Cosmetic restoration for Class 10CR No: 771.
Sandstone’s unique Class 10CR pacific locomotive No: 771 (ex-Lorraine Gold Mines, Welkom) was partially dismantled some years ago with a view to restoration has been reassembled with a cosmetic makeover. Unfortunately there are too many issues with the boiler of the loco to consider a full return to working order at this stage. The pictures by Gert Jubileus show the Steam Team putting the finishing touches to 771. The loco will remain on display next to Hoekfontein Station with a number of vintage wagons placed behind it as part of the display.
Originally Central South African Railways (CSAR) No: 1007 from a batch of 12, the locomotive was delivered after the Union of South Africa in 1910 as Class 10C and never carried its CSAR number. Subsequently reboilered it became Class 10CR. Originally designed to work passenger train between Springs and Randfontein they were transferred to main line service between Klerksdorp and Kimberley. They ended their days shunting in Cape Town and were all withdrawn by 1973.
Curiously for a main line passenger locomotive, 771 found its way to Lorraine Gold Mines in the Free State where it worked until the mid-90’s before the mine closed its rail system and it was acquired by Sandstone.
