Ferrocarril Central Argentino 12L class

[Cuddie Headrigg]

Does anyone have any information on the Ferrocarril Central Argentino 12L class (later reclassed PS11) three cylinder 4-6-2 'Pacific' (Armstrong Whitworth, 1930). A friend in Australia sent me a picture of #1105(attached) and advised one of the 20 established a South American speed record on the Retiro- Rosario corridor of 2 hours 50 minutes, averaging 105 kph. One still survives and awaiting preservation. Like the folding buffers!

[2002EarlMarischal]

An overseas loco I like the look of! Round topped firebox helps. Not too cluttered either! Why the folding buffers?

[Stirling O]

I'm no expert but I would have thought that with a cowcatcher fitted they would be superfluous. Remove the cowcatcher and they fold down for normal use. Anyone else got any ideas?

Dave

[richard]

Yes I would have thought they were superfluous with the cowcatcher, but perhaps they also enabled use with American-style knuckle couplers?

[52D]

Im sure I have seen a pic of these locos being loaded in the UK before arriving in South America. I will have a root round to see if I can locate it.

[Bryan]

Did the use of the cowcatcher impede the buffers?
A case of use one or the other but not both.
If so then is the cowcatcher easily detachable?
Or is use of a turntable essential?

[Cuddie Headrigg]

I would imagine that buffers were needed when working multiple as a coupling is provided and the cow-catcher would fit under the tender overhang - but why hinged? The cow-catcher would be exactly that - for cattle and not sheep or smaller livestock, as in Australia, my friend postulates. I doubt it was easily removed and looks a quite substantial, structural entity!

[Blink Bonny]

Ay up!

That front end has a pleasing Robinson look to it. Handsome loco.

[Solario]

It looks as if it may have poppet valves - any comment from the experts?

[Cuddie Headrigg]

They were known locally as 'Caprotti's' for their valve gear.