Central Monserrate 2-4-0 Locomotives in USA-Puerto_Rico

Class Rita (Locobase 13278)

Data from Baldwin Locomotive Works Specification for Engines as digitized by the DeGolyer Library of Southern Methodist University, Volume 32 p. 29. See also the Manati website at [], last accessed 18 October 2011. Works number was 27731 in March 1906.

Sugar plantations in Puerto Rico proliferated after the American annexation in 1898. La Hacienda Monserrate near Manati had a long history even before that event, with the first cane being planted in 1845. The Manati account of this hacienda notes that the two brothers -- Jaime y Federico Calaf -- then operating the Monserrate took notice of North American technological advances in sugar processing, the enormous plantations, and the advantages of a domestic market in North America. They began an extensive overhaul and modernization of their operation.

Among the upgrades was the rail line that connected the Central to the terminal in Morovis known as La Alianza de Don Agustfn Collazo. This little six-wheeler was purchased by Ernest Wiener, an equipment broker, for that line. It was identical to a few 2-4-0s then in service in the US and Brazil.