CP 301 - 305 series steam engines

Acquired by the Companhia Real dos Caminhos de Ferro Portugueses.

The 301 to 305 series steam engines entered service with the Companhia Real dos Caminhos de Ferro Portugueses in 1908.
The acquisition of these broad gauge steam engines was part of the process of modernising the Company's rolling stock fleet, providing it with locomotives capable of handling the main passenger services.

Ordered in 1906 from the French manufacturer Société Alsacienne de Constructions Mécaniques, the five locomotives were characterised by their efficiency and capacity, as well as their dynamic appearance. As it became available, the new fleet of locomotives was assigned to the Campolide Station depot and immediately took over some of the main trains between Rossio Station in Lisbon and Gaia, the Sud Expresso international service, and the Rápido de Madrid international service between Lisbon-Rossio and Valencia de Alcântara.

Between 1913 and 1925, with the arrival of new steam locomotives, the CP 301 to 305 series underwent operational readjustment and a change in their geographical area. In addition to maintaining some services on the North Line, they began running on the Western and Eastern lines.

In the 1940s, in response to the high costs and scarcity of coal, CP made a significant change to its main series of steam locomotives, allowing them to burn fuel oil instead of coal. This series was no exception, and in 1943, the necessary changes were made so that the five locomotives' boilers could burn fuel oil.

In the late 1940s, with the acquisition of modern diesel locomotives, the CP 301 to 305 series left Campolide and were integrated into the Entroncamento depot. In addition to continuing to provide traction for some trains on the North and Eastern Lines, it also served on the Beira Baixa Line. The gradual programme of eliminating steam traction and electrifying the railway network contributed to the loss of influence of this series. They were permanently retired in 1963.