The photograph shows an Orenstein & Koppell 0-4-2T No.1775 on the left and
the Hawthorn, Leslie and Co. No.2687 4-6-2T designated NG3 No.4 on the right.
Photo: Wally Greig 2004.
Hawthorn, Leslie and Co.
Class NG3 4-6-2T No.4
Following the success of the Natal Government Railway's first venture into
narrow gauge operation between Estcourt and Weenen, the residents of Alexandra Country on the Natal
South Coast were offered a similar railway to serve their district. The railway was laid between Esperanza
and Donnybrook and was opened in 1908.
To operate this 158 km-long section, D.A. Hendrie designed a 4-6-2T engine similar to those already
in service in Estcourt. An order for six coal burner tank locomotives, later Class NG3, was placed with Hawthorn, Leslie and Co,
and was delivered in 1907. They were numbered 3 to 9 and their service was mainly confined to the Natal branches.
They had outside plate frames and a Walschaert's valve gear and were capable of hauling 90 tons for 24 axles up 1 in 33 grades.
In 1915 No's 4, 6 and 9 were sent to South West Africa to assist in the campaign due to the shortage of locomotives there.
By 1932 only No's 4, 5, 8 and 9 were left.
The South Western Railway Co. purchased No.4 S/No. 2687 4-6-2T from Natal in 1934.
In 1939 No.5 was sent to the Avontuur branch, where she performed yard duties
in and around Humewood Rd. She became the last NG3 class in service on the SAR and was sold in 1946.
Source: Locomotives of the SAR, Leith Paxton & David Bourne.
NG3 No.4 - Photo: Hannes Paling 2004.
Line Drawing of NG3 No.5 (similar to No.4)
Image added 8 January 07
Orenstein & Koppell (O&K)
SWR Locomotives No.1, No.2, & No.3
The other three locomotives of the Forest Railway were all manufactured
by Orenstein & Koppel between 1907 and 1911.
O&K S/No.1775: 50HP Wood burner 0-4-2T designated SWR Loco No.1
Orenstein & Koppel 1906
Photo of O&K S/No.1775: Sydney Moir's 24 Inches Apart - 1st Edition.
Photo of O&K S/No.1775 - notice the modifications: Hannes Paling
Image added 8 January 07
Copy of the Original O&K records of No.1775 held in the Transport Museum of Dresden
Kindly provided by Dr. Martin Murray
Image added 8 January 07
O&K S/No.2240: 100HP Wood burner 0-6-2T designated SWR Loco No.2
Orenstein & Koppel 1907
Photo of O&K S/No.2240: Sydney Moir's 24 Inches Apart - 1st Edition.
O&K S/No.4880: 150HP Wood burner 0-8-0T designated SWR Loco No.3
Orenstein & Koppel 1911
Photo of O&K S/No.4880: Sydney Moir's 24 Inches Apart - 1st Edition.
Updated 8 January 2007