"Restoration of the steam locomotive MZA 606 "Cuco"

1 - Historical background of the MZA 606 / RENFE 020-0236 locomotive

The steam locomotive MZA 606 is knicknamed as "Cuco”, an appellation that was inspired by the characteristic sound it produced when acting on the brake. It is on exhibit at the Railway Museum of Móra la Nova, where we intend to restore it back to full working condition. It is a very valuable piece of industrial heritage.

It was built in Belgium by the Société Anonyme de Marcinelle & Couillet in 1885 for the MZA railway company. It is a shunting engine that was used intensively in depots and in maritime docks on the Mediterranean coast. This series of machines remained in service for 80 years in the same geographical locations where they had been originally assigned. After the creation of RENFE in 1941, the "Cuco" that is now being restored remained active until the late 60's performing shunting tasks in the Barcelona area. In the early 70's it was acquired by Ciba Especialidades Químicas to be used as an decorative element at the entrance of the factory. Years later it would be acquired by the Science and Technology Museum of Catalonia. It was subsequently ceded to the Railway Museum of Móra la Nova at the end of 2018, where we are now working on its full restoration.

We need a little help to make it a reality.

The restoration, now in progress, will lead to reviving one of the oldest locomotives that exist in the Iberian Peninsula, back to all its former glory.

2 - The promoters

The Fundació del Museu del Ferrocarril de Móra la Nova develops together with the Association for the Preservation of the Patrimoni Ferroviari Industrial de Móra la Nova, in the recovery of the old signal box, turn table, the old carriage sheds, and those of the depot of steam traction from Móra la Nova, as well as the restoration of rolling stock. Another of its goals is the implementation of a tourist train between the Costa Daurada and the regions of the Ribera del Ebro. For this purpose, it has built a 4000 m2 shed where repairs of the material are carried out.

Our Foundation is part of FEDECRAIL, the entity that groups 600 museums and tourist lines in Europe. We also belong to the National Museum of Science and Technology of Catalonia (mNACTEC), as well as the Historical Heritage Group of the Railways of Catalonia, and the Catalan Federation of Railroad Friends and the Spanish Federation of Railroad Friends.

! bonita locomotive next to the signalbox , October 2017

3 – Actions necessary for full recovery

In 2019, APPFI together with a group of European volunteers, who have brought their knowledge and skills in steam locomotive repairs, completed the dismantling of the "Cuco". This necessary step revealed which parts are reuseable and which are beyond repair. As of today, we are reconstructing the elements that have disappeared or have been damaged over time. Once all the components will be restored and verified, the locomotive will be reassembled and pressure-tested, and then put back in service carrying passengers on a purpose-built carriage within the Museum's own network.

4 – Economic participation of the Institutions

So far, the funds granted by public institutions has allowed for partial process. Public entities have granted the following contributions:

• Diputació de Tarragona 6.987,75 €

• Ajuntament de de Móra la Nova 21.737,90 €

• Ministerio de Indústria 14.658,90 €

• Museu Nacional de la Ciència i la Técnica de Cataluña 11.000,00 €

Total 54.384,55 €

5 – Make the "Cuco" run again after 52 years of inactivity

The restoration of the "Cuco" must be the result of collective work and therefore we resort to crowdfunding in this final stage of the project. Through voluntary contributions from people, companies or entities that want to get involved, we look forward to seeing this small railway jewel up and running again after five decades.

The amount to be raised through Verkami is € 13,301.25

With your cooperation, the Cuco locomotive will come back to life.

6 - The experience in the restoration of the locomotive

APPFI has eighteen years of experience in restoration projects. This includes nine railway vehicles and five buildings. Two of the vehicles have been refurbished with donations, and the enthusiastic work of volunteers has been present in every project. One building has received funds from the social grants offered by Caixa de Tarragona.

As of today, APPFI is well known for its specialisation and know-how in the railway field.

7 – A reward for your collaboration

We do understand that every economic participation is an effort. Therefore, we want to thank you back by giving you various rewards.