THE ULOLIWE
The Railways of Southern Africa: Past & Present Spoorweë van SuidelikeSuidelike-Afrika: Toeka tot Nou A monthly railway historical and research publication ‘n Maandelikse spoorweg historiese en navorsing publikasie Vol 5 No 1 UnUn-official / Nie Amptelik - Gratis Everything to do with the former SA Railways: i.e. lighthouses, harbours, staff, photos, books, RMT, stations, tugs, SAR Police, SAA, catering, pipelines, SAR stamps, SAR models, SAR rolling stock, South African armoured trains, diagrams, etc
Hennie Heymans, Pretoria, ZA uloliwe@gmail.com January 2014
All photographs carry copyright by their respective photographers. 1
CONTENTS All photographs carry copyright by their respective photographers. ............................................ 1 CONTENTS ................................................................................................................................................ 2 WELCOME ................................................................................................................................................. 5 FRONT COVER – VOORBLAD ................................................................................................................ 5 EDITORIAL – REDAKSIONEEL............................................................................................................... 5 WEPENER’S PERAMBULATIONS AND … SOME RAILWAY HISTORY .......................................... 6 •
20131213 ........................................................................................................................................... 6
•
20131220 ......................................................................................................................................... 11
RAILWAY-SPEAK ................................................................................................................................... 18 SAR terms = Public meaning: The Wepener’s............................................................................. 18
•
RAY’S JOURNEY TO AFRICA ................................................................................................................ 27 Ray Ellis, Australia........................................................................................................................ 27
•
PHOTO ESSAYS ....................................................................................................................................... 32 •
Badges of the various Railway Companies in South Africa: Van der Westhuis ...................... 32
•
Trains from the Anglo-Boer War - 1899 - 1902............................................................................ 36 •
Courtesy: The Anglo-Boer War (South African War) -1899-1902 Facebook page - Compiled
by Johan Jacobs ................................................................................................................................. 36 Comments by HBH .............................................................................................................................. 37 •
Victoria Hotel: Rovos Rail (Photo 5) ........................................................................................ 37
•
NGR Frere Anglo-Boer War (Photo 2) ..................................................................................... 38
•
Comments re: Photo 3 ............................................................................................................... 41
•
Matjiesfontein and the Blue Train: Alex Faria (Cape Town) ..................................................... 41
•
Durban Station from the Air: Rudi Venter (Durban) ................................................................. 46 2
Jacobus Marais .............................................................................................................................. 49
• •
20E .............................................................................................................................................. 49
•
Train Dynamics Test Coach No 15097 ..................................................................................... 50
•
Trans Natal ................................................................................................................................ 52
•
S1: Angela Lawlor ......................................................................................................................... 52
•
Draai Station: Tish Archer ............................................................................................................ 53
•
Driemanskap: Johannes Botha ..................................................................................................... 55
•
Locomotive: Jan Kempdorp: Koos Kotze .................................................................................... 55
•
Western Cape: Francois Mattheüs ............................................................................................... 56
•
Martin Nel ..................................................................................................................................... 57 •
Anglo American Locomotive ................................................................................................... 57
•
Saldanha Station ........................................................................................................................ 58
•
Williston ..................................................................................................................................... 61 Orchard Station: Willie Marais .................................................................................................... 61
•
Phil du Plessis ....................................................................................................................................... 63
•
•
Action photos at Accident ........................................................................................................ 63
•
43-002 Weighing in.................................................................................................................... 66
•
8E ................................................................................................................................................ 66
•
Roadblock .................................................................................................................................. 67
•
Fire!............................................................................................................................................. 67
•
Test Train ................................................................................................................................... 67 Pietermaritzburg Station: Rudi Venter ........................................................................................ 68
1933: RAND- DURBAN EXPRESS .......................................................................................................... 71 3
RAILWAY HISTORY GROUP ................................................................................................................ 72 GERMISTON MARSHALLING YARDS ................................................................................................ 73 •
My adventures with a Class S1 steam Engine: Johan Jacobs ................................................. 73
SOUTH AFRICAN MODELS .................................................................................................................. 76 •
Scalecraft model: Adrian Hill ....................................................................................................... 76
LETTERS ................................................................................................................................................... 76 •
Alex Faria....................................................................................................................................... 76
•
Ray Ellis ......................................................................................................................................... 77
•
Charlie Lewis (SoAR).................................................................................................................... 77
•
Locomotive at Van Der Merwe Station: Piet Conradie .............................................................. 77
•
Palestine Railways: Chen Melling ............................................................................................... 78
27th Annual News Letter: Collector Mervyn Emms (89) .................................................................... 78 •
Robbie Green ................................................................................................................................. 78
RAILWAY SOCIETY OF SA (NATAL)................................................................................................... 79 Back page:.............................................................................................................................................. 80 RMIG: LIONEL PENNING ..................................................................................................................... 81 SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS ................................................................................................................ 82 •
A319 ZS-SFI Johannes Botha ....................................................................................................... 82
UK: A Tricky & Sticky Problem............................................................................................................... 82 STOP PRESS .............................................................................................................................................. 85 DISCLAIMER AND GREETINGS........................................................................................................... 85 NEXT ISSUE & GREETINGS ................................................................................................................... 86
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WELCOME Our best wishes to all: Only health, wealth and happiness in abundance to all our readers. Thank you for all the good wishes we received. May 2014 be a happy and successful year to all of you!
FRONT COVER – VOORBLAD No’s 3533 + 3511 captured by Schalk Burger at Houtkraal, On 28-07-1990
EDITORIAL – REDAKSIONEEL Now at last I have a few free moments... During November I promised an issue during December 2013... I did not happen because I went to Ethiopia for two weeks on the film I am helping with. Making films is hard work, the hours are long and I am engaged in research. Feedback regarding Ethiopia: I saw no railways, nor did I visit the Addis Ababa railway station. (Prof Deon Fourie asked if I had visited the station. He had the pleasure to visit the station.) Addis Ababa is the first independent African country. During WW2 South African forces helped to defeat the Italian forces and were instrumental in assisting the emperor to take back his throne. (Members of the SA Police serving in Abyssinia with the UDF were then tasked to police Addis Ababa ...) Addis Ababa is a very large city with very modern cars, trucks, taxis and busses ... and docile but intelligent donkeys in the street. I saw cattle and sheep being driven to the abattoir; and horse carts (gêrries) with quite nice ponies. However I saw that they were 5
building their own version of our Gautrain in Addis. On the surface, at street level, they are building a double line right through the city centre. I saw that an old railway line was uprooted in the process. Ethiopia is as modern as Johannesburg in some places and it also has places that look like the pictures in an old illustrated version of the “Old Testament.” They are a Biblical people; they have a connection with the Queen of Sheba and the House of David. They are very religious, proud and very friendly. They have beautiful women. Their deposed Emperor is related to the “Lion of Judah.” Now back to railways proper... Thank you for your support gentlemen! Without you, I cannot do this magazine! Baie dankie vir u briewe en foto’s
WEPENER’S PERAMBULATIONS AND … SOME RAILWAY HISTORY • 20131213 Hi guys. Not much, haven't been out line side much lately. RRL's loco from Mozambique at Friedesheim with a load of empty hoppers for Frieddies 5 shaft. The old 31 class at the exchange yards at Welkom show grounds, waiting for one of Harmony's locos to pick up the load and bring empties. A couple of shots of the uplifted Glen Harmony branch. Again
at
Friedesheim,
this
time
Transnet
with
the
Mondi
timber
shunt.
Cheers. J & J.
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7
8
9
10
• 20131220 Hi guys. The
two
34's
are
at
the
ballast
shunt
in
Virginia.
Since
this
station
has
closed a Train control officer must now come by road from Kroonstad to open the station - CS 90 has not been introduced here yet - but the station has been closed... The ballast comes from a nearby waste rock dump from one of the closed mines. We reckon that when this dump runs out Virginia will be closed completely. Harmony Surface Rail was seen at old President Brand 3 shaft. Sheltam and RRL were spotted, you know you are spoilt with trains when you don't even bother to take photos of the ore movements anymore! One day when all
this
ends
I'll
kick
myself
for
taking
the
31's
for
granted...
Rumours
are that RRL want to move from Welkom station in to the industrial area, re-lay
a
piece
of
siding
and
open
a
workshop,
will
keep
you
posted.
At Hennenman silos I got my friend making up an air-braked load of empty mielies for Kroonstad. 51 trucks in the completed train. On the photo of the yellow
shunter
you'll
notice
the
other
little
black
shunt
diesel
as
well.
The huge barrel bolt on the diesel's door is what has to be done to protect the
crews
from
line
side
"people"
nowadays.
All
locos
are
getting
this
fitted - who would ever have thought... Then quite a nice visit to Whites. This station has had a reprieve and will only close somewhere between January and March 2014 - well that is the latest info at least ! I noticed the signals were green near Whites, we gave the TCO a call and he said to come have a visit. Several hours and 4 trains later we only left. The first one is "Captain Ford" heading towards Kroonstad with a load of fuel. Then the Friedesheim timber shunt came past. Some of the trucks were painted like the last truck on this train - blue, white and red. This was 11
the colour scheme for some dedicated timber trains a couple of years back can anyone remember - "Green Arrow" or something like that??
After that it was a short load for Bloemfontein. This train came to a halt in the station and the driver got out and looked stressed. He told us that he had just hit someone with cow catcher at the bridge in Hennenman, he heard the knock ! He stopped his train and went back to investigate but the person got up and walked away - never the less it still has to be reported. After numerous phone calls and the driver saying he is prepared to continue the
train
left.
Normally
the
crew
gets
taken
off
and
sent
for
counselling
and a relief crew gets brought in. Lastly
another
train
from
the
branch,
this
time
mielies
from
Wesselsbron
heading towards Kroonstad. This will be some of the last photos of trains at Whites while still open and standing. We were also told that no "YQ's" have been issued or sent for any Christmas specials this year... Cheers. J & J.
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13
14
The huge barrel bolt on the diesel's door is what has to be done to protect the crews from line side "people" nowadays. All locos are getting this fitted - who would ever have thought...
15
On the photo of the yellow shunter you'll notice the other little black shunt diesel as well.
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Stuur asb u foto’s en stories na uloliwe@gmail.com Sonder u kan ons nie die tydskrif uitgee nie
RAILWAY-SPEAK Hi Hennie, These short terms were and are still used by Railway staff to communicate with each other, what seems unintelligible to the uninformed is easily understood by Railway staff.
• SAR terms = Public meaning: The Wepener’s Algemene Besetting = complete occupation. Lasts from 10 to 14 days. Used on COALINK & OREX lines. BAD = High sided bogie truck for loose goods. Banker/Stoot Lokomotief = Used to push heavy loads over steep inclines. By having a locomotive at rear of train. Could be used with all forms of operating. Absolute tablet/s withdrawn from “Van Schoor” instrument. If double header, first driver holds tablet. If banker used, two tablets withdrawn, one for each driver. Both tablets must be handed in at next station, for cancelation. New tablets issued, one to precede the other to allow banker to return to home station. Locomotives may only be despatched, forward or return, at following Telegraph station. General Appendix 4 (Part 1) states on page 174. BB = Low sided bogie truck for loose goods. Besetting = Occupation, for a few hours to repair slacks or accident damage. Bell Buffer = Earliest type of buffer, used link and iron pen, to connect trucks. [Many hand injuries occurred, staff not using wooden link lifters]. 18
Billy Kan (Can?) = Enamel can with cup and metal handle, for keeping coffee/tea warm on footplate. Blou = Blue train. Balstamper = E3 locomotive. Brommer = 31 Class diesel. Cape Gauge = 3’6”/1.065mm – 1.067mm for curves. Chief = Chief Steward in charge of Dining Saloon. Circus = Circus train due, extra staff and shunt locomotives arranged. CIV = Catenary inspection vehicle, used on electrified sections. Coach Screws = Thread screws; fasten rails to wooden sleepers, with Sole Plate. Had Policeman on top, small projection, if hammered Policeman flat. Large socket used to hammer in with no damage to Policeman. Coach Screws = All had dates cast onto then. Colum = Watering point for steam locomotives. Emergency water points were also available. Compo = Combined 1st, 2nd & 3rd class, Guards section & parcels area, main line coach, used on mixed and branch lines. Composite Brake Blocks = Made of composite materials and not iron. Condensor = 25 Class. CS 90 = Very latest form of CTC train control. Presently being installed Kroonstad to Bloemfontein and Leeuhof to Kroonstad. Shunting in sidings can also be performed. Detonators = Tins of 12 later only 10 were issued to trains staff, PWI, plus all staff working on or near running lines. They had a 2 year life span for train’s staff, a 5 year for other staff. Old ones were transferred to other sections. A fresh stock was held under lock and key at stations. SAR Police would check new receipts and issues, on a monthly basis. Diesel Elektro = Combined diesel and electric locomotives. E14, E19 & E20. Dinosaurs = Very large machine used for cleaning ballast, often works together with old sleeper removal and new sleeper replacement machine.
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District Inspector = Obsolete grade. Dominie Kaboese = The SAS/SAR Christelik Unie/Christian Union, issued the “Spoorweg Bode”/”Railway Messenger” from 1919 to 2009, a stop order was completed. Due to dwindling staff and lack of interest/faith. Last issue was issued in 2009. We have a copy. A “YQ” was issued and it was soon known that Minister was coming. Local Ambulance Hall would be placed at his disposal. Many new stop orders would be signed. [Sadly no more]. Doppies = Detonator to warn of stationery train in section; 1 = Slow down, 2 = Stop then proceed slowly, 3 Stop and await order to proceed, 4 = Used in cuttings/tunnels. Dead stop. Driepoot = Tripod. Protective apparatus with red disc and red light at night to protect C & W staff, working on trains. Dummy = Metal plug to close vacuum pipes at end of train. [Air brake pipes have stop cock]. Dwars lêers = See sleepers. DZ = Dolly low sided truck for general goods. Draadkar = Electric locomotives. Dual Voltage = Electric locomotives for use under 3kv DC & 25kv AC. Earth Return Cable = Safety device sends excessive power to sub-station. [Occurs when 2 locomotives entered same overlapping section simultaneously, regenerative braking or from excessive lighting storms]. ECS/LR = Empty Coaching Stock/Lee Rytuie. Got preference at night to return to nearest, mostly suburban, cleaning depots. Railway staff was allowed free transit, with very quick unauthorised stops at halts/stations. Eenheid = Electric locomotives. EMU = Electric Motor Unit – Suburban. ESSEM = Station Master. F = 15F locomotive. Fish Plate = Metal plate with 4 holes to secure rails to each other. [Continuous welded rails now used]. Fist = Clip of spring steel, to attach rails to concrete sleepers. [Being phased out; hack saw cuts through them and are stolen].
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Flash over = High voltage shorting over lapping sections, fault or heavy lighting. 1kv considered low voltage, yellow sign/lighting flash, 1.1kv considered high voltage/yellow sign/lighting flash & skull/cross bones. Flash Butt Joint = Instead of fish plates, rails aligned, crucible placed above joint, ignited 7,000c liquid steel fuses rails together. Permanent joint created. Grinded to smooth finish. [No click sounds anymore]. Food Packages = Were stocked in 1 to 5 meals. Issued to staff when trains were running late due to accidents, derailments, failures. A formula was available to issue the correct type according to hours on duty. The Operating office would have a supply, the main supply locked in the Staff & General office. These supplies were exchanged at regular intervals. With the Expenditure Auditors making regular checks of all records kept. [Everything had controls in those days]. Free Pass = Annual holiday Free Rail Pass, Could be used on all lines, including foreign lines. Only proviso one could not traverse same line in the same direction twice. PTO used for this portion of journey. FZ = Mass grain bogie truck. Gammat = GMA/M locomotive. Grey hound = 16E locomotive. Groen Mamba = E4 locomotive. [Used on Hex River Pass, after short spell in Natal, curves to sharp]. Groen = Drakensberg train. Helling aanduiding = Alignment post. Houtstaf = Used on very light serviced branch lines, Wooden Staff. Iling, = single of Zwiling [Staats Noordbaan – German West Africa – 600mm]. Juk = Yoke, when guards vans were withdrawn, a yoke was used on last open truck. Two “Ore” a “Marker” and red lamp attached. Kameel = 25 Condensor locomotive. “Kats-Nyama” = Local lingo for certain fish & chips shops. [Stated sold cat meat]. Kerkbank = 3rd class Suburban with green plastic seats transverse or on sides of coaches, more standing room. Kerkie = As above.
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Kookwaterblik = Empty coffee tin with “Bloudraad” galvanised wire handle. Tin filled with fresh water, held in fire box for very short while, by means of pricker. Soon boiling for a cuppa coffee/tea. Kriek = E1 locomotive. Link = Metal link in form of loop, used to couple bell buffers together. L = Insulated truck for perishables. [With drawn]. LA = Insulated truck for perishables, with large diesel motor running deep freeze plant. [With drawn]. LO = Insulated truck for perishables, with ice tanks on roof. [With drawn]. Loopgeselser = Early form of bulky Walkie Talkie, strapped to chest, for ease of shunting. [Smaller ones now used].1 Matiza = Large or small ballast tamping/trimming machine. [On hire from “Plasser Rail” or “Lennings”]. Merker = Placed on last vehicle of train to indicate train complete, on back of light locomotive. Red circle with white border, some had white diagonal stripe others square. Three types in use. An electric flashing type was used but did not last long. Message pouch = Steel hoop with canvas covering and canvas pouch. Messages were placed in pouch, taken out and loop thrown back onto platform for staff to collect. Many station staff and train staff would pucker paper message up hold in finger tips, train staff would grab message and train would proceed. [If a tablet or message was missed, train stopped fireman/assistant ran back to retrieve and train would depart]. The few minutes would be made up by exceeding the speed limit no mention would be made in train register. Motor Coach = Driving coach on Suburban’s. Motor Trolley = Motorised inspection vehicles of various sizes. [Ordinary bakkies/trucks with steel rail wheels, lowered onto track. Rubber tyres give traction. NGG = Narrow Gauge Garret. 1
When the SAR got their first “walkie talkies” they interfered with our SA Police radio system in
Johannesburg. While we were working nearby we always caught them up with their railway-speak: “3 Bogies, koppel...koppel ....”
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Noodhulpliga = Afrikaans equivalent of “St John’s”, worked together at train accident scenes. Had regular exercises. [Issued lovely grey metal First Aid boxes]. Nood Magnetofoon = Before the emergency phone described below. Guards or train staff on light locomotive/s, would have a collapsible bamboo pole with two copper contacts, the contacts would be scraped on the two wires, described in the Working Time Table as Nood/STS lines, often black plastic insulators, turn the magneto and speak to one or both stations and state nature of problem. [RTO has solved this problem and cable theft a thing of the past]. Should RTO fail, all drivers have Cell phones issued to them, plus GPS installed. Noodfoon = Track side plug in phone sockets supplied, for drivers to use in case of emergency. Oorlaai kruier = Tranship staff on Pakkies to load and unload items. Ore = Marker placed on both sides of guards van to indicate guard less train. White circle on black background, forward, red backwards. ORS/ISD = On Railway Service/In Spoorweg Diens. Gratis transport. OZ = Fruit bogie truck, with partitions to keep cartons stable. [Since withdrawn]. Pakkies = Two coach EMU, used on PWV, Cape suburban sections, for sole purpose of transporting urgent parcels traffic. Panser Karre = 2 Road/Rail armoured cars, designed & manufactured in Langlaagte. [Kobus – Piet, only ones in world. Mine, Bullet, Explosive proof. One on display at Windhoek station]. Patent buffer = Once knuckles were opened, on coupling the pen would fall into place, a steel cable used to release pen on uncoupling. On change over patent buffers had slit to accept the link from bell buffers, making it possible to use both types in making up loads. Patrollieman = Servant walking on delegated section. [Had large spanner and hammer, to tighten Coach Screws and Fish Plate bolts]. Story of one who had wooden light weight tools, an easy job. Pendrol = “Pigs tail”, shaped clips to attach rails to sleepers. [Have to be welded in some suburban areas, stolen over week-ends]. 23
Permanente spoedbeperking = 6 sided, yellow painted with black speed limit. [Branch lines 30km/m to 100km/h on straight main line sections]. A badly injured shunter from De Aar was transported to Kimberly in a record time. 25NC topped 140km/h at times. P & T = Carriage and Wagon stop or artisan required. Poppet = 15E, 16E & 19C locomotives. [Drivers said the Poppet valve locomotives were dreams to operate. [Most locomotives in RSA had Walshafts valve gear]. Post Commander = Official in charge of SAR Police post. PTO = Privilege Ticket Order, ¼ or ½ price tickets according to salary. Pump Trolley = Used for track inspection. Push Trolley = As above but pushed by workers. PWI = Permanent Way Inspector. PZ = Insulated iced bogie truck for fast transport of fish. Queenie = QZ Explosive bogie truck, also called Doppies, subject to strict operating movement control & SAR Police attention. Large red X later removed to make trains less visible. [Since withdrawn]. Reserved = 1st & 2nd class Non-White main line coaches. Resiestrein = Conveying race horses from Gosforth Park and Booysens to “Vaal Race course” at Viljoenskroon. Express livestock train, with attendants on board, having 3rd class tickets issued to them. Roepman = Call man, used to wake staff in rest rooms for their next shift, also used to call staff from houses in cases of emergency. Rooi Duiwel = 26 locomotive. Rooi Hongersnood = Drivers income dropped when Diesels came into use. [Less preparation time]. RSTS = Railway Servant Travelling on Service. Issued at short notice, if Free Pass or Linen Backed pass cannot be easily obtained. RTO = Radio Train Orders. SAS/SAR = First aid organisation. Had regular training programmes, worked with other organisations. Large stations had beautiful wooden first aid boxes, made by SAR plus at smaller stations/RTS vehicles small metal tins. Dining saloons, passenger guards vans 24
and brake down trains had two very large first aid kit boxes on both sides of coaches. [Including stretchers]. SDI = Senior District Engineer. [Construction, Electrical, Infrastructure, Mechanical, Signals, Telecommunication]. Silent Sue = 25 locomotive. Screaming Sue = 25 Condensor. Skof Blik = Drivers tin, with regulation/rule books and wife’s provisions. [Always carried by fire man/assistant. Very shiny chrome tin and brass/copper rounded lid]. Slam door = Suburban wooden or steel stock. Sleepers = First metal with slots to slide rail in, then flat with sole plates used, wooden also with soleplates, 1st concrete with I beam then round pipe, broke under toque on curves, then Fist, Pendrol, now long solid concrete. Holes drilled with diamond, drills to fit particular fittings, extremely heavy, used on sets of points. [Today many staff also sleepers]. Slip Joint = With long welded sections, most of expansion is lateral. However at points a slip joint is used, to allow length wise expansion. [Hence- Click sound of long ago no longer heard]. Specie = Coaches used for transport of gold bullion or cash. Had accommodation, abolitions & kitchen for on board SAR Police. Spello = Brake for some shut eye, between shunts/train. [Today new driver sleep in the sections and end up having an averted collision of even worse a collision]. Stasieblompot = SAR Policeman on platform duty, standing still, but observing everything going on around him. [No longer visible]. Stoffie = Steam locomotive. St John’s Ambulance = English First Aid Society, worked with Noodhulpliga at Railway accidents. Regular classes held by both groups. Studebaker = ES shunting locomotive. Now E8. SS/NG = Smal Spoor/Narrow Gauge. Tablet/s = Authority to driver from Station official, to proceed. Obtained from “Van Schoor” machine. Round “Absolute” Only 1 train in section. Tri-angular “Permissive”. More than one train in section. Square “Crossing Tablet”, Train to cross another train at 25
designated Loop/siding in section. These were the items caught by Fire man/Assistant/Driver at stations and only given back to official at section end station, except “Crossing Tablet” which would be exchanged with crew of other train to enable trains to proceed further. Tydelik spoed bord = 6 sided yellow ends, black centre with white speed limit, used whilst work being done on track. Tubular Track = Sleepers, lay under track not across them. Used Luderitz line, less build-up of drift sand. Also used at stations to wash away filth into drains. Tydelike spoor las = Rail cracked damaged. A special clamp is placed under damaged section & clamped in position, till permanent repair is made. Telegraaforder = Method of train operating, same as Paper Order. UWC = “Union and Carriage Works”, Nigel. U = Well wagons. [Most withdrawn]. UCW stock = Sliding door steel suburban stock & mainline passenger stock. Locomotives as well. Van der Bilt = Round tenders fitted to some 19D, all 24 and all S2 locomotives. VKO = See PTO/ Voorreg kaartjie order. Vrypas = See Free Pass. [According to grade salary 1st, 2nd’ 3rd class would be issued, still available to “PARASA”, members and Spoornet pensioners.] Windhond = 23 locomotive. Wissels gesluit = Points locked. Siding closed or track damaged/stolen. Wit = White train. [Governor General/Presidential train]. Wors Hond = Converted 25 Condensor with long half round water tank. Yk van skale = Scale fitters would visit stations regularly to certify counter and floor scales. Date of inspection stencilled on scale and in his log book. Checked by revenue auditors2. YQ = Notice of normal or special trains. No longer used. [RTO now in use]. ZNR = Non Revenue truck, new code. Was NRE.
2
In my young days there were “inspectors” who visited all shops to check the scales in the various shops.
Are these inspections still being carried out? Who protects the consumer today? - HBH
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Bo maar net ‘n klein monster van destyds se alle daagse eie aan die Spoorweg taalgebruik. Treingroete, John.
RAY’S JOURNEY TO AFRICA • Ray Ellis, Australia This year has been a somewhat “topsy turvey” one for me!! This was my first overseas trip since Barry and I went to India and Malaysia in 1983. As many of you will know, I journeyed to Africa for a month in October this year, to visit Malawi, to do some on-site research for my forthcoming book on the railways in that country (2 weeks) and then to South Africa (2 weeks) to meet many of the friends I am privileged to have there, some of whom I have had the pleasure of talking to on the phone. It was very much a journey of discovery for me with Malawi – always wanted to go there, but never had the chance. South Africa I had indeed been to before, but way back in February 1980 (I still have the tour booklet), when I travelled with an Australian Railway Enthusiasts (ARE) group, who in turn were booked on one of the famous South African Railways’ “Steam Safaris” for a month, covering much of SA, but not Natal. That was covered by the Australian ARE contingent hiring cars, and doing a most enjoyable journey down to that lovely part of SA – much like my tropical North Queensland – thick jungle, lush vegetation, cane fields, tropical fruit, and the like, but now we also found rondavels, the typical round mud houses in which the indigenous South Africans live in, and still do, in that part of the world. This time I travelled Business Class all the way!! Qantas to and from SA, South African Airways to and from Malawi. I stayed at the Protea Hotels which are all 4-5 star in both Malawi and SA. Why not have some comfort?? In Malawi, I was surprised at the low standard of living of many of the residents, but previous trips to India had prepared me for this. And Malawi has one of the densest populations of anywhere in the world, not helped by “refugees” from neighbouring Mozambique and Zimbabwe & Zambia.
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I spent much of my time here in Mandala House, the preserved old African Lake Co. headquarters, where the Society of Malawi (SOM - of which I am a member) has the use of the top story for a headquarters, archive, library, reading room, etc., whilst the lower story is occupied by a restaurant - great for morning and afternoon coffees, and lunch !! The thing I remember most about Malawi was the jacaranda trees, which were everywhere, and in full bloom too. I stayed at the Protea Hotel in Blantyre, which was most enjoyable, and all the staff from the manager to even the humble cleaners and gardeners, were most courteous and friendly. At Mandala House I was given much assistance by Mike Bamford, Dora Wimbush (I even scored a para in Dora’s SOM newsletter as to why I was there!!) and Gervasio Ngumbira, who all helped me greatly – nothing was too much trouble!! I also had the pleasure of enjoying a meal (my shout) with all of these people at some stage, and also met a number of SOM members at various times. I unfortunately did not have the time to visit the Lake, or to spend time at the railways (which are all diesel these days – ugh) or museums, maybe next time... And finally thanks to my “taxi drivers,” Alex, Happy, Patrick, and most of all Sylvester, who happily conveyed me all around in Blantyre. My good friend Hennie Heymans, who lives in Pretoria, had, as promised, met me at Johannesburg Airport when I arrived from Australia, and also met me again on my return from Malawi. We got on like a house on fire!! I similarly had the great pleasure of meeting Hennie’s wife, the lovely Petro, who I had spoken to a number of times on the phone, and also to meet their son, Bernard, when we dined together for my last night in SA. Hennie is a retired Brigadier from the SA Police, who has interests in many things. He produces two much enjoyed monthly on-line magazines on railways and the police. He included my visit & our travels in his November issue on railways – 42 pages no less, which was most flattering. I also had the pleasure of meeting Lt. Col. (retired) Eric Samuels who took us to the Friends of the Rail’s depot in Pretoria for a look around, and we had a good discussion on Boer War trains, amongst other things. We also had a “braai” (Afrikaans for “barbecue”) and I had the pleasure of meeting one of Hennie’s best friends, Dr. Peter Lamb. To travel around in the Johannesburg – Pretoria area, it was always by Gau-train (pronounced “Go-train” – remember this area of SA is in GAUteng province), a modern, most up-to-date high speed means of getting around which everybody who can uses to get 28
to & from work, pleasure (like us!!) and the airport in Joburg. Security was very tight, and there was “somebody watching” (but very friendly) all the time. Made you feel very safe. Line speed was in the 100s for most of time, and the trains were very comfortable. You just buy a “ticket” (like a credit card, & just swipe to get in & out) for a certain amount, and then just top it up as needed – very natty. Trains run frequently, and connect if need be within minutes, by cross-platform interchange. Hennie and I made much use of this when in the Joburg – Pretoria area. Whilst in the Pretoria, we travelled to meet Peter Stow (drinks) and Jean Dulez (lunch). I have many of Jean’s excellent DVDs on SA. Amongst other things, we hired a car – a BMW no less!! (Hennie has one too) – for the journey thru SA to Cape Town. We had originally planned to go to Sandstone and the railway museum at George, but for various reasons we had to forgo visits there. We motored down to Bloemfontein where we visited the Anglo-Boer War Museum, which had some great displays – a Boer War blockhouse, hospital, and train. It was on the 7th class steam loco here that I came to grief!! After Hennie had taken my photo in the cab, in climbing down, I misjudged the distance to the ground and came down rather heavily – fortunately no physical damage, just a bad sprain to my left leg, which plagued me for the rest of my time in SA, and took some weeks after I returned to Oz to settle down !! Ho hum.... The good part was this museum had a great book shop so I was able to add to my growing Boer War book collection. Then it was on to Kimberley to the Big Hole Museum, which I was most keen to visit, as I had been there in 1980, and importantly they have on display one of the two (the other is in Zimbabwe) De Beer’s Director’s Coach, which had been moved several time due to mining subsidence, but now lives in a camera-friendly shed so Hennie was able to click away. Another highlight here was to travel on the Brill 4-wheeler tram, which runs out into the streets, and ends up beside the “Big Hole.” Initially we were the only ones ready to travel, but a scout-around found, of all people, some Australian Poms who wanted to travel, so we got out ride !! The museum has a marvelous collection of old buildings, both residential and commercial that adds to the historical ambience of the place.
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From Kimberley we went on to Matjiesfontein, and its hotel, a place of some significance in the Boer War. It has a museum with railway items (loco and rolling stock), and amongst other things, of the vintage cars on display are two of the Royal cars used on the 1947 Tour by the Royal Family (King George VI, Queen Elizabeth, Princess’s Elizabeth (now the Queen) and Margaret) of South Africa. We were conducted around the hotel by one, John Theunissen, whose repartee and his voice impersonations of the likes of Mandela, and other famous personages, was spot on, and he was also a dab hand on the keyboard and sang some great old fashioned songs. In the yard was a fire engine, and of all things, a real red London Transport Leyland double-decker bus!! Another photo opportunity for Hennie!! Then on to Cape Town, where we stayed in the Protea Hotel at Sea Point (which has famous railway connotations for those in the know – it had the first electrified railway line in SA). It was here that we also got to meet, and be conducted around, by the very knowledgeable and efficient Charlie Willoby (of colored extraction), who, when the word got around he had a “generous” Ozzie in the cab, was accompanied by his son & a neighbor’s boy. They all wanted to be “in” on the act!!!! First on the agenda was to attend the monthly meeting & have lunch with the Railway History Group at Newlands in Cape Town which was on this occasion held at the home of Lee Kempthorn, and chaired by the redoubtable Wally Greig, complete with a beard to rival mine!! I finally got to meet Leith Paxton, who I had spoken on the phone with often, and had actually corresponded with him when he was still in Port Elizabeth (Leith has no recollection now of this, but I still have the letters file in my archive to prove it !!). As many know, Leith is an excellent draughtsman, and has produced many drawings of South African Railways locos, carriages and wagons, as well as being an ardent researcher. Lee had arranged an excellent lunch, which I was most happy to pay for, and Hennie presented me, at the meeting, with a wooden display box containing several drinking glasses with the logos used by the old SAR which appeared on their carriage windows since 1910. Thank you Hennie... The next day was my first and only “steam fix” of the tour – to travel on Atlantic Rail’s steam excursion from Monument Station in Cape Town to Simonstown behind a 24 class 28-4. I had done this journey before, in 1980, but by suburban electric. Now was even better, and much more pleasant. Hennie & I had the pleasure of travelling with the “famous” Charlie Lewis, who along with Les Pivnic, now resident in Sydney, are the authors of the excellent on-line pictorial magazine “Soul of a Railway,” which magnificently celebrates the “old” South African Railways. As an aside, I had the great pleasure to meet Les in 30
Sydney earlier this year when I visited Sydney to, amongst other things, see my female cousin Fran, who lives in Springwood in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney. Whilst in Cape Town, Charlie took us to visit one Hennie’s good friends, Leon de Villiers (“Div” to his mates), and his lovely wife, Patricia, and enjoy a most delightful meal. Div very kindly and very efficiently, packed (it took me ½ hour to unwrap!!!), and arranged to post by Air Mail to me, all the books I had accumulated in SA and Malawi, and thus save me a massive excess baggage bill!! Div has a second-hand book business, and has since been able to find and send to me a book I was seeking on Pagel’s Circus, a SA circus of years gone by, that for many years hired their own train from SAR. After all this excitement, Hennie and I flew back to Joburg, then by “Go-train” to Pretoria. Now and earlier I had time to sit down to browse through Hennie’s extensive and vast library. Railways figure fairly prominently in this, but Hennie has wide interests – history, police, military, politics, etc., let alone the vast collection of model railways that he has in a cottage in the back yard, and a special room attached to his garage. Vintage Hornby, Triang and other makes figured prominently. UK enthusiasts would salivate with delight in having such a collection!!! So, it was back to Oz, a shorter flight on the way back because of the prevailing winds. Unfortunately I couldn’t get a Qantas flight back to Brisbane, and had to travel Virgin (for the first time). It was great to be back home, gammy leg and all. I didn’t sleep much that first night, and the time difference didn’t help, it is hard adjusting. However the next night I slept for 9 hours solid, and my “afternoon” nap was a 4 hour “shut-eye” ...... jet lag no doubt, but a recent visit to my doctor gave me an “all clear” so the bracing air in Malawi and South Africa must have agreed with me. Will I go back again?? Yes, you bet, but I am not going to commit to a time-frame.... I would also like say a special “thank you” to Kelly Bannam, from Ucango, who very kindly made all my travel arrangements and hotel bookings. Thank you Kelly..... And last, but by no means least, I would like to say a special “thank you” to Hennie and Petro, who treated me as a true friend, for which I am indeed most grateful. Please have a Rum & Coke or Drambuie on me......
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PHOTO ESSAYS • Badges of the various Railway Companies in South Africa: Van der Westhuis Blackened Brass Cap Badge of the Natal Government Railways used between 1902 - 1910. This badge is from JR Gaunt Birmingham
White Metal small Cap Badge of the Natal Government Railways used between 1902 - 1910. This badge is from JR Gaunt Birmingham.
White Metal Cap Badge of the Natal Government Railway used between 1902 – 1910.
Brass Cap Badge for a Guard of the Natal Government Railway used between 1902 – 1910.
Silver Cap Badge of the Cape Government Railway used between 1896 - 1910. This badge is from V R B Co Birmingham. 32
Silver Scroll Type Cap Badge of the Imperial Military Railways used between 1900 – 1902. This badge is from V R B Co Birmingham.
South African Railways cap badge used between 1910 – 1934. This type of badge was worn by Station masters Special 1A and 1B, District Inspectors, Catering Inspectors, Other inspectors, and Chief stewards with the lettering embroided.
Silver scroll type cap badge of the South African Railways used between 1910 – 1926. This badge is from Bent and Parker Ltd of Birmingham. There were 2 cap badges used by junior railway staff ( Station Foreman, Train Conductors, Ticket Examiners, Guards, Catering stewards, Platform Porters, Bedding Attendants and Shunting personnel) the SAR scroll badge and the SAR monogram cap badge. Silver Monogram Cap Badge of the South African Railways used between 1910 – 1934.This badge is from JR Gaunt Birmingham.
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Silver Cap Badge of the South African Railways used between 1910 – 1934.This badge is from Bent and Parker Ltd of Birmingham. Worn by 2nd, 3rd and 4th class Station Masters. This badge is from JR Gaunt Birmingham.
South African Railways cap badge used between 1934 – 1953.
South African Railways cap badge used between 1953 – 1980.
White Metal Cap Badge of the South African Railways used between 1934 – 1990.This badge was also manufactured in brass. This badge is from Firmin London.
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White Metal Monogram Voided Cap Badge of the South African Railways used between 1934 – 1990.
Pewter Monogram Solid Cap Badge of the South African Railways used between 1934 – 1946.
South African Railways cap badge used between 1980 – 1990. Was used by Station Master Special Class and Senior Class, Superintendents, Yard Master Special Class and Inspector Special Class.
South African Railways cap badge used between 1980 – 1990.
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• Trains from the Anglo-Boer War - 1899 - 1902 • Courtesy: The Anglo-Boer War (South African War) -1899-1902 Facebook page - Compiled by Johan Jacobs
Wagons been loaded at Pretoria station
Armoured train at a siding3
Long Tom gun been loaded at Durban harbour for Ladysmith4
Railway yard at Pretoria station
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Near Frere - HBH
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I think this photo was taken at Pretoria - HBH
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Pretoria station-note the Victoria Hotel at the background
Boer prisoners been offloaded at Pretoria station
Comments by HBH Over the years we have seen many of these photographs, so much so that they are truly in the in the public domain. The name of the Victoria Hotel is the “new name” of the hotel. It became a popular watering hole for British officers during the Anglo-Boer War.
• Victoria Hotel: Rovos Rail (Photo 5) The Victoria Hotel was used by Rovos Rail before they moved to Capital Park. A search on internet revealed the following information about the hotel: Victoria Hotel: The oldest hotel in Pretoria, the Victoria Hotel, on the corner of Paul Kruger and Scheiding Streets, opposite Pretoria Railway Station, has been restored to its former glory. Sunday afternoons are the time for regular chamber music sessions. The hotel used to be the meeting place of the Rail Workers’ Union delegates. http://www.tourismrsa.com/western-cape/western-cape-attractions/west-coast/1109pretoria.html?start=7 The Victoria Hotel is the oldest hotel in the city of Pretoria dd 1894! The charm and old world character of the "Grand Old Lady" of Pretoria cannot be surpassed. Socio-econimics have changed tremendously in surrounding area to become cosmopolitan with many pedestrians and hawkers on the busy sidewalks, but quiet at night. Relaxed homely atmosphere inside with no glitz and glam! Come stay with us for a day or two and share in her warmth and relax in an atmosphere of yesteryear. The lovely Herbert Baker railway station, Luxury Blue Train Lounge and nearly completed Gautrain station is just across the road. Many places of historical interest within walking distance. http://www.venuesearch.co.za/site/showVenue.pl?id=1886 Victoria Hotel 37
Lonely Planet can't book you a room here, but want to make sure you find the best hotel possible. That's why we've included contact information so you can call or email yourself. Lonely Planet review: Built in 1894, this quirky, historic hotel has a grand staircase plastered with old photographs, stained-glass windows and Victorian-style rooms, some with old claw-foot tubs and brass beds, all opening out onto an old enclosed wraparound veranda. Stay the night, however, and you’ll discover smelly drains, spluttering showerheads, and creaky, empty corridors straight out of a scary movie. It’s convenient for the bus station though and if you don’t mind sacrificing modern comfort for character, then this does the job nicely. Our independent authors have visited Victoria Hotel and selected this as one of our recommended hotels in Pretoria. Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/south-africa/gauteng/pretoria/hotels/victoriahotel#ixzz2q4Sxljd4
• NGR Frere Anglo-Boer War (Photo 2) I dug into my archive and found the following pictures of NGR trains staged at Frere during the Anglo-Boer War: Note Steam Engine (generator) left – in well wagon
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Here we see that the train, HMS Terrible, is manned by sailors and soldiers
This photo also appears in both the Natal Mercury and in Malmesari’s book “Les Trains Blinde”
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Another photo ofthe steam generator for the search light
Trains with materiel staged at Frere during the Anglo Boer War 40
• Comments re: Photo 3
I dug into my archive again and came up with a post card: “Ed Nels of Brussels, 3rd Series of the Transvaal with comments: Le depart pour Ladysmith du canon “Long Tom” (Creuzot) translated means: The departure for Ladysmith of "Long Tom" gun (Creuzot). My comments would be: A NZASM train departing Pretoria with a Long Tom gun for the Boer Forces at Ladysmith?
• Matjiesfontein and the Blue Train: Alex Faria (Cape Town) Hello Hennie, Ek hoop alles gaan nog goed in Pretoria; hier gaan dinge goed maar ek is baie besig met boeke. Toe ons nou weg was De Aar en Richmond toe het ek ‘n paar trein fotos afgeneem vir jou. Ek kry nie altyd mooi fotos van treine nie maar ek neem hulle af net om vir jou te laat weet 41
ek dink wel aan jou. Dit was vir my nogal interessant om die Bloutrein op Majiesfontein te sien presies wanneer ons daar aangekom het. Om die waarheid te vertel, ek was onder die indruk dat die Bloutrein nie langer operasioneel was nie; maar nouja!! Erens tussen die fotos het ek een van Drie Susters ingesluit want dit is vir my altyd so lekker om hierdie drie spitskoppe te sien. Dit is vir my die bewys dat ek wel in die Groot Karoo is. In elk geval, julle moet lekker bly en geniet die fotos – hulle is nie juis waffers nie maar “just a thought”. Groete Porra
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• Durban Station from the Air: Rudi Venter (Durban) Below: Durban station and Metro yards
Durban station and Metro yards 02
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Durban station and Metro yards_03
Durban station and Metro yards_04
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Where have all our MLP Coaches gone?
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• Jacobus Marais • 20E
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• Train Dynamics Test Coach No 15097
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Where is the “red marker?� 51
• Trans Natal
• S1: Angela Lawlor
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• Draai Station: Tish Archer
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View towards Touws River
View from Konstabel station
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• Driemanskap: Johannes Botha
• Locomotive: Jan Kempdorp: Koos Kotze Koos said the sun was against him. Photos taken with cell phone.
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• Western Cape: Francois Mattheüs
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Driver Alwyn Orffer
• Martin Nel • Anglo American Locomotive Driver Hendrik Richardson....
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• Saldanha Station
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• Williston
• Orchard Station: Willie Marais Oom Hennie, Dreigemente is nou sterk dat hul Touwsrivier stasie gaan sloop!!!!!! Ai..is daar dan niemand wat kan intree en die sloping keer nie........ons probeer nog Intepeneurs werf vir Restourasie en om die beroemde geskiedkundige Stasie wat die Welvaart van Jimmy Logan van arm Spoorwegman tot Ryk sakeman op Matjiesfontein te bewaar vir die nageslag. Jimmy het as Distriks Superindent op Touwsrivier in die Frere Hotel wat in 1881 gebou is deur die destydse Spoorweg sy rykdom begin versamel in die Verversingslokaal van die Hotel om dan later na hy die Spoorweg bedank het sy rykdom uit te brei deur sy plaasgrond (De Draai) te verkoop aan sy vorige werkgewer om fondse te bekom vir die tot standkoming van Matjiesfontein.
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Die Geskiedenis is gelaai op die Blad: Touwsrivier van Toeka tot Nou.......onder dokumente.......die Boekie van Johan Stassen .....Doas ab!!! Kan Oom Hennie nie vir ons intree by Prasa om ons ‘n kans te gee nie........ons sal iemand vind om die Geskiedkundige 132 jarige gebou te bewaar. Ek gaan môre ook ‘n mail stuur na Nasionale raad van Gedenkwaardighede, want Transnet kan nie net Geskiedenis vernietig nie!!!!!!!!! Ek stuur die foto’s in mb.........sal so graag die ander van die Stasie self wil stuur vir Oom......Die ou Stasietjie is ook so geskiedkundig!!!!!!! Groete
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Rovos at Orchard
Phil du Plessis • Action photos at Accident
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• 43-002 Weighing in
• 8E
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• Roadblock
• Fire!
• Test Train 67
• Pietermaritzburg Station: Rudi Venter
The Roof
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The West wing
Platform Clock
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On behalf of the South African Police and/or the SA Railways & Harbours Police: “Not Guilty!” This happened in 1893 it was only 55 yrs later when Dr DF Malan and the National Party came to power. Mr Gandhi was ejected by a Trooper of the Natal Mounted Police; those were the days of the British Natal Colony. I have the Trp’s name somewhere in my archive.
1933: RAND- DURBAN EXPRESS Rand - Dbn Express - SA Railways Magazine 1933-101217. Driver MJ Botha and the 2:15 Rand Durban Express at Germiston Station.
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RAILWAY HISTORY GROUP
Editor: Wally Greig
Bulletin No. 121 January 2014
Class GD on the up Caledon train entering Houwhoek Pass c1935.
Eric Manken
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GERMISTON MARSHALLING YARDS • My adventures with a Class S1 steam Engine: Johan Jacobs In the early 1970’s my younger brother Pieter joined the South African Railways as a foreman /stoker on their steam locomotives at the Germiston Steam Depot. During his time he did quite a lot of shunting with a Class S1 steam loco as well as with other loco’s in the marshalling yard. I also remember a popular place called ‘stasie 1’ that he frequently worked at.
The entrance to the steam depot and the steam shed After school in the afternoons I went to his workplace and spent time with him and his driver till knock-off time at six. It was nice to sit in his stoker’s chair as he fired-up the fire box or to lean out of the door while they were busy shunting up and down the yard picking-or dropping off stock. I can still remember the radio messages from the handheld two-way radio that hung behind the driver’s head, ‘vorentoe drywer’ or ‘hokaai drywer’ and then the shattering as the big loco connected stock or released them.
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Class S1 waiting for the relieve team and part of the marshalling yard
Some weekends I spent the whole day with them and then we braaied some boerewors on the shovel inside the firebox. I played the role as the chef and made food and coffee. The Class S1 was a big strong engine that was placed in service in 1947; the South African Railways placed twelve Class S1 shunter steam locomotives, with a 0-8-0 wheel arrangement in service, manufactured in the Salt River workshops in Cape Town. A further twenty-five, manufactured in Scotland, were placed in service in 1954. The twelve locomotives were numbered in the range from 374 to 385. The Class S1 was the first steam locomotive to be designed and manufactured by the SAR in aforementioned quantity, although not the first to be designed and manufactured in South Africa. The Natal Government Railways 2-8-2TT tank-tender locomotive "Havelock" had already taken that honour in 1888. After the war a further twenty-five Class S1 locomotives were ordered from the North British Locomotive Company (NBL) in Glasgow. They were manufactured in 1952 and delivered in 1953 and 1954, numbered in the range from 3801 to 3825. The locomotives had bar frames, Walschaerts valve gears and were superheated. While the cylinders, driving wheel diameter, chassis and many other features were similar to that of the existing Class S shunters, the boilers were much larger, being a shortened version of the specially designed boiler that was used on the Class 12AR. Since shunting locomotives are designed to operate at low speeds in tightly curved shunting yards, there was no need for the leading or trailing wheels that are necessary on main line locomotives to improve high speed stability. In addition it is desirable to have as large a proportion of the locomotive weight as possible carried on the coupled wheels to obtain the maximum adhesion. As on those of the Class S, the top sides of the Type JT1 tender’s coal bunker were set inwards to improve the crew’s rearward vision. 74
The Class S1 was noted for its efficient and economical working. It was the SAR’s largest and finest shunting locomotives with quite an enormous shifting and accelerating ability, and could cope with block loads of up to 2,000 long tons (2,000 tonnes).
A typical ‘footplate’ with the driver and his stoker and the yard at ‘stasie 1’
I also visited my brother when he worked at other marshalling yards around Germiston and the one that comes up the most is the Angelo marshalling yard just before Boksburg station. But my greatest wish was to do a long trip with him to Breyten...and fortunately it was not long before that opportunity came up.
Class S1 At the steam shed with Germiston station looking east at the goods yard Reference and photos: Wikipedia the free encyclopaedia.
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SOUTH AFRICAN MODELS • Scalecraft model: Adrian Hill This is a Scalecraft model. It was done as a part of a full Premier Classe set for a customer. I spent a lot of time to get the window sizes and positions just right. The windows are smoked and flush fitting. They're about R680 or so. https://www.facebook.com/Scalecraft?ref=hl
LETTERS • Alex Faria Hello Hennie, Lees en geniet! http://www.wyomerc.com/essays/TranscontinentalRailroad.html Porra 76
• Ray Ellis Look at this little lot !! Amazing …..!!!!!!!!!!!! Not as good as the South Africa Gautrain!! http://safeshare.tv/w/vwncRciSFb Cheers Ray Ellis
• Charlie Lewis (SoAR) A brief note to wish you Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 2014 and to offer my whole-hearted thanks for comments/suggestions/corrections/photographs received. Les (Pivnic) and I will be continuing our series on the history of SAR from early in the New Year when we hope to resume contact with you. Meanwhile, here is the link to the index page which gives access to all 30 chapters we have completed so far: https://sites.google.com/site/soulorailway/ I would also like to put on record our thanks to Andrew Deacon who has patiently sorted out all the problems we have encountered with putting this stuff on the web, and my personal thanks to Les and (lately) Peter Micenko for their massive contributions, without which it would be impossible to do the subject justice. Thanks again for your participation and.....see you next year, Charlie
• Locomotive at Van Der Merwe Station: Piet Conradie Hallo Almal, Agteros kom ook in die kraal - uiteindelik - na maande - op die BLOG geplaas !!! BAIE Dankie vir julle hulp met die fotos! Groete Piet
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kyk: http://steam-locomotives-south-africa.blogspot.com/2013/04/rayton-getaway-farmvan-der-merwe-class.html
• Palestine Railways: Chen Melling I would start with this Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palestine_Railways Then these two books, the first of which is the main source for the Wikipedia entry: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palestine_Railways http://rail.co.il/EN/Fun/Pages/Book.aspx And then just ask...Chen Because of South African involvement in the Palestine Railways, the bug bit me. Via Ray Ellis I “met” Chen and he has given me advice to start on the Palestine Railways. I have found many pictures on the Palestine Railways on “Google Images”. [Just for interest sake: The South African Police sent dog masters (detectives) to assist the then (British) Palestine Police.]
27th Annual News Letter: Collector Mervyn Emms (89)
• Robbie Green Robbie Green sent very interesting info on the Ooster-spoor (the Eastern Line of the old NZASM), unfortunately in PDF and in Portuguese, but never the less, very historical and very interesting.
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RAILWAY SOCIETY OF SA (NATAL)
Note: The film I am involved in made use of USR near Botha’s Hill. A passenger steam was used in the movie. I am glad USR had the opportunity to figure in the movie ... more later ... H 79
Back page:
Comments HBH: This photo brings back many “police” memories. 50 years ago I joined the SA Police. At King’s Rest police station Wests was part of our beat. The SAR & H Police policed the harbour and the railway property at Wests. However there was the Wests Hotel (private property) and we had to attend to the disturbances there. The green hill was Admiralty Land since the time of the British occupation and we, the SAP, had to attend to complaints on that land. Our beat stretched also right to the light house - at the view site. Many days I recall the Union Castle ships leaving the harbour. What a memory! Other memories? Yes, murder, abortions (we found foetuses in the harbour), rape and faction fights were attended there. Always in full uniform and had to do heavy carry work usually over weekends on damp hot days. [Enjoyed one “illegal” trip on an engine back to the patrol van.] Behind the Bluff – the green hill in the picture – was the Union Whaling Co’s whaling station. Trains used to travel from the harbour around the Bluff to the whaling station. Special trucks, some dating from the NGR, carried one whale per (S) truck.
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RMIG: LIONEL PENNING
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SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS • A319 ZS-SFI Johannes Botha
UK: A Tricky & Sticky Problem Train firms to be banned from allowing 'utterly disgusting' toilets to flush sewage on to the tracks By MATT CHORLEY, MAILONLINE POLITICAL EDITOR PUBLISHED: 09:48 GMT, 6 January 2014 | UPDATED: 09:49 GMT, 6 January 2014 Train companies are to be ordered to adapt their trains to stop dumping sewage on the tracks.
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Ministers want to rewrite future franchise deals to end the ‘disgusting’ practice of toilets flushing straight on to the rails. But they admit it could take years before the problem is eradicated because it is impossible to fit tanks underneath older carriages which are still in service.
Filthy: Many older intercity trains cannot be fitted with retention tanks which means toilets flush straight on to the tracks More than a decade ago fears were raised than toilet waste building up parts of the rail network were hampering repairs and causing a threat to the health of maintenance staff. While carriages are often repainted and refitted with new seats, the toilets still flush on to the tracks because there is insufficient space between the axles to fit sewage tanks. Lib Dem transport minister Baroness Kramer has asked officials to examine plans for all new franchises to ban train operators from running trains which do not have retention tanks. And she wants more signs warning passengers not to flush toilets when trains are in stations to avoid excrement piling up on the tracks.
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Transport minister Baroness Kramer condemned the practice as 'disgusting' Baroness Kramer said: ‘This is just one of the most disgusting things. I do want to hear from the industry because it is just unacceptable. ‘If you are in a station don’t flush. Just don’t do it, it is utterly disgusting.’ Fed-up passengers last month began collecting signatures about the smell from toilet waste dumped in Liverpool Street station. The petition states: 'This practice should be stopped, it is not reasonable that vast numbers of people using Liverpool Street are being exposed to the risks associated with raw sewage on a daily basis. It is 2013 not 1913.' Network Rail, which is responsible for the tracks, pinned the blame on train operators, adding: 'For the well-being of our track staff we would like to see this practice of toilets emptying onto the tracks cease.' Intercity trains which do not have tanks are expected to continue running on Britain’s railways for another four years. First Great Western faced criticism in 2007 when it announced it was extending the life of its rolling stock for another 10 years. At the time it was claimed fitting toilet retention tanks to the existing rolling stock would increase train weight and ‘require major structural modifications that cannot be justified as part of the life extension’. After the collapse of the West Coast line deal, ministers tore up the timetable for letting new franchisees so that in future they will be staggered.
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Commuters at Liverpool Street station in London launched a petition last month against toilet waste being dumped on the tracks. It means it could take many years before new rules banning toilets flushing on to tracks can be implement across the network. RMT rail union boss Bob Crow has condemned the toilets as a ‘shocking indictment on the state of our railways 20 years after privatisation’. ‘Not only is it a filthy way of disposing of effluent, but it also poses real health risks and dangers for RMT members out there working on the tracks,’ he added. Read
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