Vanishing World Steam
Volume 3
Cuba - Part One

Still officially a closed communist country, at least as far as citizens of the USA are concerned, Cuba has much to offer the serious connoisseur of working steam.

During the comparatively short sugar season an incredible variety of vintage steam locomotives are pressed into daily service with predominantly American designed locos from both Alco and Baldwin being the most common types, as well as a handful of European examples in use.

The huge variety of sugar cane mills on the island, most of which are standard gauge but also include 2' 3", 2' 6", & 3' 0" examples, have become a magnet for many resourceful rail fans during recent years. The majority use oil fired locos which are renowned for producing particularly dense smoke, but there are a few coal fired locos sometimes to be seen in service.

The island features lots of delightful Spanish timbered colonial style building and is also well known as the final resting place for many vintage USA and British cars which are still pressed into every day service.

Despite severe economic pressures many mills are back in full production and part one of this unique programme highlights action from many of the most scenic and interesting mills including:-