South African Railways 2-8-2 No. 123 'Fremantle'
Whiteman Park, Western Australia, Australia 		Location: Bennett Brook Railway
Status: Operational
Related Notes
Photo Copyright © Robin R Beck
Here are the notes for South African Railways No. 123 'Fremantle', a 2-8-2 located in Whiteman Park, Western Australia. If you have additional information about this locomotive, and would like to share it, click the Add Note button.
Posted: May 4, 2026 @ 09:05:51 by Eddie Wearing
In service by 2025
Posted: Apr 18, 2023 @ 22:04:56 by Norman R. R. Birkner
Ownership: No.123 was built for the South African Railways in 1949 and operated until. It was purchased by the Western Australian Light Rail Preservation Association Inc. in 1985 and exported. Specifications: The drivers dia. is 33 7/8 in (860 mm), tractive effort is 19,210 lb (at 75%), boiler pressure is 171 p.s.i., cylinders are 15 3/4 in. (400 mm) x 17 3/4 in. (451 mm) and the gauge of No.123 is 2 ft. (610 mm).
Posted: Aug 8, 2018 @ 16:08:53 by Robin R Beck
Built 1949 and started work at The Otavi Railway in South West Africa (Nambia). When the line was regauged it moved to Port Elizabeth to Avontuur railway line in South Africa. In 1985 purchased by Bennett Brook Railway and shipped to Australia. Most have been in good condition as volunteers worked hard so it could operate the first steam hauled passenger train on the BBR on 21 September 1986. Worked trains for another 9 years. A 12 year overhaul had it back in steam 2007. Out of service 2012, now in the middle of a major overhaul. The volunteer staff at BBT do a mountain of work. As well as caring for the extensive railway track, signalling, rolling stock & buildings. They also operate trains for over 200 days a year. The more train running, the more maintenance is required to keep them running, never mind finding funds for repairs. So even though their workshop is full of dismantled locomotives work is progressing on all of them.
Posted: Aug 17, 2013 @ 11:08:04 by John E Bush
DELIGHTED to see your group working on this engine! Would enjoy some in-service photos some time. John