CP 401-406 series steam engines

Built by the German company J.A. Maffei.

The 401–406 series steam engines entered service with the Royal Portuguese Railway Company in 1908.
These broad-gauge steam locomotives were acquired as part of the modernisation of the Company’s rolling stock fleet, providing it with steam engines capable of hauling the fastest trains.

Purchased from the German manufacturer J.A. Maffei, the six locomotives were characterised by their dynamic and imposing appearance. As soon as they became available, they were assigned to the Campolide Station depot and were immediately responsible for operating some of the main services between Rossio Station in Lisbon and Gaia, as well as the international Sud Expresso service.

Between 1913 and 1925, with the arrival of new steam engines for the broad-gauge network, the CP 401 to 406 series underwent operational reallocation, retaining only a few services in the Porto area and providing traction for night trains between Rossio Station and Gaia. Later, they were deployed on freight services between Lisbon and Setil.

In the 1940s, in response to the high costs and scarcity of coal, CP modified its steam engines to burn fuel oil instead of coal. However, this series was not subject to this conversion.

The gradual phasing out of steam traction, the acquisition of new diesel locomotives and the electrification of the railway network contributed to this series losing its influence. They were finally taken out of service in the early 1960s.