They were practically identical to the previous seven, but sported some minor improvements and were built as tank-and-tender locomotives, equipped with small optional four-wheeled water tenders with a capacity of 900 imperial gallons (4,090 litres).

The cylinders were inclined and arranged outside the engine frame, while the slide valves were actuated by Stephenson Link motion.

The cab sides of the early locomotives were not enclosed, but were equipped with canvas roller blinds to offer the crew some protection against the elements.

They performed fairly well with the original 6 long tons (6.1 tonnes) four-wheeled carriages which were in use while passenger numbers were still limited.

The railway and its operations were eventually taken over by the Cape government and the Sea Point line was re-opened by the CGR in December 1905.

Serious doubt exists, however, that these engines ever went to Nyasaland, since no evidence of such a sale has come to light and since both locomotives are referred to in the South African Railways (SAR) renumbering and classification lists of 1912.

They were considered obsolete by the SAR and were excluded from the classification schedules, but were renumbered by having the numeral "0" prefixed to their existing numbers.