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Steam Locomotion in the 21st Century The Recent History of Steam Locomotive Development |
updated 7 February 2022
photo courtesy of David Guelpa
| This locomotive was extensively modified
in the early 1980s by David Wardale, and was intended as
the prototype for a fleet of improved steam locomotives
for the South African Railways. Originally a class 25NC,
#3450 was equipped with a dual Lempor exhaust system,
Gas Producer Combusion System, enlarged superheater
(using a header from a GMAM Garratt), feedwater heater,
enlarged steam chests, improved piston valves,
compressed air sanding, an enlarged coal bunker, and
other improvements. During testing, the locomotive
proved capable of achieving nearly 5000 DBHP, believed
to be the highest output attained by any locomotive on
Cape Gauge. The locomotive has been preserved, and was extensively rebuilt in the late 2010's, although it still lacks many of the improvements fitted by Wardale as these were gradually removed while it was in service. The main features known to remain are the dual angled Lempor exhaust stacks, the enlarged steam chests, and the over-fire air openings which are part of the GPCS system. It is hoped that the locomotive can eventually returned to nearly fully modernized condition in the future. |
