FCAF's Garratt
Locomotive No. 2
"L. D. Porta"
updated March 14, 2009
photos and info courtesy Shaun
McMahon except as noted
"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
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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
Artwork by Rudi Hough
Showing No. 2's Approximate Appearance
After Completion of Stage II Modifications
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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