International Railroad Discussion > Russian Test Locomotive in Cuba

Here is a couple of pictures of one of the first 7 Russian built, light rail Diesel Hydraulic Locomotives, that are on test in Cuba. Russia is supplying locomotives to Cuba, to modernize they're railways.  Pictured here is the model TGM8KM. It is rated at a pulling capacity of 1600 tons. A total of 75 locomotives will be delivered to Cuba, by 2021. Pictures taken by Ernesto Leon, near the resort town of Veradero, Cuba.

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Why don't Cuba buy Engines for USA Companys??

Economic embargo since JFK's day

I wonder what terms the Cubans received on these locomotives?  Based on the rolling scrap they currently use on some lines, these units could be a big help.

 

Cuba has bought USA locomotives from Canada in the past. Problem is that it takes hard currency that Cuba is always short of. They have received in the past Chinese and Russian units but always seemed to be lacking spare parts.

usmc1401 Wrote:
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> Cuba has bought USA locomotives from Canada in the
> past. Problem is that it takes hard currency that
> Cuba is always short of. They have received in the
> past Chinese and Russian units but always seemed
> to be lacking spare parts.

The spare parts seem to be the hostage for payment down the road. Which the Cubans don't have.

The big Chinese deal was co-signed by Venezuela. Cuban medical teams helped Chavez / Maduro deliver healthcare.

In return, a small slice of the oil sales repaid the Cuban debt to China. That was then. Times change, etc

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TGM8KMs deliveries to Cuba began in 2017. https://www.rt.com/business/419623-russia-cuba-locomotives-shipment/

Built by Sinara Transport Machines. They make a variety of diesel and electric locomotives, MOW equipment, & more.

https://sinaratm.ru/   English brochure/catalog: https://sinaratm.ru/image/2018%2011%2001%20STM%20Presentation.pdf

They also make the EU-500 "Booster Power Station", a cabless diesel unit used to supply power to electric locomotives operating outside electrified territory. Has there ever been a US equivalant, excepting some small industrial units(?).  Looks like a switcher "B" unit, aka "calf". https://sinaratm.ru/products/teplovozy/eu-500/



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 02/17/19 09:17 by Duna.

Notice the reflector style headlight on a brand new locomotive. I'm sure some North American locomotives could use one of these.