The uloliwe vol 4 no 6

Page 1

THE ULOLIWE

The Railways of Southern Africa: Past & Present SpoorweĂŤ van SuidelikeSuidelike-Afrika: Toeka tot Nou A monthly railway historical and research publication ‘n Maandelikse spoorweg historiese en navorsing publikasie Vol 4 No 6 Un-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, stamps, models, rolling stock, armoured trains etc Hennie Heymans, Pretoria, ZA heymanshb@gmail.com June 2013 2013

Photo: Hennie Heymans

1


Welkom / Welcome Welcome to this very special edition of Uloliwe. I am excited because I have met a remarkable lady – she is Linda Jansen van Rensburg of Jvr Photo-Art. She is an outstanding photographer and has as we share the same passion for South African history she has given permission that her work may be published in the Uloliwe – I am very thankful that we all may enjoy her “art work” because all her photos are artwork. We hope to feature some of her work in a special edition.

Baie welkom by hierdie besondere uitgawe van die Uloliwe. In hierdie uitgawe gaan u ‘n voorsmakie kry van Linda Jansen van Rensburg van JvR Photo-Art se uitstaande fotografiese werk. Sy word absoluut deur passie gedryf en wil ook graag ons ergnis in die kuberruimte bewaar. Haar foto’s is uitstaande en om die nodige erkenning aan haar te verleen sal ons mettertyd ‘n spesiale uitgawe of twee oor haar werk bekendstel. Dankie aan almal wat gehelp het om die uitgawe ‘n sukses te maak.

Patron: Les Pivnic

Our patron is Les Pivnic, a renowned expert on the history of the SA Railways. 2


Editors Editor & compilers HB “Hennie” Heymans MA: Strategic Studies. (Ret: Brig: SAP & SSSC) Assistant-editor: Johan Jacobs (Former CPO, SA Navy Instructor and SA Marine.) Technical: Bruce Jones (BSc)

Hennie Heymans (HBH)

Johan Jacobs

Bruce Jones Technical

Mark Ruddy

Rudi Venter

Robbie Green

Anton van Schalkwyk

Noel Welsh

Linda Jansen van Rensburg (Photographer)

Some Contributors

3


Koos Kotze is a 45 year old legal professional and author of six books about law, security and counter-terrorism as well as many other security related articles. He served six years in the South African Police Force and was awarded the South African Police Medal for Combating Terrorism twice. Currently he is the owner of an exclusive legal consultancy (www.jklsafrica.com) designed to reduce legal & business risk in Sub Saharan Africa. He also features on the Voice of America as an expert in forensic law.

Train fans: Jacque & John Wepener who live in Welkom in the Free State

Policy The Uloliwe is a laymen’s electronic magazine and we try to foster an interest in our past railways and transport history. Today we have so much in the line of technical assistance that it has become easier to record the past. Let’s do it now; we even do digital recordings to record our oral history. We are not publishing a literary magazine, but rather a factual railway and transport magazine therefore we publish the stories with the minimum of editing. We are not going to change the “language” or “railway” parlance of a story teller! We will only rectify the spelling mistakes.

4


Even the way we spoke, is also a matter for those interested in philology and subcultures. All things of transport are of impotence to us. We like to think that we act as a reservoir to preserve some our history. People and events create history – therefore people of all ranks and stations in life and their biographical data is of great importance to us. We also like to record and preserve interesting items of mutual interest. The protection of our fauna and flora was taken for granted; today our natural heritage is being plundered; even in museums.

Compilation and Graphic design To do justice to our contributors one of these days we shall be forced to employ a graphic design artist! Everything is typed by one man who never had a computer lesson in his life and who does not know the basics of layout and design. He only has passion.

Table of Contents Front Cover .............................................................................................................................. 8 Wepener’s Perambulations .................................................................................................... 9 •

20130422......................................................................................................................... 9

20130506....................................................................................................................... 10 5


DLS (Day Light Sitters) ............................................................................................. 15

20130510....................................................................................................................... 16

20130515....................................................................................................................... 22

20130521 - A visit to an Ex-driver’s home .............................................................. 28

20130526....................................................................................................................... 30

Livery: The Drakensberg Express – J & J Wepener .......................................................... 30 Question from Ray Ellis (Australia) ................................................................................... 32 World War 2: South Africans in Italy: Andre Martinaglia .............................................. 33 Natal Main Line: Ladysmith to Durban Rudi Venter ...................................................... 34 •

20130503....................................................................................................................... 34

20130513....................................................................................................................... 37

20130522....................................................................................................................... 39

Railway Archaeology in South Africa ............................................................................... 45 •

Balfour, Mpumalanga Province – Robbie Green ................................................... 45

Photos by Chris Green (Furnished by Robbie Green) .......................................... 49

IMR: 1902: General Stephenson - HBH .............................................................................. 50 Angola – Anton van Schalkwyk ......................................................................................... 50 Mozambique .......................................................................................................................... 52 •

Beira: Savoy Hotel & Grand Hotel .......................................................................... 52

Ex SAR Class 33 – Willem Ellman ........................................................................... 53

CFM: Rolling Stock (HBH) ....................................................................................... 53

Geoff Cook’s Tour in Natal: Mark Ruddy ......................................................................... 55 Noel Welsh ............................................................................................................................. 57 Facebook: Suid-Afrikaanse Spoorweë, SA Railways, Ulolwe (sic) ................................ 58 •

Jacobus Marais: Natal Midlands .............................................................................. 58

43-095 Nicky Grobbelaar........................................................................................... 58

Willie Marais ............................................................................................................... 59

Francois Mattheüs Cape Town ................................................................................ 60 6


Linda Jansen van Rensburg of JvR-Photo Art .................................................................. 62 Voorbaai Loco ................................................................................................................ 62

Some Narrow Gauge (24”)................................................................................................... 64 •

Port Elizabeth Station ................................................................................................ 67

Uitenhage Railway Museum .................................................................................... 69

Mossel Bay – Lighthouse (formerly under ambit of the SAR) ............................ 69

Railway Societies, - Clubs, - Preservation, -Travel – Tourism ........................................ 70 •

Andre Kritzinger [Col (Ret) – SAAF] ...................................................................... 70 1.

André Kritzinger - RailPictures.Net » Photo Search Result » Railroad ... .. 70

2.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Andre_Kritzinger ................................... 70

Atlantic Rail ................................................................................................................ 70

Dutch Railway Museum: Utrecht ............................................................................ 70

Friends of the Choo-Tjoe - Andrew Stevens .......................................................... 70

Friends of the Rail ...................................................................................................... 70

Railway History Group – Wally Greig ................................................................... 70

Railway Society of Southern Africa ......................................................................... 71

Railway Society of Southern Africa: Natal Newsletter: Ashley Peter ....................... 71 •

Reefsteamers: Lee Gates ............................................................................................ 72

RMIG – Lionel Penning ............................................................................................. 72

Suid-Afrikaaanse Spoorweë / SA Railways / Ulolwe (sic) .................................. 72

Railways Africa .......................................................................................................... 72

Filler: Fun Train Coach (HBH) ........................................................................................ 72 South African Airways ......................................................................................................... 73 •

SAA – Johannes Botha ............................................................................................... 73

South African Airways Historical Aircraft: Boeing 727-the first SAA hi-jacking

Aircraft - Johan Jacobs ...................................................................................................... 74 •

1955 Jan Smuts 1955 (Now O Tambo) Paul Mills ................................................. 78

Gautrain .................................................................................................................................. 79 •

Gautrain News: Compiled by Jeanette Jacobs ....................................................... 79 7


Transnet Pensioners: Transmed – Jacque Wepener ......................................................... 82 Railways and the Media....................................................................................................... 85 •

Prasa spends R3.3m on newspapers ....................................................................... 85

Call to turn off stationary trains’ lights (via J & J Wepener)................................ 86

Class 4A SAR ......................................................................................................................... 88 15F 3472 Hennie Hattingh & Lappies Labushagne (HBH) ............................................. 89 •

Filler: SAR No 14 ........................................................................................................ 89

Railways around the Globe ................................................................................................. 90 •

Amtrak: Koos Kotze .................................................................................................. 90 Amtrak unveils locomotives to replace aging fleet .................................................. 90 Orient Express Train ..................................................................................................... 92

Durban Metro (HBH) ......................................................................................................... 100 Chinese Railways ................................................................................................................ 100 Letters ................................................................................................................................... 102 Rudi Venter ...................................................................................................................... 102 •

DLS & Fun Train – J & J Wepener and Carlos Vieira ......................................... 103

Pandora’s Box ...................................................................................................................... 105 •

Disclaimer ................................................................................................................. 106

Greetings .............................................................................................................................. 107

Front Cover Lyttleton: A Rovos locomotive coupling up at to take Rovos’ Pride of Africa back to Capital Park.

8


Wepener’s Perambulations • 20130422 Hi Hennie.

Hi Hennie.

Hier is iets van ouds vir jou.

Here's something from the past for you.

Oom Hannes Snyders het vir my hierdie Oom Hannes Snyders sent me this foto gestuur. Dit is in Vryheid Natal picture. It was taken in Vryheid, Natal, geneem, 1975. during 1975. Die lokomotief is nommer 2121, klas The locomotive is number 2121, a class 12AR. Hy sê daar was ook 14 klasse en 12AR. He said there were also 14 classes GMAMs. and GMAMs. Oom Hannes staan in die middel met sy Oom Hannes standing in the middle hande in sy sakke. with his hands in his pockets. Mooi bly.

Keep well.

9


• 20130506 Hi Guys. A couple of trains were missed, the timing was just not right... A northbound load of containers was caught just before the Sand River Bridge at Virginia, hoots from the crew. This was last week. Virginia station has been closed quite often since the last week. 34 406 was returning light loco from the branch, this was at Hennenman. 34 031 was standing at the ballast siding at Virginia with a load of empty hoppers, a front-end loader was busy loading the trucks. Another container train at Virginia, greetings from the crew. This train had to stop at the signal cabin as the signal was red, no idea why? Then 34 031's assistant came walking from the ballast siding also towards the cabin. Where was the TCO?? One of Sheltam's 31 classes at the ore tip at Central Plant Harmony. We did not know that something was still happening here but it seems there is quite a lot of work being done here? The rest of the line has been uplifted from here down to Glen Harmony station as has the entire mine system. In the first photo of the 31 you can see uplifted sleepers, this is the line that used to pass behind Sheltam's depot to the gold plant - this is also now no more. It seems this ore is from the rock waste dump at 4 shaft. 5 Shaft's ore goes down to Harmony Surface Rail. A southbound load of mielies1 between Hennenman and Whites, "Captain Ford" on the footplate - plenty of waving and hooting. The wagons near the end are "FKMJ", the first time we see them down here. Our diagram book states these wagons were originally built for iron ore but modified for granular loads. Our guess is that they are being used for some sort of grain. At Hennenman we got the return working of 34 031 from the ballast siding, this time with mielies added after doing the Hennenman pick-up work.

1

Maize

10


Lastly RRL's 31 class heading to the showground's exchange yard, here seen just past the State way crossing. Cheers. J & J.

11


12


13


14


• DLS (Day Light Sitters) Hi Guys. Stewart's latest Reef newsletter has an article by Ashley on the return of the old DLS. We remember this train quite well, seeing it often at Johannesburg station. Attached is an old photo from a SAR magazine from the 80's of the DLS, also the old Lala/ Robala/ Sleeper class. Cheers. J & J.

15


At Pretoria Station – visible from the Gautrain - are some of these DLS. They have been staged there for years – HBH.

• 20130510 Hi Guys. Got the car train heading towards Kroonstad at Kalkvlakte, hoots from the crew. Oddly this train had a marker on the front unit! Just like Transnet - they don't know if they are coming or going! RRL was busy at the Welkom showground’s exchange yard. I received a call from my buddy to inform me he was on the Virginia ballast shunt. Had a quick trip with him from there to Whites. For reasons only known to Kroonstad diesel depot there were two 34's booked on this train of 5 ballast hoppers? At Hennenman another 13 mielie trucks were added to the load. I was told that on the days they need two locos, only one is given... The photo of the stop block is part of the old coal stage. In June 1989 we had a footplate trip from here to Glen Harmony and back with driver Hannes Coetzee on 15F 2996. Now there is nothing left of anything... The old Glen Harmony line's bridge can be seen as well as the new one. All the hand railings have been liberated for scrap on the new bridge and I would not venture on to that bridge. 16


The ruined station is Kalkvlakte. At Whites we got the return working of the Friedesheim shunt waiting to follow the ballast train. There are talks of "new" diesels for the Kroonstad depot. Now new as in old SAR diesels transferred from other depots of new as in newly built we don't know as yet, our guess is the first option. Also it seems like the conversion to CS 90 operating is gathering speed and soon all the cabins between Kroonstad and Bloemfontein are going to close. We reckon it will only be a couple of days after the cabins close that they will be destroyed... There are some nice items at Whites cabin for preservation. Hopefully these can be obtained before they are lost forever. Cheers. J & J.

17


18


19


20


21


• 20130515 Hi guys. The Wesselsbron pick-up returned light loco near Erfdeel, hoots from the crew. E 1542 was shunting the mielie traffic at Bloemhof silos. A while later E 1613 & E 1352 came through heading towards Klerksdorp. We were told that there is an occupation near Britten and another near Warrenton due to ballast tamping. The Weigh Bridge Test Wagons are standing at Leeudoringstad. E 1168 was heading North between Bloemhof and Grasslands, waves from the crew, as can be seen! The load was containers. Back at Bloemhof we found 5x 18E's doing a very complicated shunting movement? Later we learnt that these locos were off a North bound load of CAR wagon's whose front unit failed just outside Bloemhof. 18E's only have one driving end, so they had to re-arrange the locos to get moving again. They then left to fetch their train. While this was happening a ballast tamping machine headed through, later we got this the BTM just north of Bloemhof busy on the crossing loop. Then two light units arrived E 1585 & E 1279 they were to do the pick-up work at the silos, this happened at the same time the failed train finally headed through Bloemhof. Just before Grasslands 4x 10E's came Northwards on a load of ore wagons. Leading was E 10 021 still in orange and looking quite good. This train crossed a load of South bound CAR wagons at Grasslands. We got E10 021 and her train again at Makwassie and Leeudoringstad. At Leeudoringstad we gave operating a call and they informed us that the Blue Train had just left Regina, strangely she was running on a Wednesday? Between Leeudoringstad and Leeubos E 10 021 crossed with another South bound load of CAR wagons behind two blue 18E's. Near Leeubos the Blue sped past, only to be held up at a red signal a short distance down the line. Plenty of hooting and waves from the crew. Normally 22


she speeds past, however some nice photos could be obtained at this unscheduled stop. Soon she departed for Cape Town, after a short hoot. This train seemed to be almost, completely empty... Further to our last report we have heard that TFR plans on implementing CS 90 operating between Kroonstad and Bloemfontein as soon as July of this year. Then the line North of Kroonstad is to follow. Also about the new diesels for Kroonstad, apparently they are going to be brand new, what class no-one knows, and also not when... Enjoy

this

one

as

we

doubt

we'll

get

so

many

trains

again

soon!

Cheers.

23


24


25


26


27


• 20130521 - A visit to an Ex-driver’s home

28


29


• 20130526 Hi guys. RRL's Hercules was caught at the Friedesheim exchange yard with a load of empty hoppers from 5 shaft and again near the shaft itself. The Queensland diesels have left Welkom. At Bloemhof a north bound load of ore wagons speeded through behind 4x blue 10E's. Later another load of ore wagons headed South behind 5x 18E's. The Blue Train was heading South just after Makwassie. Sheltams 31 was on its way to the exchange yard with Harmony Surface Rail. RRL's 31 were found at Niemandsland with empties returning from the gold plant. Yet another load of ore at Bloemhof behind 10E's South bound containers near Kingswood Mielies heading South near Drie Ruiters. Again, RRL near Friedesheim. Cheers. J & J.

Livery: The Drakensberg Express – J & J Wepener Hi Guys. Help me - the different colour schemes?? I read in the latest Soul of a Railway: “The first Drakensberg Express set appeared on 22 December 1972 in a dark green livery that was officially termed "Brilliant Green". This livery soon darkened to a deep bottle green with gold stripes bordering the windows. Dr Kobus Loubser wanted to catch the December tourist traffic to Natal from the Transvaal - hence the train entering service just before Christmas 1972. The second old Blue Train set went into shops for a complete rebuild whereas the set shown here in Dave's photograph only had an exterior paint job."

30


What colour schemes are in these photos? And which one am I missing. How did the original colour “Brilliant Green" look and the then later "Deep Bottle Green" I also remember being told about his Mercedes Benz colour for the train, the light green? I have always been fond of the "Green Train" Remember seeing her in Worcester. Please if you have photos... Thanks. Jacque.

31


Question from Ray Ellis (Australia) Hi Hennie, Hope you are well. Thanks for the latest Uloliwe too!! Hope the police book is going ok, this will be a slight diversion from that – TRAINS!! I came across the attached photo in the David Rhind-files on the disc that Wally (Greig) sent me. I am trying to work out what the writing is and what it says. It appears it was taken at Viljoensdrift when the OFS and NZASM were linked up. I can just read that the engine is carrying the OFS and ZAR flags. Do you have the original photo? And if so, can you send be a “better” scan!! And also tell me what the writing is?? Maybe it would make a nice paragraph for Uloliwe!! Cheers

32


Dear Ray, I knew Dave Rhind well, we regularly corresponded. He was murdered and I bought his OO model SAR & RR collection. I will search my files for the original photo. I have tried it on my Adobe program, I still can’t read it. •

In the meantime our friends can also try and help.

World War 2: South Africans in Italy: Andre Martinaglia

Squad of South African Pioneers from Bechuanaland, along w. group of willing Italian civilians, repair railroad bridge over the Sangro River | Flickr - Photo Sharing! Squad of South African Pioneers from Bechuanaland by Think Defence on Flickr (cc) Repinned from Engineering by Canadian Virtual

33


Originally pinned by Canadian Virtual onto Engineering Martinaglia Andre: Bechuanaland to-day is called Botswana, which borders on South Africa. They can't be pioneers from Bechuanaland (Botswana). I would rather say soldiers from Botswana serving with the South African or Commonwealth Army in Italy. Fantastic rare photograph none the less. • Andre Martinaglia is a former South African & Namibian police officer and his research focuses on Italian-South African history. He would like more details on this picture. I think this is part of the SA Railways & Harbours Brigade.

Natal Main Line: Ladysmith to Durban Rudi Venter • 20130503

At Balgowan

34


Beacon Hill River Bridge

Wagendrift Dam nr Estcourt

35


Danskraal loco

Train 6451 “Python’ for Wests at Durban harbour

36


• 20130513

Beacon Hill station

Frere staal brue in restorasie proses / Steel bridges at Frere receiving attention 37


Ladysmith

Pieters 38


Umbulwana

• 20130522

37’s at Bayhead 39


Balgowan crossing

Clouston halt near Colenso 40


Ennerdale south (A line branched off from the main line to Bergville – HBH)

Metro set at Merebank 41


Isipingo yard...36 classes leaving with 4 x4 load for Point harbour

Isipingo yard...Toyota car-train yard and siding 42


Merebank staion and junction for Crossmoor line

Umbilo locomotive depot in Bayhead- Durban 43


Umbilo locomotive depot in Bayhead- Durban

Umbilo locomotive depot in Bayhead- Durban 44


Railway Archaeology in South Africa • Balfour, Mpumalanga Province – Robbie Green

45


46


47


Goeie dag,

Good day,

Glo dit gaan baie goed aan u kant.

I trust everything is well on your side.

Ek gesels nou die dag met afgetrede kol Piet Schoeman en het ook agter gekom dat julle saam op kursus was op ‘n stadium. Hy is deel van ons historiese groep hier in die Laeveld en omgewing. Graag wil ek hoor of daar êrens geskrywe word oor die Ooster spoor, Pretoria, Komati en waar kan ek die info bekom.

The other day I talked to retired Colonel Piet Schoeman and realised that at one time you two were together on a course. He is part of our historical group here in the Lowveldt and environment. I would like to hear what is written about the NZASM Oosterlyn from Pretoria to Komati and where I can obtain the information.

Verlede week was ek op Balfour en het so paar foto’s geneem naby Grootvlei kragstasie, van ‘n deel van die spoorbaan wat ook soos vele ander, na nêrens heen lei nie ............... aan wie behoort die lyn? .....dit word so stukkie vir stukkie weggedra...

Last week I was at Balfour and took a couple of photos near Grootvlei power station, a part of the railroad like many others, to lead nowhere ............... to whom does this line belong? ..... it is being carried away piece by piece ... Greetings

Groetnis Robbie Green paid me a visit in Pretoria and he borrowed some of my books on NZASM’s railway line. It is a very good thing that historical societies exist because it is one way to preserve our history. In turn Robbie also gave me some railway books he has picked up at flea markets. Robbie also gave me some railway photographs taken by his late Uncle Chris Green from Natal. We will share some over time. Comments are invited on these photographs. The Ooster Lijn (Eastern Line) was a long cherished Boer ideal. Pres F Burgers was the first person to implement this scheme. The ZAR under Pres Paul Kruger succeeded with the line. It is still in use today.

48


• Photos by Chris Green (Furnished by Robbie Green)

Comments on these photos are invited. They have been scanned and enhanced – HBH

49


IMR: 1902: General Stephenson - HBH

This photo was taken during February 1902 on the Imperial Military Railways of that time. Gen Stephenson (in front) is inspecting, for defence purposes, the line between Kaapmuiden and Crocodile Poort. •

This photo is especially to wet Robbie Green’s appetite for history in the Lowveldt.

Its sporting to see that the General is armed, not only ferocious animals about but the odd Boer could also crop up - as they were everywhere. Never the less venison could always replace “bully beef from Blighty”.

Angola – Anton van Schalkwyk Hi all, Tourist train excursions arranged by Pedro Bandeira, the first picture shows the train in Lobito, the second shows the Benguela Tourism team with Pedro being the second person from the right. A v S.

50


Note the historic coaches – the red & yellow coach is similar to an SAR coach

Pedro Bandeira (2nd from right) 51


Mozambique • Beira: Savoy Hotel & Grand Hotel

Grand Hotel, Beira – received on the BSAP network from Mr Wilson 52


• Ex SAR Class 33 – Willem Ellman

• CFM: Rolling Stock (HBH)

53


CFM No. A 702 part of a SAR consist

54


Geoff Cook’s Tour in Natal: Mark Ruddy

19D 2669 Creighton + GMAM 4074

GMAM No 4074 + 2669 oppad met Geoff se toergroep 55


GMAM no 4074 oppad met Geoff Cook se toer groep

P J O'Dell cleaning GMAM 4074 with 19D 2669 in back ground for the trip to Riverside 56


Noel Welsh

57


Facebook: Suid-Afrikaanse Spoorweë, SA Railways, Ulolwe (sic) • Jacobus Marais: Natal Midlands

• 43-095 Nicky Grobbelaar

58


• Willie Marais Photo below by Willie Marais, who is doing all he can to promote the railway village Touws River which was recently destroyed by fire. I have seen military and police graves but this is a first with a steam engine. (One SA Police officer who fought in the ABW (for the British) and WW1 died near Matjesfontein and he has cricket wickets on his grave.)

59


• Francois Mattheßs Cape Town

Brackenfell 17 Mei 2013 - Die brandskade wat 14110 opgedoen het tydens 14104 se brand is duidelik sigbaar met die direkte son op haar. 14106 wat gister met die inkomende Bloutrein, dood was a.g.v. transformatorolie wat te laag was en tot gevolg gehad het dat sy uitgesny het, is weer 100% werkend as 2de lokomotief hier nadat 200liter olie bygevoeg is. (Ja, 200 liter) Brackenfell May 17, 2013 - The fire damage sustained by 14110 during 14104 fire is clearly visible with the direct sun on her. 14106 yesterday with incoming Blue Train, death was due to transformer resulting in too low and that he had cut out, 100% working as 2nd locomotive here after 200liter oil added. (Yes, 200 liter)

60


61


Linda Jansen van Rensburg of JvR-Photo Art • Voorbaai Loco

62


63


Some Narrow Gauge (24�)

64


65


Sunnyside Station

66


• Port Elizabeth Station

67


68


• Uitenhage Railway Museum

We will compile a special editions for your enjoyment on the Uitenhage Railway Museum, the NG in Port Elizabeth and other railway relics in the Eastern Cape. Our thanks to Noel Welsh and Brig Ronnie Beyl for photos of Uitenhage Railway Museum. All photos will be used in the special editions. Thank you.

• Mossel Bay – Lighthouse (formerly under ambit of the SAR)

69


Railway Societies, - Clubs, - Preservation, -Travel – Tourism • Andre Kritzinger [Col (Ret) – SAAF] André Kritzinger - RailPictures.Net » Photo Search Result » Railroad ... www.railpictures.net/showphotos.php?userid=12115 Online railroad photo database, featuring thousands of high-quality photographs of trains, railroads, railroad scenes, and more. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Andre_Kritzinger

• Atlantic Rail http://www.atlanticrail.co.za/newsletter-subscription.php

• Dutch Railway Museum: Utrecht http://www.spoorwegmuseum.nl/nieuws__actueel/tentoonstellingen/sporen_naar_h et_front.html

• Friends of the Choo-Tjoe - Andrew Stevens Interested persons can contact Friends of the Choo-Tjoe to check on progress and the latest news. They have a web site at: www.friendsofthechoo-tjoe.co.za. More about the Choo-Tjoe can be found in Garden Route Travels and on their blog: http://blog.wanderlust.co.za

• Friends of the Rail http://www.friendsoftherail.com/joomla/index.php/finding-us/hermanstad-station

• Railway History Group – Wally Greig Bulletin No 117, May 2013

70


Bulletin No. 117 May 2013

Boksburg Station in the NZASM days. Note the lever frame on the platform.

• Railway Society of Southern Africa Railway Society of Southern Africa: Natal Newsletter: Ashley Peter Chairman (acting): Ashley Peter 083-777-7728 or apeter@metrorail.co.za Secretary (acting): Mike Cotterell: cottrell@mweb.co.za Scribe: Chris Moore rssa@umgenisteamrailway.co.za

71


• Reefsteamers: Lee Gates Preserving South Africa’s Steam Heritage for all to enjoy. Website = http://www.reefsteamers.com Facebook = https://www.facebook.com/groups/reefsteamers/

• RMIG – Lionel Penning Railway Modeller’s Information Group. PO Box 37751, Vallyland, 7978. Editor: Lionel Penning: email: lpenn@telkomsa.net

• Suid-Afrikaaanse Spoorweë / SA Railways / Ulolwe (sic) http://www.facebook.com/groups/74709226744/ with 755 members.

• Railways Africa http://www.railwaysafrica.com/

Filler: Fun Train Coach (HBH)

72


South African Airways • SAA – Johannes Botha

73


• South African Airways Historical Aircraft: Boeing 727-the first SAA hi-jacking Aircraft - Johan Jacobs From 1965 to 1982, SAA operated nine of these 3-engined aircraft on its routes in Southern Africa.

Photo: SAA Museum Society Archives The 1960’s saw great expansion of the airline, faster aircraft could carry more passengers further. In 1965 Boeing 727 jetliners were introduced on regional and internal services, and in 1968 Boeing 737 airliners were introduced to supplement the 727 fleet. By 1967 some of the old stalwart aircraft of the airline, such as the Skymasters, Constellations and DC-7Bs, were retired. During the 1968/1969 financial year SAA carried more than 1 million passengers. By the end of the decade the airline operated a fleet of 29 aircraft consisting of eight Boeing 707s, seven Boeing 727’s, three Boeing 737s, seven Vickers Viscounts and three Dakotas. During 1970 SAA exceeded the 1 Million mark for passengers carried on the domestic services.

B727 at Louis Botha Airport, Durban – note SARP & SAP Members

74


Flight deck

Ready for take off On 24 May, 1972, the first hijacking of a South African Airways plane took place when two men hijack a SAA Boeing 727 tri-jet the Letaba en route from Durban to Johannesburg and Salisbury. All but five of the fifty-four passengers were set free at Salisbury Airport. The aircraft then lands at Chileka Airport in Malawi, where the remaining five passengers escape during a diversion the following day. The ordeal was finally concluded when Malawi’s militia opened fire on aircraft at Blantyre Airport, at the time the only persons onboard were the two hi-jackers counting ransom money, when the firing started they promptly surrendered. The airliner was

75


damaged by gunfire but was repaired and returned to service. The two men responsible are subsequently apprehended and tried.

The two hijackers At the time, the intrigue had all the elements of an action movie, with women, diamonds and fighter planes as key elements. The incident happened when the Letaba was heading from Salisbury (currently Harare) to Johannesburg and started descending for the landing. Kamil, a former diamond investigator for Anglo American and Abou Yaghi, his assistant and a Libyan policeman, started packing dynamite onto shelves in the plane. They were armed and told a flight attendant to inform the captain about the hijacking. The plane turned around and returned to Salisbury, where it landed with fighter planes from the Rhodesian Air Force escorting them and flashing fuel warning lights. The plane was so short of fuel that it couldn't move at all after landing. Rhodesian military planes accompanied the plane when it again departed. The plane flew to Fort Blantyre. Kamil demanded that Harry Oppenheimer of Anglo American met him at the airport in Blantyre, Malawi. Kamil claimed that he had to retrieve diamonds worth millions of Rand for the company from illegal trade, but was never paid. He was under the impression that Gordon Waddell, Oppenheimer's son-in-law, would be on the plane but he was on another flight. At Blantyre Malawian soldiers deflated the plane's wheels and sabotaged the steering mechanism. Kamil and Yaghi were sentenced to ten years in prison, but served only eight months of the sentence.

76


Oppenheimer later apparently paid $115 000 into Kamil's bank account after corresponding with Kamil. Kamil fled to Spain, while his wife, Melonie, stayed in Johannesburg with their children. He has been living alone in Brazil for many years, where he writes books and paints. The main figure in SAA's first hijacking drama apologised to staff, passengers and "all South Africans" 37 years after the incident. Fouad (Flash Fred) Kamil, 83, said on the social networking site Facebook that he was an old man and didn't know how long he had left to live. That was why he wanted to clear his conscience about his behaviour and wanted to ask for forgiveness. References: • •

SAA Museum Society Wikepidia

A personal note: Thank you Johan Jacobs. This article brought many memories back to me. I was station commander of the SAP at Louis Botha Airport. I stood there - as on the photo - many a time. The SAP was responsible for police duties and the SARP (in my time) had to guard to SAA planes and other railway property. We also had to “clear” all unscheduled air flights. Some years later I was working at the Security Branch HQ and the files of Yaghi and Kamil and the hijacking passed my desk. The Confidential Section at SAP HQ immediately “knew” Kamil and the firing at the plane could have been prevented if officers of the IDB Squad could speak to Kamil in Malawi. However even though the SAP had original jurisdiction in South Africa we had no jurisdiction outside South Africa and it was a joint South African Railways Police matter and one for Malawi. By agreement the SAR Police have certain jurisdiction outside South Africa regarding SAR property outside the borders of South Africa. This incident led to the forming of the SAA Anti-Hijacking Squad.

HBH

77


• 1955 Jan Smuts 1955 (Now O Tambo) Paul Mills

78


Gautrain • Gautrain News: Compiled by Jeanette Jacobs

SAAF Museum Air Show

The Gautrain provided shuttle buses from Gautrain Centurion station to the Zwartkop air force base on 11 May 2013. The Air Show was a 40 year celebration of South Africa's rich heritage in aviation. It was a wonderful family day out, definitely not to be missed next time! Shuttle bus times to and from the air base were in-sync with train times. Standard bus fares apply.

79


Increase in the demand for Gautrain Services

"There is a dramatic increase in the demand for Gautrain services. The Gautrain is experiencing continuous growth, as could be expected of a system at the beginning of its commercial life cycle," Gauteng transport MEC Ismail Vadi told reporters in Johannesburg recently.

Winter Warmer Blanket Run in support of Children at Play (CAP).

On 13 May eNuus launched its Winter Project, Winter Warmer Blanket Run in support of Children at Play (CAP), supported by Gautrain. The aim is to raise funds and blankets for children in need nationwide. The small town of Loxton in the Great Karoo in the Northern Cape has been identified as the first recipient. We call upon our passengers to drop blankets or clothing into designated boxes found at the fare gates to all stations. The deposit boxes will be available from 16-24 May 2013.

80


Several revisions to its fare structure

Gautrain today announced several revisions to its fare structure that will come into effect on Saturday, 01 June 2013. Announcing the revised fares today, Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Ismail Vadi said that the Gautrain will increase its commuter train service fares by an average of about 6%. Bus fares will however remain unchanged. Airport service train fares will increase by R10 per trip but this 81


will be balanced by cheaper long term parking tariffs which will primarily benefit airport travellers. The daily parking tariff increases from R12 to R15. The introduction of a 15% discount for off-peak travellers will be a significant incentive for many commuters. The off-peak travel discount will apply to commuter service passengers that tag into the train service during weekdays before 06h00, between 09h00 and 15h00, or after 18h00. A passenger who buys a pay-as-you-go ticket for a single trip between Hatfield Station in Tshwane and Park Station in the Johannesburg CBD – the longest possible trip on the Gautrain – will now pay R57. A trip for the same journey during off-peak hours will cost R49, resulting in a saving of R8. The discounted fares will not apply on weekends and will also not be applicable to Airport service or bus users. Period products will also continue to offer substantial benefits to regular commuters, with tickets for a monthly (44 trips) ticket remaining at a 20% discounted rate, and 10% discount for a weekly ticket (10 trips). A monthly pass from Hatfield to Park Station will now cost R2007, which is an average cost of R45 per single trip. MEC Vadi said that the Gautrain will remain a cost-effective and convenient transport means for many commuters in Gauteng. The fare structure aims to promote use of the system and be price attractive to the respective target markets and to sustain a shift from private vehicle users. Fares must be viewed in conjunction with the total Gautrain service offering which is of a high quality in terms of reliability, punctuality and safety. For detailed fares customers can log on to the Gautrain website www.gautrain.co.za or contact the Gautrain call centre on 0800(GAUTRAIN) 42887246.

Transnet Pensioners: Transmed – Jacque Wepener The following e-mail was received from J Wepener for the the information of all Transnet Pensioners: (Kindly scroll down for English) To: transnet_pensioenarisse@vf.co.za Subject: [Transnet_pensioenarisse] Boodskap aan Pensioenarisse

Beste Pensioenaris, Ek wil graag oor die pensioensaak en Transmed-probleme met u gesels. 82


PENSIOEN HOFSAAK: Toe ek persoonlik betrokke geraak het by die pensioenprobleem in 2011 het ek onderneem om die saak verder te voer in die parlement, en indien ons as die Vryheidsfront Plus nie daar kon slaag nie, dat die saak na die hof geneem sal word. Ek het daardie mandaat van u uitgevoer en die saak is nou in die hofproses met 'n enorme eis van R85 miljard teen Transnet en die regering. Ons wag tans vir die keerdatums teen min of meer maandeinde vir Transnet en die regering om aan te dui of hulle die klasaksie aansoek gaan verdedig of nie. Die respondente in die saak (Transnet, TTVVF, TPF, minister van openbare ondernemings, minister van finansies, die President) het die aansoek op verskillende dae ontvang en sal dus verskillende sperdatums in terme van die siviele prosesreg he om aan te dui of hulle gaan verdedig. Daarna het elke respondent weer 15 dae om verklarings ter verdediging te liaseer waarna 'n hofdatum aangevra kan word. Ek kan nie enige beloftes maak nie, maar dit is moontlik dat 'n hofdatum vir die klasaksie aansoek iewers in Julie 2013 kan wees. Onthou ook asseblief dat die hofsaak uit twee dele bestaan, naamlik die aansoek, wat nou geloods is, om alle pensioenarisse as 'n groep of klas te laat sertifiseer sodat julle as een groep kan optree en daarna die eis op die meriete waar die bedrag van R85 miljard van die respondente ge-eis word. Ek kommunikeer weer sodra ek meer inligting van die regspan af ontvang het. TRANSMED Ek het ook onderneem, sodra die pensioensaak in die hof is, om aandag te gee aan Transmed en die talle mediese fondsprobleme wat Transnet pensioenarisse ondervind. Dit sluit ook diegene in wat Transmed verlaat het of wil verlaat maar probleme met ander fondse bevind. Ek wil dus graag 'n versoek rig: Stuur asb aan Ansie Slabbert, die VF Plus se sekretaresse by ons hoofkantoor, julle klagtes rakende mediese fondse wat ek sal verwerk vir verdere stappe. Stuur asb epos aan Ansie by help@vf.co.za of faks na 012 665 2420. Ons hoofkantoor se nommer indien julle wil gesels is 012 665 1679. Soos altyd, sal ek u op hoogte hou van verwikkelinge op alle fronte om u lewe beter te maak.

83


Beste wense

Dear Pensioner, I wish to talk to you regarding the pension court case and Transmed problems. PENSION COURT CASE: When I became personally involved in the Transnet pension fund matter in 2011, I committed myself to taking the matter further in parliament as a Freedom Front Plus MP and if that strategy did not bear fruit, to take the matter to court. I have duly performed that mandate you have given me and the matter is now in court process with an enormous claim of R85 billion pending against Tr Transnet ansnet and government. We are now waiting for the return dates at month end for Transnet and the government to indicate if they are going to defend the class action application or not. The respondents in the case (Transnet, TSDBF, TPF, Minister of Public Enterprises, Minister of Finance, and the President) received the application on different days and will thus have different return days in terms of civil procedure to indicate whether they are defending or not. Thereafter each respondent will have 15 days to lodge their defence statements after which a court date can be applied for. I can't make any promises, but it may be possible that a court date will be allocated for July 2013. Kindly also remember that the case consists of two parts, namely the application ication now lodged, to have all of the pensioners certified as a class that can take legal action as a group and thereafter the case on the merits itself where the amount of R85 billion will be claimed from the respondents. I will communicate again once I have received more information from the legal team. TRANSMED: I also undertook, once the pension matter was lodged in court, to attend to the Transmed and other medical aid problems experienced by Transnet pensioners. This also includes those persons that have left Transmed or wish to do so and are 84


experiencing problems ems with other medical aid funds. I, therefore, wish to request as follows: Kindly send to Ansie Slabbert, the FF Plus secretary at our head office, your complaints regarding medical aid funds that I will attend to and prepare for further steps. Send an e-mail mail to Ansie at help@vf.co.za or fax to012 012 665 2420. 2420 Our head office's number should you wish to talk is 012 665 1679. As always, I will keep you updated on progress with regard to all matters to ensure a better life. Best wishes

Railways and the Media • Prasa spends R3.3m on newspapers PRASA spends R3.3m on New Age subscriptions - Ben Martins Ben Martins: 28 May 2013: Transport minister says 3 200 copies of newspaper delivered to rail agency daily. daily The Question Question: National Council of Province for Written Reply Reply: Question No 203. Date Reply Submitted: 27 May 2013 2013. Date of Publication in Internal Question Paper: Friday, 17 May 2013 Internal Question Paper: No 13 - 2013) 2013). Mr D B Feldman (COPE-Gauteng) Gauteng) to ask the Minister of Transport: Whether the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa has a subscription with a certain media company (The New Age); if not, what is th thee position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? CW291E 3. THE WRITTEN REPLY The Minister of Transport: 85


PRASA has a subscription agreement with The New Age media company which provides PRASA with 3200 copies of the newspaper on a daily basis from Monday to Friday. The price structure and payment schedule for 12 months is as follows:

Cover price incl VAT

No of publishing days

Copies delivered per Contractual day Agreement incl VAT

13 August 2012 to 12 August 2013 R 3.50 256 3 200 R2 867 200.00 13 August 2012 to 12 August 2013 R 0.50 256 3 200 R409 600.00 Total cost R3 276 800.00 Issued by Parliament, May 27 2013. http://www.politicsweb.co.za/politicsweb/view/politicsweb/en/page72308?oid=37951 7&sn=Marketingweb+detail&pid=90389

• Call to turn off stationary trains’ lights (via J & J Wepener) May 29 2013 at 10:58am - By LOUISE FLANAGAN

INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPERS

File photo: Leon Nicholas Johannesburg - Turn off the lights in the trains at night, fix the taxi recapitalisation programme and get rid of the e-tolls, opposition parties told the minister of transport on Tuesday. “While Eskom is begging everyone to switch off their heaters and geysers, Metrorail is leaving several hundred trains switched on all night, with motors running, lights 86


on in all carriages and in some cases even the heaters are switched on, heating empty trains all night,” said DA MP Ian Ollis. At Elandsfontein station in Ekurhuleni, Ollis found the lights on at 10.30pm on Friday, long after drivers had gone home. “I have met with Metrorail staff, who tell me that trains are kept running 24 hours a day with lights and heaters on because maintenance is so bad that if they switch trains off, they cannot get them to start in the morning. We need an urgent investigation into how much money and electricity is being wasted by this poor maintenance,” said Ollis. Ollis also raised problems of vandalism of road infrastructure. “When the transformer for the lights on the R21 highway in Gauteng has been stolen three times, one realises how bad crime is. You need a crane and a flatbed truck to remove these electrical transformers,” he said, calling for more money in the budget for transport infrastructure security. Cope MP Pakiso Mbhele criticised the e-tolls, saying that just because people owned cars didn’t mean they were wealthy, and he criticised the taxi recapitalisation programme as inadequate. “The picture of public transport is not impressive at all,” he said. IFP MP KhethamabalaSithole also criticised the e-tolls, saying the roads could and should be maintained from current funds. He raised the problems in the taxi industry of unlicensed drivers and the difficulties of getting licences, and called for a relook at the system. The MPs were responding to Minister of Transport Dikobe Ben Martins’s budget vote speech. Martins tabled a budget totalling R42.275 billion. This includes R18.85bn for road maintenance (this goes to provinces and municipalities); R21.94bn to state-owned agencies; and R921m for policy development and oversight. The main areas of spending are maintaining the roads, upgrading rail networks, and building and operating public transport infrastructure. The state-owned Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa) gets R3.678bn for current operations and R7.481bn for capital spending. Prasa’s programme of renewing its fleet is under way, and in the past year, 579 coaches were delivered to Metrorail, three coaches to Shosholoza Meyl, and nine locomotives were upgraded. Nationally, 49 stations were upgraded. The SA National Roads Agency gets R3.454bn for current operations and R7.043bn for capital spending. Taxi recapitalisation gets R522m. 87


The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) gets R167m, and has upped its work targets from stopping and checking a million vehicles a month to 1.1 million. On Monday, the minister said in a written response to a parliamentary question that the cabinet had not yet taken a decision on whether to close the RTMC, after the RTMC shareholders’ committee – which includes the minister – recommended its closure. louise.flanagan@inl.co.za http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/gauteng/call-to-turn-off-stationary-trainslights-1.1523645#.UaYu2EDWW30

Class 4A SAR

88


15F 3472 Hennie Hattingh & Lappies Labushagne (HBH)

At Germiston 15F 3472 with Hennie Hattingh & Lappies Labushagne, both attached to Transwerk, Koedoespoort, Pretoria.

• Filler: SAR No 14

89


Railways around the Globe • Amtrak: Koos Kotze Amtrak unveils locomotives to replace aging fleet Published May 13, 2013: Associated Press

In this photo is one of the new Amtrak Cities Sprinter Locomotives built by Siemens Rails Systems in Sacramento, Calif. The new electric locomotive, one of three of 70 to be built, will run on the Northeast intercity rail lines and replace Amtrak locomotives that have been in service for 20 to 30 years. (AP) When Amtrak unveils the first of 70 new locomotives Monday at a plant in California, it will mark what the national passenger railroad service hopes will be a new era of better reliability, streamlined maintenance and better energy efficiency. On a broader scale, the new engines could well be viewed as emblematic of the improving financial health of Amtrak, which has long been dependent on subsidies from an often reluctant Congress. More than 31 million passengers rode Amtrak in the 2012 fiscal year, generating a record $2.02 billion in ticket revenue. Amtrak says it will be able to pay back a $466 million federal loan for the locomotives over 25 years using net profits from the Northeast Corridor line, where ridership hit a record high last year for the ninth time in 10 years. "This is not the same organization it was a few years ago, still hoping and relying on federal handouts, limping from appropriation to appropriation," said Robert Puentes, a senior fellow in the Brooking Institution's metropolitan policy program. 90


"Even though Washington is mired in debt and dysfunction, Amtrak is reinventing itself." The new engines will be used on the Northeast Corridor between Washington, D.C., and Boston and on Keystone Corridor trains that run between Philadelphia and Harrisburg, Pa. Three will be unveiled Monday before being sent out for testing. The first is due to go into service by this fall, and all 70 are expected to be in service by 2016. Amtrak awarded the contract in 2010 to Munich-based Siemens AG, which has made a big investment in the American rail industry over the last decade. The company makes about one of every three light rail vehicles in North America and is building light rail vehicles for Minneapolis, Houston and San Diego at the Sacramento plant where Amtrak's locomotives are being produced. Among the improvements in the new locomotives are computers that can diagnose problems in real time and take corrective action and a braking system capable of generating 100 percent of the energy it uses back to the electric grid — similar to the way a hybrid automobile's motor acts as a generator when braking, according to Michael Cahill, CEO for Siemens Rail Systems. That could produce energy savings of up to $300 million over 20 years, the company estimates. They also feature crumple zones, which are basically cages built onto the front end of the train that can absorb impact from a collision. The new models will be the first in North America to use them, in compliance with new federal safety guidelines, Cahill said. The locomotives, called Amtrak Cities Sprinters, are based on Siemens' latest European electric locomotive and will replace Amtrak equipment that has been in service for 20 to 30 years and has logged an average of 3.5 million miles. Simply having the same type of locomotive in operation should cut costs, according to Amtrak spokesman Steve Kulm. Amtrak now uses three locomotive models, requiring slightly different maintenance, parts and training. "Now, we will have one model, one inventory and one training program, and all that will help efficiency," Kulm said. About 750 people are employed at Siemens' Sacramento plant. The locomotive project also involves Siemens plants in Columbus, Ohio, Richland, Miss., and Alpharetta, Ga.

91


The ripple effect spreads farther. As a condition of the Department of Transportation loan, the majority of the products and materials used to build the locomotives must be made in the U.S. As a result, some lighting parts are coming from Connecticut, the driver's seat from Wisconsin, insulation from Indiana, electronics from Texas and hydraulic parts from California. In all, 70 suppliers in 23 states are providing components, Siemens said. Amtrak must still seek federal funding for a long list of planned and ongoing improvements, including replacing sections of pre-World War II electrical systems on the Northeast Corridor that cause regular disruptions. The fact that Amtrak has reduced its debt by 60 percent over the last 10 years and its federal operating subsidy to 12 percent could make it an easier sell. "Ten years ago we were in a tougher spot," Amtrak CEO Joe Boardman said last week. "Now Amtrak on the Northeast Corridor is in a much healthier position. We're trying to maximize that, to the extent we can, to pay for what we should pay for on the Northeast Corridor." Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2013/05/13/amtrak-unveils-locomotivesto-replace-aging-fleet/?intcmp=trending#ixzz2TYCyWZqK http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2013/05/13/amtrak-unveils-locomotives-to-replaceaging-fleet/?intcmp=trending

• Orient Express Train From an email received by Hennie Heymans and compiled by Johan Jacobs.

The Coat of Arms 92


The express steaming through the country in the early years

Map of the various routes 93


A Steward aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Stewards on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express luxury train through Europe

94


Travelling through Europe’s beautiful scenery

95


Lounge, dining and bar coaches 96


97


The dining coach with cuisine

98


The sleeping compartments

99


Durban Metro (HBH)

Chinese Railways An email was received from Anton van Schalkwyk and the following question is posed: “Do we still doubt that China is heading towards becoming a Mega super power in a decade or two? No doubt at all. Regarding railroads, the UK & USA is living in the dark ages. Zzz’ Anton has visited Angola and has seen what the Chinese can do! •

We have already “carried” the Chinese railways in our Uloliwe and Paul Mills has also visited China and sent us superb photographs on their new rail system. We also carried an article on the line to Tibet. I “Googled” the line to Tibet and I must confess I was very impressed by the new technology and the scientific advancement in railway engineering.

100


101


Letters

Rudi Venter Naand Oom Hennie,

Evening Hennie,

Dankie vir die belangstelling in die foto's en plaas daarvan ... Bruno Martin is baie welkom om die groep wat ek, Jacobus Marias en Grant Freyer begin het.

Thank you for your interest in the photos and their publication ... Bruno Martin is welcome to join the group I, Jacobus Marais and Grant Freyer started.

[E]k glo enige persoon wat 'n kamera besit kan deel wees van die stokperdjie ... op ons "job" is 'n man so positief soos wat sy belangstelling is in sy werk is. Ek deel

I believe any person who owns a camera can be part of the hobby ... on our "job" a man must be positive and his interest in his work is important. I would like to 102


graag my belangstel.

foto's

met

almal

wat share my photos with anyone who is interested.

Hoop dis reg met oom dat ek die foto's "rename"... dink 'n watermerk op foto's bederf te hele foto ... laat weet maar as ek nog kan help.

I hope that's right when I rename pictures... I think a watermark on photos destroy the whole picture ... let me know where I may help.

Ek is tans besig om inligting en foto's te versamel oor al Natal se ou steenkool myne wat ex SAS stoom lokomotiewe gebruik het...op die groep het ek al foto's en Google earth kaarte gemaak waar en hoe die myne se lyne geloop het. Het al baie oor Platberg myn 25 kilometer uit Ladysmith noord en Enyati myn ...... soek hard na materiaal oor Danhauser en Durncol steenkool myne ... moet 'n bietjie die hoofbibloteek besoek by Durban stadsaal, hul het 'n groot versameling boeke oor stoom en alles oor die ou spoorweë vir inligting oor ou myne en foto's...sal vir Oom foto's en inligting pos oor Platberg en Enyati myne ... Ek het as jong seun grootgeword te Boomlaer by Enyati aansluiting te Hlobane 20 kilometers noord van Vryheid. My pa was daar gestasioneer as voorman rangeerder en het by Hlobane se kontrolepunt gewerk vir jare en het menigte Vryheid Coronation myn se lokomotiewe in uit die SAS werf geloods in 1972 tot in 1982.

I am currently working on aproject to gather all information and photos about Natal's old coal mines where ex SAR steam locomotives were used ... I have photos on the group from Google earth maps of the railway lines on the coal fields. I’ve gathered much information about Platberg mine 25 kilometers from Ladysmith North and Enyati mine ...... I am looking hard for material on Danhauser and Durncol coal mines ... I need to visit the Library at Durban City Hall where they have a large collection of books on steam and everything about the old railways, the old mines and old pictures ... I will post photos and information on Platberg and Enyati mine .. As a young boy I grew up at Boomlaer at Enyati junction Hlobane - 20 miles north of Vryheid. My father was stationed there as a foreman shunter. For many years he was stationed at Hlobane checkpoint. From 1972 to 1982 he piloted many locomotives belonging to Vryheid Coronation Mine in and out of the SAR site.

Groete Rudi (22 Mei 2013)

Regards Rudi

• DLS & Fun Train – J & J Wepener and Carlos Vieira 103


Hi Hennie. Ou Boet Carlos het meer inligting vir my gestuur oor die DLS “Daylight Sitter� wat in die vroee tagtigs tussen JHB & DBN geloop het. Dalk kan jy dit gebruik saam met gister se fotos? Mooi bly. Jacque. Hi Boet As to DLS later known as Sitter, this train used the 246/330 Khubusi the last wooden dining car of the SAR in its trial run which I was there and then for a while used the 231/286 Zambesi former Drakensberg Express dining car which is now with Rovos. The coaches were all former C-36 and four of these include the last C-36 are in NRE service. I did see this train often in JHB both as the DLS and later Sitter. Also the Fun train part of the Southern Sun which they used aircraft type seating on former UCW built lounge cars 801/802/809/810. This train used an AC-1 catering car and former Drakensberg lounge cars 695/696 as well as dining car 500 which was part of a one off self service catering dining car. No 500 was sold whilst her kitchen 501 was scrapped due to fire. No 696 was sold to private and No 695 is in CT for the well-known THF. 23901/23902/23903/23904 former 801/802/809/810 were to my knowledge in re-use as lounge cars on the Premier class. Lalla class coaches are still around and saw some of these on the net. Two of these were seen by me on a photo on Pretoria station. Carlos

Hi Boet More about DLS. 104


The train also used at one time the A-1 and A-3 diners. One of the coaches was sold recently in one of the TFR auctions. When the train ran back then the dining car split the whites/blacks. DLS also had one coach for the blacks - train also had several H class coaches for them as well. Our coaches were about five plus. Normal baggage van was used. It was made up of - loco, several H class coaches, 1x DLS, 1x dining car, 5x or more DLS, 1x Bag van. FUNTRAIN was a different one that was run by Southern Suns. It was made up of loco, 2x Transit, 1x Lounge, 1x AC-1, 2x Transit, 1x 500 also known as kiddies coach and then a compo van type GD-2. Transit was introduced on the Trans-Natal and it ran one coach or two in busy season. Coach was usually in the back of the train before the bag van. Groete Carlos

Pandora’s Box

105


“Soppie-koppie! / Mind the gap … I mean mind your head!”

• Disclaimer We don’t like legalize, but it has to be there, so read the small print …. Readers and/or Viewers may use content from The Uloliwe for non-commercial purposes on condition that such material is attributed to The Uloliwe and appropriate acknowledgement is given to the author and source. Where it is clear that any material and/or comment is not made by The Uloliwe, this must be clearly stated. The Uloliwe makes every reasonable attempt to screen or edit content in The Uloliwe by third parties, but does not accept any liability for illegal, defamatory or obscene content. Readers and/or Viewers are encouraged to inform The Uloliwe of any content that may be offensive or illegal. Save where the views expressed are clearly those of The Uloliwe, no responsibility is accepted for the view of other contributors. The Uloliwe does not accept any liability, nor will it be responsible for any damages howsoever arising when this information is obtained and/or utilised in an unauthorised and/or illegal manner. All advertisements are placed in the interest of our Readers and/or Viewers. Such advertisements are placed free of charge at the discretion of The Uloliwe. The Uloliwe does not accept any liability nor will The Uloliwe be responsible for any damages howsoever arising from such advertisements. The main purpose of adverts is to be of an informative nature.

106


Greetings

Photo: J & J Wepener The next issue of “The Uloliwe” will be Vol. 4 No 7 and will be published, DV, sometime during late July 2013. Send in your comments, anecdotes and photographs please. Take care! Stuur solank u stories, herinneringe en eie foto’s in jpg-formaat

Because of stringent security measures and other hassles we at Uloliwe and our readers would gladly accept invites to any railway installation. Hennie Heymans – Pretoria, ZA © 2013

heymanshb@gmail.com

107


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.