Sandstone Heritage Trust – Rail News
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ex SAR no: 2071 Baldwin, USA 58717/1926

Updated – 15th May 2006

In 1924 the SAR Motive Power Superintendent, GE Triten, visited the USA to study locomotive development in that country. As a result of this trip four “experimental” locomotives were ordered by the SAR, two of 4-8-2 wheel arrangement, classified 15C and two of 4-6-2 arrangement, classified 16D. They were numbered 2060/1 and 860/1 respectively. While being consistent with SAR requirements they embodied the latest American practice. Many features new to South Africa such as self-cleaning smokeboxes, top boiler feeds and grease lubrication were fitted. The tenders also had a self trimming mechanism fitted. The Class 15C were affectionately known as “Big Bills” while the 16D were called “Big Berthas”. Designed to haul the crack passenger trains of the time, the “Union Limited” from Johannesburg to Cape Town and its return, the “Union Express”, the 15C and 16D were soon not regarded as “experimental” and further orders were placed. A further ten 15C locos were ordered of which number 2071 was the last of its class. After some time in service the Class 15C engines showed signs of frame cracking and a further 21 locos of similar design were ordered from the American Locomotive Company (Alco). To distinguish these from the Baldwin built locos they were classified 15CA (for Alco) and the 15Cs were re-classified 15CB (for Baldwin).

Initially confined to the Johannesburg to Cape Town line the 15CBs were also utilised in the Free State and briefly in Natal. Apart from number 2060, which was retained by the SAR for its museum (now TFHP), the rest of the class was withdrawn by 1977 and eventually sold into industrial use. After ending its SAR days at Springs depot, number 2071 was sold to Rustenburg Platinum Mines where it became RPM number 4.

Prior to dieselisation number 4 was set aside as Spoornet hire steam locos were used. It was acquired with 15F number 2910 and moved to Sandstone at Ficksburg. Whilst complete, it is in poor mechanical condition having had a hard life in industry.
The 15CB weighs 170.3 tons in working order and has an overall length of 73 feet (22,25m).