The Mighty Red Devil - 3450 Rides Again! June 1999

After a number of years out of service, Class 26 No. 3450 returns to service to her old stamping ground between De Aar and Kimberley.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• sar
• steam
• red devil
• 3450
• de aar
• kimberley

[kaupunkimoukari]

How many horsepower?

[steamfreak3450]

It was recorded developing more than 4000hp sustained at the drawbar. Quite amazing for a 3'6" gauge loco!

[ocrailfanner1995]

Where does this engine run

[steamfreak3450]

@ocrailfanner1995 it was most recently running in the Cape Town area of South Africa. It is currently stored out of service in Cape Town station, in a secure area. A local preservation group have been looking after the loco and keeping it clean. Not sure if/when it will see service again.

[Buemmo]

Why was it demodernized? I mean Wardales version was 30% more efficient and more powerful, it also was faster....

[steamfreak3450]

@Buemmo it was demodernised as it was "different" and required special parts and knowledge. Fitters did not necessarily know the loco's requirements and many standard parts were fitted back onto the loco. Some crews did not like the loco either due to her different requirements in driving and firing.

[SteffanLlwyd]

I can't understand why the secondary air inlets were ever blanked off.....

[SteffanLlwyd]

@steamfreak3450 Strewth. More than anything managed by British Railways steam!

[kaupunkimoukari]

@steamfreak3450 Quotation from wikipedia: Maximum recorded:

(4,490 hp) at 75.5 km/h (46.9 mph) Probable absolute: (5,030 hp) at 100 km/h (62 mph)

Impressive statistics on any loco on any gauge.

[SteffanLlwyd]

m a g n i f i c e n t

[1teaboy]

Loved the smoke ring at 3:21.........superb. 10/10 as always!