Several of the engines were held for preservation but have now been marked up for sale. The majority of the locomotives have been scavenged to one extent or another for parts, and many were further damaged by thieves stealing rod and journal brass and copper and brass fittings. Some have wreck damage as well, according to descriptions.
The engines range from an elderly 4-8-0 built in 1903 through two 4-8-2 + 4-8-2 Garratts built in 1954. The majority of the locomotives are Class 14 and 15 4-8-2s, although there are two Class 25NC oil-burning 4-8-4s. While most are of European origin, several Baldwin 4-6-2s are included in the disposal listing.
An earlier group of locomotives was sold at auction on Feb. 5. Another group is for sale now on the auction website with bids being taken through midday Feb. 16. At the current exchange rate for the South African Rand and U.S. Dollar, coupled with the current low price of scrap metal, it would be possible to purchase one for about $5,000. Moving it is another question.
Details on the locomotives and their present condition is available on a South African auction website.
Of the trivial information bouncing around in my head, it seems I recall that, depending on their size, in 1960 steam locomotives in the United States went for a scrap value of $5,000. Does that sound right?
One of those Garratts would be a nice addition to a typical McRailroad Museum. It'd go nice with the GG-1, the Heinz pickle car and the derelict ex-work train heavyweight diner.
I find the Garrat design of steam locomotive to be quite interesting.
It is amazing that in 2016 there could be this large a group of un-scrapped steam power for sale, even if in poor condition.