THE AVONSIDE 2038

The Loco was built by Avonside (same as UVE 2) in 1929, works number 2038.  It was owned by Huletts and was at Darnell Sugar Mill (might have worked elsewhere during its life) The Avonside was one of two locomotives remaining at Darnall sugar mill. 2038 had been placed as a feature at the recreation club but due to corroding plates & the possibility of injury to children it was removed and staged within the mill yard.
The second Avonside, "Mr. Buss", remains plinthed at Darnall in an almost complete condition.
2038 was acquired by David Hall and transported to Inchanga nursery on a 10 ton truck. The vehicle was reversed into a pit near the lower soil mixing shed, 2038 moved sideways on greased rails and re-railed on the nursery tramway. The truck was recovered from the pit with great difficulty.
It was intended to use the restored locomotive to haul coco-pans wagns of mixed soil, and also wagons to move plants, within the nursery on the 2'gauge tramway. The possibility of using steam generated by the locomotive to sterilize soil using flexible pipes was also investigated, to complement the existing stationary boiler soil sterilization facility.
Martin Peason and John Baynes removed, labelled and stored all detachable parts from the locomotive
The boiler was repaired by Boiler Engineer's at their premises at Waterfall as was the frame. A new smoke box was fabricated. When John Baynes went to inquire at Geary's regarding the making of a new set of springs a new unused set was produced off the shelf!
New water tanks were fabricated by Bob Summers at his workshop in Pinetown.
David Hall took the axle boxes to SAPPI-SAICOR at Umkomaas where that company at no cost cast new bearings and re-profiled the wheels. SAPPI-SAICOR at that stage were using three 19th Class locomotives for the shunting of timber wagons and had a fully equipped and competently staffed workshop.
During the 1990's John Baynes retired, David Hall left the Spoornet Environmental Department due to re-structuring and the project was taken over by Eric Lupke and Neal Bodger. 2038 remained within the potting shed at Inchanga Nusery.
Further progress was made by the Narrow Gauge Group members, a lack of funds being a retarding factor. Eric Lupke generated funds from the sales at the Inchanga station pub on Umgeni Steam Railway running days.
During 2004 Patons Country Narrow Gauge Railway at Ixopo provided the necessary funding to complete the restoration of 2038. Without much ado 2038 was removed to Keith Sreven's workshop in Merrivale where within a few months she was restored and then transported to Allwoodburn station at Ixopo.
As at the 15th June, 2004 2038 awaits the fitting of safety valves and is ready for steaming.