International Railroad Discussion > South Africa: Steam News: "Red Devil" to be Restored

This news just in via David Rodgers (UK):

One of the world's most iconic steam locomotives - South African Railways (SAR) 3450, 4-8-4, Class 26, 'Red Devil' is to be restored to working order. In the last few days the loco, which has stood out of use in a secure part of Cape Town's Monument station for a decade, has yesterday (March 19, 2018) been removed and today (March 20, 2018) has been towed in an electrically-hauled freight from Bellville to Worcester depot for overhaul.

It had been the intention to take the loco to Voorbaai depot at Mossel Bay, where a team led by Bobby Rudman, has been instrumental in recently overhauling several 19Ds and 19B No. 1412. However the severe curvature on the line east of Ashton precluded taking the 'Red Devil' and so the repair team will undertake the work at Worcester.

Already four 4-day/3-night trips have been advertised from Cape Town to the wine-growing area at Robertson although, as the loco will remain coal-fired, the Red Devil's use will be restricted to the low fire risk months of May to August in the Western Cape.

SAR 3450 was originally a standard Class 25NC 4-8-4 until rebuilt and converted at Salt River Works, Cape Town in 1981 under the direction of David Wardale. After extensive testing it settled down to regular use on the De Aar - Kimberley and Kimberley - Bloemfontein lines working from Beaconsfield depot, Kimberley until regular steam finished in 1992. In the preservation-era it saw out its final days in the Western Cape based at Dal Josafat depot. Still in Transet ownership it appears that Ceres Rail Co., who wish to operate her on the Robertson trips, have been instrumental in getting the loco overhauled.

Apparently SAR 3450 will operate 'as is' ie. minus several refinements that were later removed, rather than her original 1981 condition.

South African Railways 3450, 4-8-4 (Henschel 28769 / 1953), originally SAR class 25NC
Ceres Rail Company: http://www.ceresrail.co.za/

All attached images recorded by David Rodgers, posted with his permission:

Image 1: Now with large full height smoke deflectors SAR 3450 restarts from Kraankuil station en-route from De Aar to Kimberley.
Images 2 & 3: SAR 3450 and SAR 3410 doublehead through Kilmarnock on the Bloemfontein - Bethlehem line (2 pics different angles)

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All attached images recorded by David Rodgers, posted with his permission:

Image 4: SAR 3450 approaches Fouriesburg from Bethlehem
Image 5: SAR 3450 leaves Ashton in the West Cape with a mixed train for Worcester
Image 6: SAR 3450 approaches Ashton with a mixed train from Worcester.

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Can you recommend a web site dealing with excursions in South Africa? I'd like to visit sometime.

Wow. Great photos of a striking locomotive.

KG

Georg Cooke's website is a great resource, also follow:

Reef steamers

Atlantic Rail

Ceres Rail

Rovos Rail

Sandstone Estate

Farrail Tours

Adam

To Milepost_130,

Thank you so much for posting! It's much appreciated to get this communication passed on in the US.

Please see my PM to you.

Thanks again!

Sincerely

Randy

Posted from iPhone

Fantastic locomotive and wonderfull photos. Thanks for sharing them here

Pedro Rezende
Vespasiano MG,
https://youtube.com/c/minasgeraisrailways1