Caile Ferate Romane 2-10-2 Locomotives in Romania

Class 151.001 (Locobase 1515)

Data from A[nthony] E[dward] Durrant, Locomotives of Eastern Europe (New York: Augustus M Kelley, Publishers, 1966), pp 48-49; and CFR locomotive diagram 8494 published in [].

These were ambitious engines produced just before World War II as the first locomotive of Romanian design. They had piston valves and their long wheelbase was compensated for by the use of Krauss-Helmholz bogies.

These engines showed potential but were not repeated because the war first diverted resources then demolished most of the country's physical plant. Both survived World War II. 151.001 was claimed as a war prize by the Soviet Union and was later reported to have suffered a boiler explosion in Kharkov.

151.002, to which the diagram cited above referred, was slightly modified. "Mariana", as she was sometimes known, underwent an overhaul in 1964. This included replacing the copper firebox with a steel one. Although continuing in service, the 002's retirement drew nigh and problems with corrosion led to her withdrawal in 1968.

During her 214 1/2 months in revenue service, the 002 averaged 3,888.3 km (2,415 miles) per month for a total of 834,040 kgm (518,037 miles).

Stored in obscurity for 18 years, the 002 was moved to the Dej

traj depot for a cosmetic restoration that lasted 8 months. The gleaming result remains on display at Dej Traj.