Societe Miniere et Metallurgique de Pe'arroya 2-8-2 Locomotives in Spain

Class Porvenir (Locobase 14652)

Data from DeGolyer, Vol 60, pp. 331. Works number was 44341 in October 1916.

"Locomotive to have sufficient water capacity for a run of 30 kilometres [18.6 miles] without refilling the tanks, also sufficient fuel capacity for the same run." This specification demonstrates on just how short a tether steam engines operated. Once the boiler was steamed up, it used up both water and fuel continuously at some minimum rate until the fire was dropped. And there was no benefit to letting the water run low so a reserve in the tank was always necessary.

In this case, the fuel load consisted of dry soft coal with a long flame, 40% of cinders, 30% volatile matter.

The spec also gives details on the expectations: Locomotive to haul 250 metric tons [276 short tons][exclusive of engine] under most unfavorable conditions." Some of these stringencies included a 3% grade, combined with curves of 200 metres (656 feet) radius, that continued for 1.86 miles (3 km) that the engine had manage at a speed of 12 km/h (7.5 mph). On the level, the same load was to be drawn at 25 km/h (15.5 mph). Rail weight was 65 1/2 lb/yard (32.75 kg/metre).