Brazilian Black Beauty

Eduardo Coelho writes:

This beautiful product of Alco for the Brazilian Independence centenary year of 1922 is one of the only two broad gauge (1600 mm) Pacifics preserved in Brazil (the other one is a Baldwin 1927 3-cylinder also operable on special occasions, but now withdrawn for general repairs). Former EFCB (Estrada de Ferro Central do Brasil) No. 370 is one of the most famous steam locomotives in Brazil, nicknamed "Zeze Leoni", to honour the first Brazilian beauty "miss" elected after a national contest in 1922. For many years Zeze Leoni (the loco) was a kind of EFCB "Director's" special in Rio, hauling special trains always with the same driver. She never lost her fame, even after the coming of EFCB fleet of more more modern Pacifics. She was withdrawn in the mid sixties, although reportedly steamed on several occasions for MOW trains until about 1969-70. She was preserved as static monument in the formed Santos Dumont, MG, depot, later closed, until being put for restoration last year under the sponsorship of the Brazilian Revista Ferroviaria. The restoration is beautiful, but the paint scheme is slightly inaccurate, used only for the period between 1922 and 1930. About this time, the tender was lettered Central only, with small letters in the middle. I do not known the plans for her operation yet, but I believe she is being reserved for special occasions only. No "railfan" excursions have so far being scheduled, mainly, because the lack of suitable cars..