International Railroad Discussion > South African Railways, "25" Class Condensers.

In addition to recent post of shots of SAR "25NC" class 4.8.4's, the S.A.R had alarge fleet of
Condensing "25" class 4.8.4's.  One No 3451 built by Henschel, and 3452-3540 built by North British
Locomotive Co. In operation they souned like a 737 jet taxing down the runway.
We were lucky to catch them in there last few months of operation between DeAar and Beauforrt West
back inAugust 1973.
Shot 1 passenger trains crossing just south DeAar.
Shot 2. Karoo Crossing.
Shot 3. Sunset Merriman in Karoo.

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Very cool pictures!

Larry

Thanks Larry!

Wish I'd gotten there before 1983 to see these in regular service.  I chased survivor 3511 countless times over the ensuing years,  but not quite the same.

Interesting to read (in Wikipedia) that the fan whine came from steam driven turbine fans that provided smoke box draft (since the exhaust steam was diverted and condensed to conserve tender water).

Oliver Barrett

Utahfannz Wrote:
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> In addition to recent post of shots of SAR "25NC"
> class 4.8.4's, the S.A.R had alarge fleet of
> Condensing "25" class 4.8.4's.  One No 3451 built
> by Henschel, and 3452-3540 built by North British
> Locomotive Co. In operation they souned like a 737
> jet taxing down the runway.
> We were lucky to catch them in there last few
> months of operation between DeAar and Beauforrt
> West
> back inAugust 1973.
> Shot 1 passenger trains crossing just south
> DeAar.
> Shot 2. Karoo Crossing.
> Shot 3. Sunset Merriman in Karoo.

Sweet!!