I have responded as follows:I Hope You Can Help?
Dear Sir;
I watched a documentary this past week, Nov 10th, on the rescue of a British built steam engine
built in Glasgow and sent to S.Africa many yr's ago, 60 i beleive they said but taken from service
after 30 yrs and sat dead next 30 yrs. I believe it to be a 2.8.2 wheel type and 95 tons.
Was hauled to an east coast port in Africa for loading onto a ship for Britain. With only 8 days to do, loaded around the horn, but the ship was deverted to Germany first, then on to Britian, off loaded then trucked some I believe 300 miles by road to Glasgow to be set up in city square for permanent display. But I don't now the year, but i do know the thing was not too far back.
I know this is somewhat of a strange inquiry but I can't seem to find a website in or around Glasgow to help in tracking down this story or a big effort to save this engine and bring it home.
Wish I could help with some location names as the documentary was being made during its journey but can't remember. Then when finding your website on African steam, I hope that you may know of this story to save this engine and if there is a video made of this recovery as I would like to get a copy. But until I can get a website i'am stuck!
So if you can help in anyway and know this story please pass on a website of this society or group involved in this to me, it so would be very truly welcome.
Sincerely Yours
Thomas Watson - Canada
Hi Thomas,
Thanks for your message and thanks for contacting us.
The loco I think you are referring to is the ex-South African Railways, class 15F, number 3007. This was moved by the North British Loco Preservation Group (NBLPG) back to Glasgow in August 2007.
The story is here at:
http://www.nbloco.net/ Click on "15F 3007 more information".
Another NBL-built loco was relocated earlier in 1991 to the UK. This was ex-South African Railways, class 25NC, number 3405, by the North British Locomotive Society (NBLS). Their website is at:
http://www.nbls.co.uk/
A brief history of the North British Loco company can be obtained here:
http://www.cat-flap.demon.co.uk/nb.htm
and here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Brit ... ve_Company
I hope this answers you query satisfactorily. Should you want any more information, please ask again.
Best regards,
Steve Appleton