Re: Chasing narrow gauge steam in Argentina - February 1977

The double headed mixed train is arriving In El Maiten as passengers are waiting with their luggage. However the train will not leave immediately as this is a service stop before the mixed heads out for the 148-mile run to the broad gauge connection at Ingeniero Jacobacci. The southbound mixed train should be waiting in the station, but it has not arrived yet.



The delayed southbound mixed train allows a bit of time to explore the El Maiten yards and engine facilities. I was really looking forward to seeing the Baldwin 2-8-2s (little mudhens) that were concentrated on the northern part of the line. Here is Baldwin No. 14 ahead of Henschel No. 107, with the main narrow gauge locomotive shops in the background.



Engine 14 is one of the few Baldwins with two sand domes, most only having a single sand dome ahead of the steam dome. Makes me wonder if 14 and a few sister engines inherited the extra dome from retired locomotives. The extra dome would certainly facilitate traction on backing moves.