Railways Africa

Innovation and Progress Flash butt welding has long been considered the best method for joining rails. The process was so good that the weld-making equipment was hardly changed in many decades. Now, by improving the process with the introduction of the new APT 1500 RA welding robot, Plasser & Theurer has once again showed that [...]

By W C Dempsey The line linking the Port of Lüderitz with the Namibian rail network runs from Seeheim-North, where it branches off the Nakop-Keetmanshoop main-line, via Aus to Lüderitz. The Aus-Lüderitz section was originally constructed between 1905 and 1907 and that between Aus and Keetmanshoop between 1907 and 1908 by the then German colonial [...]

Running to 416 copiously illustrated pages, this remarkable work substantially enlarges upon – and updates – one or two well-known predecessors, thereby becoming the undoubted definitive record of railway motive power in South Africa. Eleven characteristic Bruno Martin maps competently set the scene, together with 391 technical drawings, augmented by 23 informative schedules. According to [...]

Preservation is A Vital Part of The Picture By John Batwell
LETTER FROM BRITAIN By Bruno Martin

Preservation Groups Enjoy Good Holiday Loadings Friends of The Rail and Reefsteamers in Gauteng, also Atlantic Rail in Cape Town and Umgeni Steam Railway in KwaZulu Natal all enjoyed excellent public support for their steam-hauled services over the recent holiday period. In some cases, tickets were completely sold out. Engines out of action was a [...]