£75k needed to rescue British ‘19D’ from scrap threat
British-built ‘19D’ 4-8-2 Saiccor No. 3, one of the last revenue-earning steam locomotives in South Africa, could be scrapped unless £75,000 can be raised to preserve it. Withdrawn from service at the Sappi Saiccor Pulp Mill on August 5 2015, the locomotive had been offered free of charge to the North British Locomotive Preservation Group in January last year (see SR451). However, funds to ship the ‘19D’ back to Britain have not been forthcoming and, says NBLPG Honorary Secretary Ken Livermore: “We are becoming seriously concerned that if it is not collected from the site soon, the offer from Sappi Management will be withdrawn and No. 3 will be scrapped.” Despite being built by Robert Stephenson & Hawthorns in Newcastle, NBLPG members raised £6,000 in the first three months of the fundraising appeal, but escalating costs and mounting operational difficulties have prevented the project advancing. Mr Livermore says: “The worn condition of the locomotive’s tyres has precluded movement by rail, and road haulage costs to Durban Docks, just 35 miles away, have been quoted at in excess of £25,000. “Shipping costs to bring the locomotive back to the UK have been quoted at around £40,000, plus road haulage charges at either end.” The project was dealt a further blow when it was revealed that there would be no space available for the 3ft 6in gauge locomotive at the Head of Steam Museum, Darlington. Pleas in the last three months to relevant organisations and museums, including the National Railway Museum, have similarly led to nothing. “We have therefore decided to invite other groups or individuals to participate in the scheme, or to take it over at no cost,” Mr Livermore added. Interested parties should contact ken.livermore@ btinternet.com