Esslingen 120-2131 “Oeste 77”: Spanish steam locomotive

Locomotora de vapor 120-2131 “Oeste 77”

120 “Oeste 77” is a Spanish steam locomotive built in Germany by Esslingen in 1884. In 1981 it was donated to the Catalan Railway Museum.

*Not to confuse with RENFE S-120.

History

These locomotives were originally ordered by Ferrocarril de Salamanca a la frontera portuguesa and built in Germany at the Esslingen plant. This model was very popular in the last third of the 19th century. It was an innovative design, as it had a free front axle, which allowed for higher speeds. The locomotives were used to haul passenger trains on flat sections. However, since the end of the century, the need for increased power and productivity led to their gradual withdrawal.

In 1928, the old company was absorbed by Compañía del Oeste, where the current locomotive was numbered 77. In 1941, the company was acquired by Renfe, but of the original thirteen locomotives, only two survived. From then on, they were used as shunters at the Salamanca depot until they were finally withdrawn from service in the 1960s.

Characteristics

Manufacturer: Maschinenfabrik Esslingen

Assembly: Esslingen (Germany)

Year of production: 1884

Production: 13 units

Track gauge: 1668 mm

Power: 650 HP

Max speed: 60 km/h

Railway Museum of Catalonia (Vilanova, Catalonia, Spain)