Overview SAR Rail Gauges Wheel Arrangement Classification Locomotive Frames Heat and Combustion

Technical - Classification

All locomotives on the SAR are classified according to their type, and in general, all engines of a particular class are interchangeable, although there are a few exceptions.
 
The class is indicated on each locomotive by small figures, letters, or both, immediately below the running number on the cab number plates. The letter "R" in the classification (e.g. 15AR) indicates that the engine concerned has been reboilered with a standard boiler. The more modern locomotives, which were built with standard boilers, do not carry the letter "R" in their classification.

The illustrated Cab Number Plate on the left, belongs to a Class 25 with a Non-Condensing Tender - hence 25NC. The number denotes the Running / Engine Number.

Here is a Cab Number Plate (Fig. 2) belonging to an SAR Class 19D locomotive. The plates were generally cast in brass and were coated in red paint. The embossed writing was then polished to a high gloss by the drivers and / or firemen.
 
The standard size of locomotive number plates is 1'8¾" x 1'2½". Most of the number plates were removed from the locomotives by the SAR prior to scrapping, and they are now valuable collectibles (if you can find them), especially when they are found in their original condition.