The SAR class 26 "Red Devil" to be restored

Great news from South Africa for all us steam enthusiasts! The very famous class 26 "Red Devil" will now be restored (probably to working order!)

I have not found any website or blog about this project yet, but maybe other have some more information

A video from YouTube:


kind regards

Knut

 

The worlds most powerful non articulated steam locomotive, and by far the most thermally efficent

 

I understand that it has lost most of its developmental gear and although it looks unchanged it is in reality no more than a non-standard Class 25 rather than the Class 26 that it once was. Surely some of the big American 4-8-4s were more powerful than the Red Devil in its hayday?

Peter James

 

Sorry, highest sustained HP

Basically it suffered from the jinx of all steam loco's namely the users failure to understand so many of the thermal and engineering standards so was never maintained in its rebuilt form after David Wardale left SAR

 

Some more information and more pictures from the progress can be found at Ceres Rail Company facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/ceresrail/

Knut

 

One might suspect the ressurected loco will have sufficient eyes on it to ensure it's unique nature is more fully appreciated this time around.

Wonder what could be done with a GMA/M? There must be a one or two unrestored examples still kicking around.

 

Whit the restoration of this unique engine it should be enough to have something to keep you busy for this guys. https://www.advanced-steam.org/
I wonder ,could not this be a great opportunity for them to assist with their expertice?

Knut

 

A bit of a trek though, all the way to South Africa

 

A great excuse for having a looong summer holiday

 

...... during our winter!

 

Part one of a video posted on YouTube. It shows the restoration of "The Red Devil"

 

Nice one ..... cheers for posting.

Is it just me, or does the metal vice on the workbench at the start of the clip look to be home made?

Growing up with the BR composite loading guage, I always find the true size of Cape & meter guage kit difficult to judge. OK, so it's not the size of UP4014, but there look to be some seriously heavy components on 'Red Devil'. I'll be following this one with keen interest.

 

One seriously heavy component being the cast steel bed of course.

 

Part two of the restoration



Knut

 

You've just got to love the combination of precision engineering and heavy sledge hammers!

Was that a sawn-off elephant polo mallet being used at the end of the clip?

 

Sorry I`m not an technical expert. Maybe other knows?

 

Hi there

Part three of the restoration progress of the "Red Devil"



kind regards,

Knut

 

If someone being interested, here is part 4



have a nice weekend,
Knut

 

Further progress on the "Red Devil" restoration





Knut

 

Comments from the filmmaker says that it could be a road testrun within the next three weeks!