Porta's "Argentina" 4-8-0 uncovered in Argentina!

Alexander D. Mitchell IV · **Posted:** Wed Dec 29, 2004 7:38 pm

At last, the literal equivalent of uncovering a NYC Hudson in a barn!

Martyn Bane's website highlights the discovery and attempted preservation of an almost unbelievable steam locomotive, a four-cylinder compound meter-gauge 4-8-0, rebuilt from a 4-6-2 in 1948 by L.D. Porta, who died last year. The loco allegedly had the highest power/weight ratio of any steamer built, 31 hp/ton. It languishes today, covered with graffiti and half-rebuilt, in the remains of a shed.

This may well be worth an article in RyPN's article list.

http://www.martynbane.co.uk/argentina.htm

Gary Gray · **Posted:** Wed Dec 29, 2004 10:14 pm

Interesting, but that thing looks about as ugly as an "Aerotrain".........

H.O. · **Posted:** Thu Dec 30, 2004 12:32 am

You probably wouldn't be saying that, Gary, if it was painted black with red and gold striping along the side - with a number somewhere in the 400s. 'Course N&W would have been a bit more conservative in the styling.

Phil Mulligan · **Joined:** Mon Aug 23, 2004 10:07 am **Posts:** 218

The boiler reminds me of GWR's streamlined 4-6-0 (King class?) while the overall styling looks German. I'm assuming the 4-cylinders are DeGlehn compound.

doowoppie · **Posted:** Thu Dec 30, 2004 2:47 pm

Hey
So what is wrong with the Aero train sure it looks like a 59 Plymouth with out the fender wings but I dont hear anyone putting them down here.
Andrew

doowoppie · **Posted:** Thu Dec 30, 2004 2:51 pm

Alexander D. Mitchell IV wrote:

This may well be worth an article in RyPN's article list.

http://www.martynbane.co.uk/argentina.htm

Alex,
Is this for real or is it an early April-Fools thingy.
Andrew

Alexander D. Mitchell IV · **Posted:** Thu Dec 30, 2004 4:31 pm

Go to the website linked, and to the extensive websites listed and linked at that site, and to the end-of-site bibliography. Extensive gallery of photographs from many angles, extensive documentation with historical photographs, and the loco has been mentioned in David Wardale's "The Red Devil" book. In addition, Martyn Bane, the site's owner, is perhaps as well known in the UK as, say, Doyle McCormack, Jim Boyd, or Bill Withuhn are here in the States.

If it's an April Fool joke, it's a VERY well done one. But I believe it's real.

Steve Singer · **Posted:** Thu Dec 30, 2004 5:22 pm

It's real indeed. There was a picture of it, pre vandelization, in Britian's Steam Railway magazine a couple years ago. Ferroclub Argentina in Buenos Aires has done some great restoration work. If the loco gets there, she'll be in good hands.

doowoppie · **Posted:** Thu Dec 30, 2004 5:22 pm

Alex and all
Sounds cool to me. The only reason I asked is it looks like something off Power Rangers TV show.
Andrew