The modified locos: The Devils!

[M. Hardy-Randall]

During research for a book on steam locomotives, I came across references to the huge improvement in fuel consumption and steam production for a locomotive more often referred to as the 'Red Devil'. I found that the data given was proof positive of the benefits of the alterations. However, I found no data for another loco of the same class that was - I believe - slightly different with regards to the alterations and was known as the 'Blue Devil'. I believe this loco did not escape the cutters torch.

I have a video produced by Rio Grande which clearly shows a difference in the exhaust of the two locomotives.

I would like to obtain details of the latter loco if it is possible, as I wish to know what differences their were in rebuild and what improvements they made to performance. Also I have a thought in the back of my mind that there was another loco involved, but it was a class 19D, am I correct?



Can anybody please point me to a source where the data required can be obtained?

Thanking you in anticipation.

Malcolm

[Dylan Knott]

26 3450
25NC 3454
NGG16A 141 and 155
19D 2644

All still in existence with both NGG16A privately owned.

[John Ashworth]

David Wardale's book The Red Devil and other tales from the age of steam, ISBN 0952999803, is excellent. I think it's out of print now (although it was reprinted a few years ago) but can probably be found via the internet. There's a lot of information on the 25NC and the 19D, plus lots of other stuff on modern steam loco performance. A bit turgid to read in places, but definitely a classic.

[M. Hardy-Randall]

Thanks John.

I have placed a search request for the book with a local dealer and one in England to see if a copy can be found. I will let you know the outcome.

Cheers

Malcolm

[M. Hardy-Randall]

John,

I have just been told by the local BuchAntiquariat that the cost of the book in question is believed to be in the region of at least Swiss Francs 550.00 [Approx R4200]. Do you happen to know the original price so that I have a guide?

Thank you.

Malcolm

[John Ashworth]

Malcolm, I'm in Kenya at the moment with only intermittent internet contact, and without access to my books. I bought my copy mail order a few years ago (I think it's a 2002 reprint), I think from Karen's Books in the USA (a specialist railway book dealer) and I seem to remember it was quite expensive, but I can't remember exactly how much. GBP50? But fifty quid sterling is closer to R700 than R4,200! It's a hard cover book. When I get home at the end of the week I'll see if it has any price on it.

[John Ashworth]

PS - just checked and they still list it here but out of stock with no price.

[M. Hardy-Randall]

I have just been told that a new updated edition is planned for publication during 2008.

Thanks for your help.

Malcolm

[Kevin Wilson-Smith]

Malcolm - I bought a secondhand (new actually) copy for UK pounds 45.00 about 8 months ago. But I think I was lucky.

The going rate is around R 1,000.00 +/-. There are 4 copies on the Internet at around this - try this site (Kosters) who have apparently 2 or 3 of them...

http://www.biblio.com/bookstores/kosterbk.html

[M. Hardy-Randall]

Many thanks for the web address. I have placed an order with a book dealer in the Strand London for the new edition that is due out later this year. I am told that the cost should be about CHF120.00 which is about R920.00. If D. Wardale does not produce the new edition I shall then look for a second-hand copy.

Cheers

Malcolm

[Kevin Wilson-Smith]

Good Malcolm - you will enjoy the book (in small doses as it is a bit "heavy" in places).

[Brendon Anderson]

Totally agree, the book in question is a very heavy read! ie: Its extremely technical. The RSSA Natal branch library has a copy.

Class 25NC 3454 is not one of Dave Wardale's modifications as far as I am aware, only having smokebox/blastpipe modifications. There is no gas producer firebox on this loco.

The reference to "Blue Devil" possibly comes from a period in 1986 (I think) when 3450 was painted in blue livery for a short period.