Sandstone Heritage Trust – Rail News
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Harmony Mines Welkom ex Free State Geduld mine (FSG) 204 hp 0-6-0DM

Ex FSG number 9 Hunslet 4029/1950

Updated – 15th May 2006

A 204hp shunting locomotive with mechanical transmission, it was built by Hunslet, in Leeds in England and delivered to Freddies Consolidated Mines in Odendaalsrus near Welkom. Subsequently it was transferred to Freddies Stores Yard, also at Odendaalsrus, where it carried number 9. When all the Freegold Mines were consolidated it became number 11. In 1999 it was acquired on permanent loan from Freegold (now Harmony Mines). The loco is based on a 1932 design which was drawn up to replace the standard industrial six wheel steam shunting locos of the time. The basic design continuing until the 1980s.

This example is interesting in that it is thought to be the first example with a modern type cab, which replaced the steam style cab, fitted with port hole spectacle glasses, utilised on previous examples. A sister locomotive, number 4028 of 1949, is at Pretoria Portland Cement and has the earlier type of cab.
The Gardiner 8L3 engine drives through a four speed and reverse gear box with dry clutch similar to a car. The general design being extremely sturdy. Locomotives of this type were built to many track gauges and supplied to many countries around the world.
This unit represents one of the earliest and efficient diesel designs and is a proud member of the Sandstone collection.
It is currently stored at Ficksburg and requires little work to restore it to working order.