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FCAF's Garratt Locomotive No. 2
"L. D. Porta"

updated March 14, 2009

photos and info courtesy Shaun McMahon except as noted

FCAF No. 2 "L. D. Porta"

"L. D. Porta" After Complete Rebuild in late 2001

FCAF No. 2 "Nora"

prior to present overhaul and renaming as "L. D. Porta"
photo ® by Martin Coumbs

No. 2 is an 0-4-0+0-4-0 Beyer Garratt type locomotive, designed and manufactured in Argentina in 1994. It is based on the first Garratt type locomotive to be built by Beyer Peacock in Manchester in 1909, the K1. No. 2 is reported to be the first steam locomotive built from scratch in Argentina. No. 2 as built had an estimated weight of 9 tons and was designated KM Class.

Much like its sister British-built locomotive Camila, No. 2 was constructed using modern techniques and certain components, but to a very old design. No. 2 has welded steel cylinders and boiler, roller bearing axles, and oil firing, but few other concessions to modern technology. On the other hand, No. 2's Beyer Garratt 0-4-0+0-4-0 wheel arrangement provides a relatively powerful locomotive which rides well, can negotiate tight curves, and which utilizes all its weight for traction.

As a result of the success gained following the overhaul and first stage modification of Camila, Tranex gave sanction for similar work to be carried out to FCAF's other steam locomotive No. 2. The first step in planning No. 2's modifications was to thoroughly evaluate the design and condition of the locomotive. The photos below show Ing. L. D. Porta supervising steam leakage tests on No. 2 as part of this work. A significant amount of work had to be performed on No. 2 to bring it up to the standards established nearly 40 years ago (!!) by Porta on the Rio Turbio Railway in Argentina.

"At the age of 77, Ing. L. D. Porta supervises steam leakage tests on FCAF locomotive 'No. 2'- October 1999."

"L. D. Porta looks on as steam escapes from static steam leakage test to FCAF "No. 2". The result was 67% leakage!! Porta still holds the world record at 2% (only) with Rio Turbio Mitsubishi 2-10-2s! Note snow capped mountain in background. Porta has a particular affection for Patagonia and says his best years were spend in Rio Gallegos!"

Photo: Shaun McMahon, October 1999

The design of a variety of improvemetnts to the locomotive was conducted in 2000 and the locomotive was extensively rebuilt in 2001. For more information and detailed photographs on the rebuild, see:

The Rebuild of FCAF's Garratt Locomotive No. 2, the "L. D. Porta"

No. 2's rebuild was completed in late 2001 and the locomotive re-entered service in January 2002.

Future "Stage II" Rebuild for No. 2

steam art copyright 2001 by Rudi Hough

steam art copyright 2001 by Rudi Hough

Artwork by Rudi Hough Showing No. 2's Approximate Appearance
After Completion of Stage II Modifications

steam art copyright 2001 by Rudi Hough

Composite Diagram Showing No. 2's Present Outline
and Much Taller & Longer Outline After Completion of Stage II Rebuild

The sketches above give some idea of No. 2's projected appearance after completion of the later Stage II modifications, which should be fitted in the next few years. The Stage II modifications are expected to include a longer main frame (as shown above), further enlarged fuel and water supplies, superheating, air preheating, and feedwater heating, as well as other improvements, which will greatly increase No. 2's power and efficiency.


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