This branch line locomotive was introduced in 1948 to be operated on light rail, primarily in South West Africa (now Namibia) and to replace the ageing 6, 7 and 8 class locomotives.100 units were constructed by North British of which 58 saw service in South West Africa. Number 3675, now preserved, was named “Bartholomew Diaz” to commemorate her being the 2000th locomotive built by North British and her predecessor companies for South Africa.
In a first for South African locomotives, the 24’s had cast steel frames integral with the cylinders. As with the last order of the Class 19D they were fitted with a similar but shorter version of the Vanderbilt tender and six wheel Buckeye bogies. Following dieselisation in South West Africa in 1961 the 24’s were cascaded to South Africa where they saw service throughout the republic apart from Kwa Zulu Natal. They are probably best remembered for their service on the George to Knysna branch and “The Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe” tourist train.
