Cananea Consolidated Copper Company 2-6-2 Locomotives in Mexico


Class Details by Steve Llanso of Sweat House Media

Class 12 (Locobase 13181)

Data from Baldwin Locomotive Works Specification for Engines as digitized by the DeGolyer Library of Southern Methodist University, Volume 31, p. 49. Works number was 31854 in October 1907.

Five years after Baldwin delivered a pair of small narrow-gauge Prairie tanks (Locobase 10783), the Cananea went back to the builder for a saddle tank of about double the size and power for its now Standard-gauge system. Rail weights ranged between 50 and 65 lb/yard (25-32.5 kg/metre) and the maximum grade still climbed at a lofty 4% while at other points the railroad achieved curve radii of 30 degrees.


Class 3 (Locobase 10783)

Data from Baldwin Locomotive Works, Record of Recent Construction ((1903), No. 35, p. 194-195. See also DeGolyer, Volume 24, p. 147. Works numbers were 20486-20487 in May 1902.

In its Record, Baldwin underscores the difficult conditions under which these engine were intended to work: "85 per cent of the road is curved. None of the curves are less than 30 degrees. The maximum grade is 5 per cent and the sharpest curve 54 degrees. The speed is less than 13 miles per hour." Rail weight came to 45 lb/yard (22.5 kg/metre) and the spec advised that it was "rough track.".

Baldwin's solution were these tiny-drivered tanks with outside frames and short rigid wheelbase. An 21 November 1901 letter from E A McFarland referred to in the specs brought up a key operational consideration: "Engines are used as double enders continuously." As a result, a note in the specifications commands: "Give particular attention to the equalization and swing of trucks." The specs also discuss some shortcomings of some H K Porter locomotives.

Cananea lies in Sonora and was the hub of the Cananea copper mines. These mines were the focus of the infamous 1906 Cananea strike that featured a battle between a posse that included Arizona Rangers and the strikers. 23 were killed.


Class 9 (Locobase 13688)

Data from Baldwin Locomotive Works Specification for Engines as digitized by the DeGolyer Library of Southern Methodist University, Baldwin Locomotive Works, Volume 35, p. 319. Works number was 35028 in August 1910.

Principal Dimensions by Steve Llanso of Middle Run Media
Class1239
Locobase ID13181 10783 13688
RailroadCananea Consolidated Copper CompanyCananea Consolidated Copper CompanyCananea Consolidated Copper Company
CountryMexicoMexicoMexico
Whyte2-6-2ST2-6-2T2-6-2ST
Number in Class121
Road Numbers123-49
GaugeStd3'3'
Number Built121
BuilderBurnham, Williams & CoBurnham, Williams & CoBaldwin
Year190719021910
Valve GearStephensonStephensonStephenson
Locomotive Length and Weight
Driver Wheelbase (ft / m)9 / 2.74 8.50 / 2.599 / 2.74
Engine Wheelbase (ft / m)24 / 7.3220.50 / 6.2524.33 / 7.42
Ratio of driving wheelbase to overall engine wheelbase 0.38 0.41 0.37
Overall Wheelbase (engine & tender) (ft / m)24 / 7.3220.50 / 6.2524.33 / 7.42
Axle Loading (Maximum Weight per Axle) (lbs / kg)
Weight on Drivers (lbs / kg)120,000 / 54,43162,470 / 28,33689,000 / 40,370
Engine Weight (lbs / kg)148,000 / 67,13285,170 / 38,633112,000 / 50,802
Tender Loaded Weight (lbs / kg)
Total Engine and Tender Weight (lbs / kg)
Tender Water Capacity (gals / ML)2500 / 9.471200 / 4.552000 / 7.58
Tender Fuel Capacity (oil/coal) (gals/tons / Liters/MT)
Minimum weight of rail (calculated) (lb/yd / kg/m)67 / 33.5035 / 17.5049 / 24.50
Geometry Relating to Tractive Effort
Driver Diameter (in / mm)44 / 111834 / 86438 / 965
Boiler Pressure (psi / kPa)180 / 1100160 / 1100190 / 1310
High Pressure Cylinders (dia x stroke) (in / mm)18" x 24" / 457x61014" x 16" / 356x40617" x 20" / 432x508
Tractive Effort (lbs / kg)27,039 / 12264.7012,544 / 5689.8724,565 / 11142.51
Factor of Adhesion (Weight on Drivers/Tractive Effort) 4.44 4.98 3.62
Heating Ability
Tubes (number - dia) (in / mm)244 - 2" / 51171 - 1.75" / 44190 - 2" / 51
Flues (number - dia) (in / mm)
Flue/Tube length (ft / m)10.67 / 3.259 / 2.7410.33 / 3.15
Firebox Area (sq ft / m2)115 / 10.6966.20 / 6.15105 / 9.75
Grate Area (sq ft / m2)22 / 2.0411 / 1.0214.60 / 1.36
Evaporative Heating Surface (sq ft / m2)1467 / 136.34765 / 71.101124 / 104.42
Superheating Surface (sq ft / m2)
Combined Heating Surface (sq ft / m2)1467 / 136.34765 / 71.101124 / 104.42
Evaporative Heating Surface/Cylinder Volume207.50268.42214.10
Computations Relating to Power Output (More Information)
Robert LeMassena's Power Computation396017602774
Same as above plus superheater percentage396017602774
Same as above but substitute firebox area for grate area20,70010,59219,950
Power L1381334873780
Power MT210.16369.18280.90

Photos

  • CCCC 8 (Transportation Museum, Jalapa, Vericruz, Mexico)
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