The railway from Port Nolloth on the West Coast to the copper mines around O'okiep was initially exclusively mule-powered, but in 1871 the first experimental steam locomotives named John King and Miner were acquired by the mining company.

A single 0-4-2IST locomotive named Caledonia entered shunting service in 1904.

Apart from being named, it was also numbered 13 on the Cape Copper Company locomotive roster.

[1] Like the inverted saddle-tank shunting locomotive Caledonia from the same builder, the engine Britannia had a balloon chimney.

In addition, it was equipped with sheet-metal casing below the running boards to protect the motion and bearings from wind-blown sand.