South African Loco

Like Martin I loved that film on the Great Rly Journeys programme, in fact the whole African programme was a blast - some superb social stuff too. I have always had a soft spot for SA stuff since and sadly will never get to see it as it was. However, stuff like this will always get the blood stirring: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVYS7xj3eic&feature=related

 

here's a short report of the move, initially by lorry till the police stopped it departing cos' the lorry was too small, then went by rail, saw the program, wish I had recorded it:-

http://www.tvthrong.co.uk/monster-moves/long-locomotive

and the pictures from the BBC:-

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/6961732.stm

 

Here's a link with a great account of the last 25 condenser run by the fireman/cameraman, the one in the video clip earlier I believe - tremendous stuff!! http://rypn.sunserver.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=27075&p=123394

 

Another report today
http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/featu...be-the-star-attraction-at-new-museum-1.986464

 

That was filmed from the main Cape Town-Jo'burg road, which runs very close to the Northern section of the line from Heuningneskloof to approaching Beaconsfield, (Kimberley). Been tarmac for years. The dirt road section that ran close to the railway was from Krankuil to Houtkraal, south of Oranje Rivier.

 

Yes, they were BIG locos. A pair of 25NC leaving Oranje Rivier at dawn on the return working of 2401, (22.00 ex De Aar), on a full load of coal, (circa 2,400 tonnes), was a sight I filmed many times and will never forget.

I was allowed to take the throttle of 25NC 34036 "Molly" once. Sadly in her last days.

But I am sure there are some here who will remember her in supershine condition blasting away from the Karoo stations on the up to 20 car, 800 tonne afternoon pass ex De Aar. Wasn't filming then, and after an incredible fast drive on the dirt road from Potfontein, (above 80 mph), I could just get onto the mound of earth at Bartmann to watch the incredible display of raw power, noise, and clag as she went past. A breathtaking spectacle on the double track main line.

Can't find a print of that train right off, but about to scan a photo of a 25NC on the daily Bethlehem-Bloemfontein passenger. A curving steeply graded secondary main line with grades of up to 1/50. And the trains there were 12 - 14 cars, circa 560 tonnes or more.

 

Here you go. Not the raw flat out power of 3436 Molly on the afternoon pass ex De Aar, but a 25NC 4-8-4 on the daily Bethlehem- Bloemfontein passenger climbing a stretch of 1/50 on the approach to Ficksburg. Early 1980s is the only date I can give without going back through all my note books.

 

Thanks Yeti - you're right - long time ago now 1985. On that same trip I managed to blag my way into Kimberley shed - what an experience! Apart from the 15F's and 25's there was a pacific, 16E? and all sorts of other stuff. Ran out of film, dashed back out to the car to reload and opened the camera without rewinding - god I was mortified. Cassette fell out and couldn't get the back shut again. Got my wife to throw a coat over it whilst I fiddled it back together. Had about 3 trannies with rainbow colours but the rest survived. Must find them and get them scanned when I can find the time! Great shot b-t-w.

 

At least it is painted a decent colour and makes some noise unlike Lord Nelson!

 

Some pix here of 3007 at Carnforth (of all places!) on its way to Glasgow in 2007:

http://andrewsheritagetransport.fotopic.net/c1353321.html

Cheers

AN