BAGS locos used on the route

NB This chapter is in the early stages of preparation. The decision has been made to extend our coverage northwards to Neuquen but we are still collecting information, data and photos. Any assistance will be much appreciated.

Various types of locomotive operated on this line. However, some were more associated with it than others. Classes 15A and 15B, both mixed traffic 4-8-0's are known for the excellent work they did in conveying fruit trains of more than 1, 000 tons at passenger timings in the early 1950's. Some of these engines carried names. (12)

The Class 15A comprised 8 engines built by the Vulcan Foundry in 1939, four had Walshaerts and four had Caprotti valve gear. This latter valve gear was replaced by the Walshaerts variety during the Second World War due to the unavailability of spare parts for it.

The Class 15B were an updated version, some 30 engines, also from the Vulcan Foundry, arrived in Argentina very shortly after nationalization. Apart from a weight in working order of 153.6 tons as against the 155.3 tons of the earlier ones, their principal dimensions were the same.

Basic dimensions were: Cylinders 19 1/2" x 28", Driving wheels 5'-8", Boiler pressure 225 lb/sq in, Tractive effort (80%) 28, 200 lb, Oil capacity 11, 481 kg (11 1/2 tons), Water capacity 27, 240 litres (6, 000 gallons)

About 1930, Neuquén was the destination of a train hauled by the first diesel engine to be employed by the Southern Railway. The 370 hp B-B engine No CM201 ran straight through from Buenos Aires a distance of some 1194 kilometres. (11)

References:
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2

27-5-08