27.5 (700mm) inch gauge steam in Cuba

[Glenn Christensen]

Hi Folks,

Thought you'd like to see this YouTube video of the Simon Bolivar and Obdullio Morales lines in Cuba.  Especially check out the Baldwin 2-6-0 at about 3:40.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8Tmz3bRn0E


Best Regards,
Glenn

[John Kokas]

I wonder how many of those Cuban engines are actually based on Maine design and experience.  What a project it would be to have a 2-6-0 or 2-6-2 similar to old #6 or one of the SR&RL examples.

[Glenn Christensen]

Hi John,

There are a very few n.g. 2-6-0s remaining in Cuba.  The one depicted is the only operational one on 27.5" gauge that I am aware of.  The others are 30" gauge.  Most of the remaining n.g. locos are 30" gauge 2-8-0s.  Almost all of these locos are "two footable" and would look right at home in the U.S.

The "Trading With the Enemy Act" currently prevents the importation of all these locos into the U.S.  But perhaps a few of them will survive long enough for repatriation at a future date.


Best Regards,
Glenn