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Operating 30" Gauge Baldwin from two months ago!!! has been converted from the pre-July 2008 WW&F Discussion Forum.
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Glenn Christensen wrote:Hi Folks,
The attached URL points to a You tube video depiting "La Trochita", which is also known as the the "Old Patagonian Express.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQYPIdVkFMo
The little Baldwin 2-8-2, one of 25 similar locomotives built new for the line in 1922. It was based upon the original design for SR&RL #23 and is identical to that locomotive in nearly every dimension. Essentially, is a #23 with an extra driving axle inserted, even the driving and overall wheelbases remain the same! I believe the Scindia 2-8-2s represent a simple enhancement of this design as well.
Other than the extra driving axle, this loco also has piston valve cylinders, which were simple a "state of the art" enhancement over the original slide valve configuration of 1913.
Sounds like another tour opportunity for Patten Travel!
Best Regards,
Glenn
Stephen Hussar replied:Great find, Glenn. Any idea how many of the original 25 still exist...and would they like a boat ride home?!
Glenn Christensen replied:Great find, Glenn. Any idea how many of the original 25 still exist...and would they like a boat ride home?!
Hi Steve,
One of the "La Trochita" websites says they currently have six operable locomotives - 3 Baldwins and 3 Henschels and that they have 11 locos total. But the line initially had 75 locomotives. First they ordered 50 Henschels. When these did not materialize quickly enough, 25 Baldwins were ordered - these latter locomotives arrived first.
As of Spring 1989, 11 Baldwins and 13 Henshels survived. I have not yet had the opportunity to visit the line, but my guess is that most of these locos remain on the property ... in some form or another. Since they are owned by one of the two states, my guess is that repatriating one or more of them would be problematic at best. On the other hand, with capital being tight in the region, you never know - it may be possible to obtain an inoperative locomotive that needs a new boiler (and probably a large number of missing parts) in turn for some much needed cash.
Below are two URLs to Web pages on "La Trochita":
http://www.latrochita.org.ar/
http://www.latrochita.com.ar/trochai.htm
***** WARNING - Shameless teaser follows *****
There are always the two 30" gauge Baldwin 2-6-2Ts (originally 2' foot gauge) in Mexico ...
Best Regards,
Glenn
PS= There are several books on the line. One of the "Narrow Gauge Rails to Esquel" by Keith Taylorson (ISBN 1-871980-41-0) is readily available. I got my copy at Caboose Hobbies in Denver for $18.00 about 7 years ago. Their URL is:
http://www.caboosehobbies.com/
But if they don't have any more, I'm pretty sure Transport Diversions in the UK still has it. Their URL is:
http://www.transportdiversions.com/index.asp
