Cuban Steam Locomotives For Sale

[Anonymous]

As many of you know, Cuba was very famous for using hundreds of vintage steam locomotives on their sugar mills in recent years. However, in 2002, there was a collapse of sugar prices and as a result most of the sugar mills in the country closed and most of those that remained open switched to diesels that worked on closed mills. Very few steam locomotives are still working in the country's sugar mills. Many have been preserved and are working in tourist service, though. However, there are still a lot of others left and Minaz, the Cuban sugar ministry is placing 55 engines for sale. They are all 2-6-0's and 2-8-0's in both narrow and standard gauge. Most are Baldwin, but there are a few Alcos and Vulcans as well. Here is a link to the information:

http://dialspace.dial.pipex.com/javatour/trains/cubasale.htm

I can see some these eventually winding up on US tourist railroads. Of course there would be a lot of political red tape getting them from Cuba, but the ability to purchase steam locomotives like these in working or almost-working condition doesn't come too often. Perhaps every forum member could chip in a few dollars and we'd all go together for one. What do you guys say?

[daveklepper]

My efforts at preservation are concentrated at the trolley museum at Branford. But the illinois Railway Museum might want a standard gauge steamer, the Durango and Silverton, a three-foot gauge, and the Portland, Maine, line a two-footer.

[athelney]

Think the idea is great - but when the practical realities kick in - finding homes, arranging transportation and of course funding - maybe not so popular idea in north america - I know there was an article in the UK magazine 'Steam Railway ' last month about them - So maybe some interest from Europe -- lot's of fans from there visit Cuba .

[Anonymous]

I would LOVE one, an Alco of course. [:D]

Just no cash available for it though. [:(]

[Junctionfan]

U.S can't take anything from Cuba due to the embargo and good luck trying to smugle one through the consolate. Engines are a lot bigger to smuggle than a box of cigars.