Railway Herald
On the 14th April 2024, the unique Class 26 No. 3450 'Red Devil', is seen stabled in Cape Town. Originally an SAR Class 25NC 4-8-4 locomotive, built by Henschel in Germany, with a works No. 1953, it was extensively modified in 1980 by engineer David Wardale, following the principles of Argentinian LD Porta, to increase steam efficiency. The result was the Class 26, the ultimate in steam development and the most modern steam locomotive worldwide.
It is part of the Transnet Heritage fleet and after many years stored, latterly undercover at Cape Town station, an agreement has been reached with the Ceres Rail Company to restore the locomotive to running condition for use on their special rail charters. However, following a successful steaming, the locomotive has been receiving repairs to the offside cylinder but hopefully the locomotive will see further use again soon.
Laurie Mulrine
