Fairlie Projects, led by Shaun and Lauren Ackermann, has completed the full restoration of Class 6A steam locomotive number 473, built in 1897 by the Dubs Locomotive Works in Scotland. The locomotive, known as Patricia, has returned to working condition after a seven-year restoration process undertaken at the Germiston Workshops.
The unveiling event for this magnificent piece of our Railway Heritage took place on 30 September. An ideal way to close out Heritage Month and welcome in Transport Month in South Africa.
Locomotive 473 entered service in South Africa in 1897 and was used extensively during the Anglo-Boer War, particularly around Mafikeng. After the Union in 1910, the locomotive served with the South African Railways before being sold to the mining sector in the early 1950s.
In 1981, the locomotive was donated to the now-defunct South African National Railway and Steam Museum (SANRASM). Following SANRASM’s collapse in the early 2000s, the locomotive was abandoned until it was acquired by rail heritage supporter Clive Holliday in 2017.
Restoration Work
When acquired, the locomotive was in a derelict condition with major components missing. “It was a total restoration,” said Shaun Ackermann. “The water tank was built new, wheels were machined, axle boxes replaced, and the boiler completely refurbished. The locomotive had no fittings, piping or couplers when we received it. It has taken seven years to bring it back.”
All restoration work was carried out at the historic Germiston Workshops, a facility dating back to the Second World War and originally built by Italian prisoners of war. The site is leased by Fairlie Projects from Transnet Engineering, and also houses other preserved locomotives and rolling stock.
Future Use
Owner Clive Holliday confirmed that the locomotive will leave Germiston in the coming weeks. “The plan is to take it to Mossel Bay in the Western Cape, where it can be used on heritage passenger services. The intention is for it to be operational by the holiday season, although details are still being finalised.”
The locomotive carries the headboard “200”, commemorating the bicentenary of passenger rail, which is being celebrated in the United Kingdom this year. The name Patricia honours Holliday’s late mother, whose legacy funded the restoration.
Further Projects
Fairlie Projects continues work on additional restorations, including another Class 6 locomotive from 1895. Other current projects include a Class 24 locomotive for a private client in Australia. Fairlie Projects also undertakes work for private heritage organisations, making use of Germiston’s unique facilities — the last remaining steam workshop of its kind in South Africa!
Written by Phillippa Dean. Photographs by Craig Dean.
