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15F ex SAR no: 3052 North British 25591/1946 – “Avril”

Updated – 15th May 2006 

This celebrity locomotive is owned by British wildlife artist, David Shepherd, and is on loan and in the custodianship of Sandstone Heritage Trust. It was one of the second batch delivered post war by North British and is fitted with vacuum brakes and a mechanical stoker. During its life it has also acquired a 23 class long tender probably during its allocation to Kroonstad depot. It spent much of its life at Germiston depot where it was converted to oil lubrication from grease pads on its driving axles. This system was preferred for shunting duties which 3052 had been allocated to. During this time it occasionally carried nameplates, “City of Germiston” although it was originally officially named “Brakpan”. Few South African engines were named officially although many did carry unofficial names of wives and girlfriends. 3052 was one of a batch of 15F and 23 class locos allocated for naming in 1945 by the then Minister of Transport, the Hon.FC Sturrock.

In 1991 after a brief allocation to Millsite depot in Krugersdorp, 3052 was selected as the engine to be presented to David Shepherd by Spoornet in exchange for an original painting by the artist, in fact of the locomotive itself. The presentation took place on Kimberley Station by Dr. Anton Moolman and 3052 hauled a short train southwards from Kimberley. David Shepherd was not in a position to move the locomotive to England where, being 3’6″ gauge, it would become a static exhibit and decided to leave the locomotive in South Africa where it could be used. After some time in Germiston depot it was moved to Hilton in Kwa-Zulu Natal where it saw occasional use but was generally unsuited for the lines in the area. It was eventually moved to the Umgeni Steam Railway depot at Mason’s Mill in Pietermaritzburg where it stood out of use.

In 2002 Sandstone Heritage Trust funded repairs for the loco to be steamed to coincide with a visit by David and his wife Avril to South Africa. On November 3rd 2003, 3052, complete with a 3 year boiler certificate, hauled a special train from Mason’s Mill to Cato Ridge and back. Excited by the prospect of 3052 in steam again David asked Sandstone to take custody of the locomotive in the hope that it could be used on the Bloemfontein to Bethlehem line while being based at Ficksburg. Some months later in April 2004, number 3052 was prepared and steamed and hauled in light steam from Mason’s Mill to Bethlehem from where it steamed under its own power to Ficksburg. Unfortunately usage of 3052 on the line was not practical and it is now stored in Sandstone’s Ficksburg facility. The loco carries the name “Avril” in recognition of David’s wife.

“Avril” – David Sheperd’s 15F No. 3052 steams towards Sandstone – April 2004