Cape Copper Co. 0-4-0WT Condenser

To extend steam service inland where mules had previously been used as motive power, Cape Copper Mining Co. received three 0-6-0T condenser tank locomotives between 1886 and 1888 from Kitson. As a first in South Africa, the condensing equipment was built into the roof to make better use of the water. Additionally, they were equipped with a tender. To protect the motion from sand, the lower part of the locomotives was covered with sheet-metal casing.

The three locomotives were T198 “John Taylor”, T220 “Juanita” and T234 “Jackal”. The last was the only one that had been delivered with a tender. Since the bad water quality led to frequent replacements of parts inside the boilers, it did not take long until mainline service was taken over by new tender locomotives. The three condensers were only used for work trains and as a backup from the 1890s. Around 1900, they lost their condensing equipment and additional tenders and got cabs and larger bunkers.