Posted on 14 March 2010 by Railways Africa Editor
Kobus Volschenk of the Transnet Heritage operation was quoted in “Die Burger” on 2 March saying that it will not be possible for the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe service between George and Mossel Bay to resume steam haulage until the storage dam at George overflows. The area has been hit by the worst and longest drought in [...] [...more]
Posted on 30 November 2009 by Railways Africa Editor
Geoff’s Trains based in the UK is marketing an 11-day South African tour embracing both 1,067mm and 610mm gauge steam traction during May 2010, beginning along the Cullinan branch with Friends of The Rail. Reefsteamers plan to run green GMAM Garratt no 4079 to Magaliesburg, and are to operate two locomotives on a train in [...] [...more]
Posted on 21 November 2009 by Railways Africa Editor
The Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe has resumed service on the George-Mossel Bay line. Western Cape MEC for finance, economic development and tourism Alan Winde travelled on the inaugural journey, accompanied by provincial officials, MP Marius Swart and MP Johan Gelderblom, Transnet Foundation head Cynthia Mgjijima, Transnet officials and tour operators. Winde and Mgjijima said it was a [...] [...more]
Posted on 21 November 2009 by Railways Africa Editor
Pierre de Wet writes on sar-L: “I see that Friends of the Rail have started restoring their [class] 15CA. This is wonderful news as this locomotive, more than any other, epitomises steam power in the capital. “They were to be seen on the line north to Pietersburg, east to Witbank and west to Thabazimbi and [...] [...more]
Posted on 21 November 2009 by Railways Africa Editor
Nathan Berelowitz adds his two cents’ worth, updating Pierre’s historic look-back: “How wonderful it would be if there was an expression of interest in assisting with the restoration of this magnificent locomotive – the highly esteamed 2850. This was the last one outshopped from Koedoespoort works and there are one of two still serviceable 15CA [...] [...more]
Posted on 13 November 2009 by Railways Africa Editor
(website www.umgenisteamrailway.co.za) Enquiries about train operations, bookings etc : Rob Macgregor on 031-303 3003 or 082-353 6003 . Sunday, 29 November 2009: Kloof – Inchanga (08:30 & 12:30) – steam. Sunday, 13 December 2009: Kloof – Inchanga (08:30 & 12:30) – steam. Sunday, 20 December 2009: Kloof – Inchanga (08:30 & 12:30) – steam Sunday, [...] [...more]
Posted on 13 November 2009 by Railways Africa Editor
Sandstone Estates in the Free State will be running a special week-long event called “Mega Power” during April 2010. For more details or to register as a participant, please visit the website www.steam-in-action.com [...more]
Posted on 25 September 2009 by Railways Africa Editor
Rovos Rail has acquired three class 5E1 electric locomotives, recently retired from Transnet Freight Rail – E1114, E1123 and E1127. These 2,600hp units, running on 3kV DC, were built by UCW with AEI electrics and taken into service originally between 1963 and 1969. The three are currently being repainted. Earlier suggestions that class 5E locos [...] [...more]
Posted on 25 September 2009 by Railways Africa Editor
South Africa’s national model train show took place at the Edenvale Community Centre east of Johannesburg on 24 September. There were seven operating layouts on display and sixty tables of items for sale, as well as photographic and modelling competitions. The pre-event publicity thoughtfully included GPS bearings for locating the centre: S 26deg 8’49″ ; [...] [...more]
Posted on 20 September 2009 by Railways Africa Editor
On 17 August 2009, loco K1, the oldest Garratt in the world, returned home from Tasmania to Gorton Foundry in Manchester to celebrate its 100th birthday and participate in the Great Garratt Gathering (GGG). Arriving in style through the works gates, K1 was greeted by many of the ex Beyer-Peacock (BP) employees that built Garratts and [...] [...more]
Posted on 14 September 2009 by Railways Africa Editor
In the light of repeated slaps-in-the-face endured in recent years by efforts to encourage tourism by rail in South Africa, it is instructive to read that the tourism industry contributes 8.5% to the country’s gross domestic product – “far below its potential”, according to minister of environmental affairs and tourism Marthinus Van Schalkwyk. He wants [...] [...more]
Posted on 14 September 2009 by Railways Africa Editor
From a report in “Die Burger” : The Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe’s operation between George & Mossel Bay will restart on 1 October. The operation might again be extended to weekdays & Saturdays with two special trains per day during the summer vacation. At a meeting at the Eden District Municipality on 22 August, Transnet’s Business Division [...] [...more]
