The original 14C 4-8-2's were ordered from a transatlantic builder due to the British builders being to busy at the time to offer the required delivery. hence, although of the same overall dimensions of the 14 Class, they were of thoroughly American design, with bar frames and a high running plate. As such they might be considered as the predecessors of modern SAR main line motive power. Seventy three were built, all by the Montreal Locomotive Works between 1919 and 1922.

As built they had a high hammer blow and most were rebalanced to suit branch lines, becoming 14CB, whilst a few were weighted for main lines becoming 14CM. Finally during the Watson era, the entire class were rebuilt with standard boilers becoming either 14CRB or 14CRM.

Despite their small wheels they have a high turn of speed, and with excellent acceleration and hill climbing abilities they were popular on heavily graded branch lines. In their latter days most were working on the Cape Eastern and Cape Western Regions and one of their main stamping grounds was the Kei line from Amabele to Umtata. The last of the class were withdrawn from service in January 1982 when the Paarden Eiland shed in Cape Town closed.

None ever saw industrial service, perhaps strangely as they would have been ideal locos for service on the mines and only five have been preserved. However, No. 1882 was rescued for the Transnet Museum and during 1989 this loco was overhauled at Bloemfontein Workshops. No. 1882 is now based at Voorbaai.