60 and 67.