Author Topic: 30" gauge coal drag  (Read 4145 times)

Glenn Christensen

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30" gauge coal drag
« on: May 29, 2014, 04:15:42 PM »
Hi,

As you may know, the RFIRT - Ramal Ferro-Industrial de Rio Turbio - is a 30" gauge line in southern Patagonia (Argentina) that at one time rostered a fleet of 20, modern, Mitsubishi-built 2-10-2s.  Of these, 11 survive today in operable or nearly operable condition.

Its not often you see a fairly decent quality video of this line, so when I found one, I wanted to share this link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-8_OdndN-M

Enjoy!


Best Regards,
Glenn
« Last Edit: May 29, 2014, 10:58:15 PM by Glenn Christensen »

Ira Schreiber

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Re: 30" gauge coal drag
« Reply #1 on: May 29, 2014, 05:50:20 PM »
Do you suppose we could get one and have Jason re-gauge it like was done to #10?

It could pull our train South to TOM without using the set-off track.

john d Stone

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Re: 30" gauge coal drag
« Reply #2 on: May 29, 2014, 08:18:16 PM »
I think these engines were first ordered for the F.S.&K. Of course, they specified blind drivers on all axles for the curves!

Check out this article: http://www.martynbane.co.uk/modernsteam/ldp/rfirt/santafes.htm

Note the tonnage ratings. They ran some serious trains!

Third edit and I finally got the web address right. Probably should have put extra stamps on it.
« Last Edit: May 29, 2014, 08:29:51 PM by John Stone »

Ira Schreiber

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Re: 30" gauge coal drag
« Reply #3 on: May 29, 2014, 09:38:30 PM »
A facinating story. I would love to see a 2014 update.
Porta was a steam genius in a diesel era.