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The successor to the GM,
originally designed for the Johannesburg -Zeerust line, GMAM is suitable
for operation on 60lb line. Built by Beyer Peacock, North British
Locomotive Co. and Henschel, one hundred and fifty of these locomotives
were delivered between 1954 and 1956. By adjusting baffle plates in the
coal and water compartments the locomotives could be classed as a GMA,
with 11,6 tons of coal and 1650 gallons of water for operation on branch
lines, or with 14 tons of coal and 2100 gallons of water for operation on
main lines. The final M in the designation indicates that the locomotive
was for main line use. From the outset it was intended that additional
water would be provided from an auxiliary water tank wagon that trailed
behind the locomotive. Equipped with one piece cast steel frames and
roller bearings they represented the pinnacle of locomotive design at the
time. Tractive effort was 60,700 lbs at 75% boiler pressure. They were the
last class of Garratt in service with the S.A.R. |
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