Manufactured in the United States, the locomotive Mafra 2 was donated to the city of Pires do Rio by the Brazilian Army on March 25, 1980. Initially, it was displayed in José Cury Nasser Square and soon became a symbol of the local railway heritage.

When the Mauá Battalion, the locomotive’s original owner, left Pires do Rio, a major controversy arose: the Army wanted to take it back to Araguari (MG). The news mobilized the population. City councilors, political leaders, and residents joined forces to ensure the “Maria-Fumaça” remained in the city. People even climbed onto the locomotive, called the press, and turned the episode into a landmark of popular struggle to defend Pires do Rio’s historical heritage.

The Army even proposed an exchange: they would take Mafra 2 back in return for sending the Paraguaçu locomotive, which had operated on the line between Pires do Rio and Brasília. However, the community refused to risk losing an asset already integrated into local memory.

Thanks to popular mobilization, Mafra 2 was listed as municipal heritage and later recognized by the Government of Goiás. Today, it is a protected historical asset and can no longer leave the city of Pires do Rio.