Here is a snippet, taken from Rob Dickinson's International Steam Locomotives web site, reporting on steam in Cuba:
"(At)Jesus Rabi, suddenly a lot of steam activity. The Rogers, No.1216, bringing in 11 fulls from a near acopio, then shunting Minaz tankers, while the ancient Cooke, No.1413, was working out to Cirineo. Locos built in 1892 and 1891 working, not bad for 2001!"
I wonder how many more years these two engines will continue to operate?
How many other centenarians are there out there? K-27's 463 & 464 will soon be 100, although they were heavily rebuilt in 1909 (remove compounding), 1918 (New tenders) & 1924 (piston valves & superheat). Of course, the Colorado RR Museum's 346 is almost 120 years old, but has probably operated less then 100 days in the past 50 years. Cass #5 (continuously in service since 1905) should be reaching it's 100th in four years. Is this the oldest, continuously in service, engine in the US?