{{Short description|1910 design of steam locomotive}} {{About|one of several different Natal Government Railways locomotive types to be designated "Class B"|the others|Natal Government Railways Class B locomotives}} {{Use dmy dates|date=July 2024}} {{Use South African English|date=October 2013}} {{Infobox locomotive | name = NGR Class B 4-8-2 1910<br>South African Class 3A 4-8-2 | image = SAR Class 3A 1476 (4-8-2) NGR 335.jpg | alt = | caption = NGR Class B no. 335, SAR Class 3A no. 1476 | hatnote = | powertype = Steam | designer = American Locomotive Company | builder = American Locomotive Company | ordernumber = | serialnumber = 46176 | buildmodel = NGR America D | builddate = 1909 | totalproduction = 1 | rebuilder = | rebuilddate = | numberrebuilt = | whytetype = 4-8-2 (Mountain) | uicclass = 2'D1'h2 | driver = 2nd coupled axle | gauge = {{Track gauge|Cape|allk=on}} | leadingdiameter = {{convert|28+1/2|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} | coupleddiameter = {{convert|45+1/2|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} | trailingdiameter = {{convert|30|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} | tenderdiameter = {{convert|30|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} | minimumcurve = | wheelbase = {{convert|57|ft|7|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} | engine total = {{convert|30|ft|6|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} | leading = {{convert|6|ft|mm|0|abbr=on}} | coupled = {{convert|12|ft|9|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} | trailing = | tender total = {{convert|17|ft|10|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} | tenderbogie = {{convert|5|ft|10|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} | pivotcentres = | wheelspacing = | length = | over couplers = {{convert|65|ft|5+7/8|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} | over bufferbeams = | width = | height = {{convert|12|ft|6|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} | frametype = Bar | axleload = {{convert|14|lt|11|lcwt|kg|sigfig=4|abbr=on}} | leadingbogie/pony= {{convert|11|lt|16|lcwt|kg|sigfig=4|abbr=on}} | coupled all = | coupled 1 = {{convert|13|lt|14|lcwt|2|qtr|kg|sigfig=4|abbr=on}} | coupled 2 = {{convert|13|lt|18|lcwt|2|qtr|kg|sigfig=4|abbr=on}} | coupled 3 = {{convert|13|lt|9|lcwt|kg|sigfig=4|abbr=on}} | coupled 4 = {{convert|14|lt|11|lcwt|kg|sigfig=4|abbr=on}} | coupled 5 = | coupled 6 = | coupled 7 = | coupled 8 = | trail bogie/pony = {{convert|9|lt|1|lcwt|kg|sigfig=4|abbr=on}} | tenderbogieload = '''Bogie 1:''' {{convert|20|lt|7|lcwt|kg|sigfig=4|abbr=on}}<br>'''Bogie 2:''' {{convert|22|lt|10|lcwt|kg|sigfig=4|abbr=on}} | tenderaxle = | weightondrivers = {{convert|55|lt|13|lcwt|kg|sigfig=4|abbr=on}} | locoweight = {{convert|76|lt|10|lcwt|kg|sigfig=4|abbr=on}} | tenderweight = {{convert|42|lt|17|lcwt|kg|sigfig=4|abbr=on}} | locotenderweight = {{convert|119|lt|7|lcwt|kg|sigfig=4|abbr=on}} | tendertype = 2-axle bogies | fueltype = Coal | fuelcap = {{convert|8|lt|5|lcwt|t|1|abbr=on}} | watercap = {{convert|4000|impgal|L|sigfig=3|abbr=on}} | tendercap = | sandcap = | fireboxtype = Belpaire | firearea = {{convert|36.25|sqft|m2|abbr=on}} | boiler = | pitch = {{convert|7|ft|4|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} | boilertype = | diameterinside = {{convert|5|ft|4+5/8|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} | lengthinside = {{convert|18|ft|7+3/8|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} | smalltubediameter= '''172:''' {{convert|2+1/4|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} | largetubediameter= '''15:''' {{convert|5+1/4|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} | boilerpressure = {{convert|160|psi|kPa|0|abbr=on|sigfig=3}} | safetyvalvetype = Ramsbottom | feedwaterheater = | totalsurface = {{convert|2417|sqft|m2|abbr=on}} | tubearea = {{convert|2268|sqft|m2|abbr=on}} | fluearea = | tubesandflues = | fireboxarea = {{convert|149|sqft|m2|abbr=on}} | superheatertype = Cole | superheaterarea = {{convert|457|sqft|m2|abbr=on}} | cylindercount = Two | cylindersize = {{convert|24|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} bore<br>{{convert|24|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} stroke | frontcylindersize= | rearcylindersize = | hpcylindersize = | lpcylindersize = | valvegear = Walschaerts | valvetype = Piston | valvetravel = | valvelap = | valvelead = | transmission = | trainheating = | locobrakes = | trainbrakes = | safety = | coupling = Johnston link-and-pin<br>AAR knuckle (1930s) | maxspeed = | poweroutput = | tractiveeffort = {{convert|36460|lbf|kN|abbr=on}} @ 75% | factorofadhesion = | locobrakeforce = | operator = Natal Government Railways<br>South African Railways | operatorclass = NGR Class B<br>SAR Class 3A | powerclass = | numinclass = 1 | fleetnumbers = NGR 335, SAR 1476 | officialname = | nicknames = ''Maud Allan'' | axleloadclass = | locale = | deliverydate = 1910 | firstrundate = 1910 | lastrundate = | withdrawndate = 1935 | preservedunits = | restoredate = | scrapdate = | currentowner = | disposition = | notes = The leading coupled axle had flangeless wheels }}
The '''South African Railways Class 3A 4-8-2''' of 1910 was a steam locomotive from the pre-Union era in the Colony of Natal.
Early in 1910, the Natal Government Railways commissioned a single American-built {{nowrap|Class B}} {{nowrap|4-8-2}} Mountain type locomotive, also known as the ''America D''. It was the first superheated locomotive to be acquired by the Railways in Natal and also the first with a bar frame. In 1912, when it was assimilated into the South African Railways, it was renumbered and designated {{nowrap|Class 3A}}.<ref name="Holland 1">{{Holland-Vol 1|pages=103-105}}</ref><ref name="SAR&H Aug 1944">Espitalier, T.J.; Day, W.A.J. (1944). ''The Locomotive in South Africa - A Brief History of Railway Development. Chapter III - Natal Government Railways'' (Continued). South African Railways and Harbours Magazine, August 1944. pp. 594, 599.</ref><ref name="SAR Renumber">Classification of S.A.R. Engines with Renumbering Lists, issued by the Chief Mechanical Engineer's Office, Pretoria, January 1912, pp. 7, 12, 15, 46 (Reprinted in April 1987 by SATS Museum, R.3125-6/9/11-1000)</ref><ref name="Paxton-Bourne">{{Paxton-Bourne|page=37}}</ref>
==Manufacturer== As a result of a visit to the United States of America by Natal Government Railways (NGR) Locomotive Superintendent D.A. Hendrie in 1909 to study Mallet type locomotives and also American locomotive design in general, the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) supplied the NGR with two experimental locomotives. These engines represented a radical departure from previous NGR locomotive designs.<ref name="Holland 1"/><ref name="SAR&H Aug 1944"/><ref name="Paxton-Bourne"/>
One of them was the first Mallet type locomotive in South Africa, later to be designated {{nowrap|Class MA}} on the South African Railways (SAR).<ref name="Holland 1"/><ref name="SAR&H Aug 1944"/>
The other was a {{nowrap|4-8-2}} Mountain type locomotive which was placed in service early in 1910. It was of very similar general proportions to the NGR Class B of 1909, also known as the ''Hendrie D''. While the ALCO locomotive was also designated Class B, it was commonly known as the ''America D'' on the NGR and nicknamed ''Maud Allan'' by the enginemen after the Canadian-born dancer.<ref name="Holland 1"/><ref name="SAR&H Aug 1944"/><ref name="SAR Renumber"/><ref name="Paxton-Bourne"/>
==Characteristics== Like the Class B ''Hendrie D'', the ALCO locomotive also used Walschaerts valve gear, but it had a bar frame, larger {{convert|24|in|mm|0|abbr=off}} diameter pistons, lower {{convert|160|psi|kPa|0|abbr=off}} boiler pressure, superheating, an American type cab and some other features which were typical of American design, such as high running boards. It was the first superheated locomotive to be acquired by the NGR and also the first with a bar frame.<ref name="Holland 1"/><ref name="SAR&H Aug 1944"/><ref name="Paxton-Bourne"/>
===Superheating=== At the time, the advantages to be gained by superheating were gradually becoming apparent as the most practical means of improving engine power and efficiency. Superheating was considered the greatest step forward regarding improved performance and efficiency in steam locomotives. The claims that superheating could effect a saving of from 10% to 20% in fuel and from 15% to 25% in water were not unfounded and were even improved upon in later years. Experience with the Class B ''America D'' proved, when compared with the saturated steam Class B ''Hendrie D'', that it was more economical in fuel and water consumption.<ref name="Holland 1"/><ref name="SAR&H Aug 1944"/><ref name="Paxton-Bourne"/>
thumb|left|Cole type superheater header The locomotive's superheater was of the Cole type, which was somewhat similar to the Schmidt system, except that the Cole type had two headers arranged at either side of the smokebox instead of one at the top. Each of the fifteen {{convert|5+1/4|in|mm|0|abbr=off}} diameter boiler flues contained four lengths of seamless steam pipes of {{convert|1+1/2|in|mm|0|abbr=off}} outside diameter, arranged in double pairs which were connected at the back ends by return bends and with the two pairs connected to each other at the front by another return bend. This forced the steam to traverse the entire four pipe lengths before entering the steam chests. The two free front ends of each such foursome of pipes were bent around to meet the steam headers. This design of superheater produced a superheat of from {{convert|175|to|250|°F|°C|abbr=off}} above saturation temperature.<ref name="SAR&H Aug 1944"/>
The passage of gases through the large flues and around the superheating pipes was controlled by a damper, which was automatically operated by a steam cylinder connected directly to the steam chest. When the throttle was opened, the pressure in the steam chest would open the damper, which would be closed again by a counterweight when steam was shut off. Superheater dampers were used for many years until it was determined that damping was unnecessary, since the life of the superheating elements was not increased appreciably by their use. On the SAR, the use of superheater dampers was discontinued c. 1924.<ref name="SAR&H Aug 1944"/>
===Factor of adhesion=== The locomotive had larger diameter cylinders than the Class B ''Hendrie D'', but its adhesive weight was {{convert|2|lt|15|lcwt|kg|sigfig=4|abbr=off}} less. The result was that its factor of adhesion was found to be on the low side for the service for which it was required. The locomotive was prone to slipping when the rails were wet, which often happened in Natal when the weather was misty.<ref name="Holland 1"/><ref name="SAR&H Aug 1944"/>
==Service== The locomotive joined the Class B ''Hendrie D'' locomotives, working between Estcourt and Charlestown on the Transvaal border.<ref name="Holland 1"/><ref name="SAR Renumber"/><ref name="Paxton-Bourne"/>
When the Union of South Africa was established on 31 May 1910, the three Colonial government railways (Cape Government Railways, NGR and Central South African Railways) were united under a single administration to control and administer the railways, ports and harbours of the Union. Although the South African Railways and Harbours came into existence in 1910, the actual classification and renumbering of all the rolling stock of the three constituent railways were only implemented with effect from 1 January 1912.<ref name="SAR Renumber"/><ref name="SAR History">{{cite book| title=The South African Railways - Historical Survey| editor-first=George| editor-last=Hart| publisher=Bill Hart, Sponsored by Dorbyl Ltd.| year=c. 1978| page=25}}</ref>
In 1912, the locomotive was renumbered 1476 and designated the sole member of {{nowrap|Class 3A}} on the SAR. It was withdrawn from service in 1935.<ref name="Holland 1"/><ref name="SAR Renumber"/><ref name="Paxton-Bourne"/>
==References== {{Commons category|South African Class 3A (4-8-2)|South African Class 3A 4-8-2|position=left}} {{Reflist}} {{Locomotives of Natal}} {{Locomotives of South Africa}}
1240 1240 Category:4-8-2 locomotives Category:2D1 locomotives Category:ALCO locomotives Category:Cape gauge railway locomotives Category:Railway locomotives introduced in 1910 Category:1910 in South Africa Category:Scrapped locomotives