ulolwe vol 2 issue 4
DESCRIPTION
The History of the South African Railways,Harbours,Airways and affiliated PoliceTRANSCRIPT
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THE ULOLWE
SOUTH AFRICA – SUID-AFRIKA
A monthly railway research / historical publication
‘n Maandelikse spoorweg historiese en navorsing publikasie Un-official / Nie Amptelik
Patron – Les Pivnic - Beskermheer
“Everything to do with the former
South African Railways &
Transnet; i.e. Railway Stations,
Harbours, Airways, RMT, SAR
Police, Lighthouses, Pipelines,
Catering, SAR Models, Diagrams
of Locomotives etc and books on
the Railways in Southern Africa”
Hennie Heymans, Pretoria, South Africa
April 2011
Vol 2 No 4 (Revised)
Photo by Johan Botha – Airbus A332 ZS-SXY
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Contents - Inhoud
Photo by Johan Botha – Airbus A332 ZS-SXY .......................................................................... 1
Our Main Story – Second World War – SAR Hospital Trains ....................................................... 5
A JOURNEY AHEAD ..................................................................................................................... 5
Repatriation of Sick and Disabled Italian Prisoners of War ................................................... 5
By WO II RS TOMS - Zonderwater ........................................................................................... 5
Illustrated by Lt-Comdr FH Sibson .......................................................................................... 5
Zambian Railway Coach – Capital Park ........................................................................................... 9
SAR Catering Divison – SAS Verversingsafdeling.......................................................................... 9
Carlos Vieira ................................................................................................................................. 9
The Blue Room Johannesburg Station – Die Bloukamer Johannesburg-stasie.................... 9
19D 3369 Lorraine Gold Mines - HBH ............................................................................................ 14
??-Truck - Greylingstad – 7 Dec 2010 - HBH .......................................................................... 15
SAR 3’ 6’’ Gauge Wagon Drawings – Leith Paxton ...................................................................... 15
Current photos of the old coal sidings between Ladysmith and Newcastle – Huidige foto's
van ou steenkool sylyne tussen Ladysmith en Newcastle - Rudi Venter .................................. 17
Dannhauser: right coal syding / Dannhauser: regs steenkool sylyn ................................. 17
Ballengeigh Station: mine siding / Ballengeigh stasie en myn-sylyn ................................. 17
Glencoe stasie – Glencoe Station .............................................................................................. 18
Dannhauser – right coal siding / Dannhauser –regs steenkool-sylyn ............................... 18
Elandslaagte stasie / Station ...................................................................................................... 19
Houer trein tussen Wasbank en Wesselsnek-stasie / Container train between Wasbank
& Wesselsnek .............................................................................................................................. 20
A Very fast Goods Train – Near Irene – HBH ................................................................................ 20
Imperial Military Railways Bridge – nr Irene – over Hennops River (?) ................................... 21
A Tribute to the South African Railways Police ............................................................................ 22
1st of October 1986 ...................................................................................................................... 22
National Transport Police ......................................................................................................... 23
National Transport Plan ............................................................................................................ 23
SAR Police Dogs ......................................................................................................................... 23
Oubaas se honne! ....................................................................................................................... 25
A History of the South African Railways Police – Brig R Beyl .................................................... 26
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Enquiries: "Ronnie" <[email protected]> ....................................................................................... 26
The South African Police and the SA Railways ............................................................................. 27
Capt Thys du Plessis – SAP New Canada .............................................................................. 27
Anglo-Boer War: Boers leaving POW Camps for Home .............................................................. 32
Dec 2010 Gautrain – Pretoria ............................................................................................................ 33
Berea Rd Station, Durban .................................................................................................................. 34
The Wepener’s perambulations through the country ................................................................... 36
1989: Springfontein to Koffiefontein - Jacque Wepener ........................................................... 36
2009 Dundee ................................................................................................................................... 37
RRL ore haulages in Welkom area – Jacque Wepener .............................................................. 39
Heilbron Railway Station – Jacque Wepener ......................................................................... 41
Ladybrand – J & J Wepener ...................................................................................................... 42
The YAY! Train ................................................................................................................................... 43
Greytown-line ..................................................................................................................................... 44
Coach 49 - HBH .................................................................................................................................. 44
RMO’s 3-Axle Caboose ...................................................................................................................... 45
Photo’s 2004 – Hennie Heymans @ Mill Site .......................................................................... 47
Steam Heating Cars - Stoomverhitters ............................................................................................ 48
1949 - Nuwe Metode om Elektriese Passasierstreine te Verwarm .......................................... 49
Green Steamheater on the Trans Karoo ...................................................................................... 50
Dangerous travelling ......................................................................................................................... 52
Train surfing ....................................................................................................................................... 53
History ......................................................................................................................................... 53
References ................................................................................................................................... 54
External links .............................................................................................................................. 54
The Star Surfing Soweto 10 April 2011 ........................................................................................ 55
Correspondence DA Hendrie ........................................................................................................... 58
“Blackie” Col Andre Kritzinger ....................................................................................................... 59
Manufacturer .............................................................................................................................. 61
Service .............................................................................................................................................. 61
Cape Town-Wellington Railway.............................................................................................. 61
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Plaque on Blackie’s plinth ......................................................................................................... 62
Port Alfred on the Kowie .......................................................................................................... 62
Grahamstown to Cape Town ................................................................................................... 63
See also............................................................................................................................................. 64
References ................................................................................................................................... 64
Where is Blackie now? ....................................................................................................................... 64
The Answer ................................................................................................................................. 64
Carlos’ Junction .................................................................................................................................. 65
“Meet the South African Railways” ............................................................................................ 65
Carlos Veiera – Berea Rd Sta 1902 ........................................................................................... 73
E-mails / Vonkpos .............................................................................................................................. 73
Leith Paxton ................................................................................................................................ 73
Robert’s Heights ......................................................................................................................... 73
NGG13 ......................................................................................................................................... 73
Anesh Singh ................................................................................................................................ 74
Nanthan Berilowitz - Cullinan ................................................................................................. 74
Railways Worldwide Heritage ................................................................................................. 74
6E1 1473 ........................................................................................................................................... 74
FOTR – 29 May 2011 .................................................................................................................. 75
André Kritzinger ........................................................................................................................ 75
Boon Boonzaaier ......................................................................................................................... 75
Cherece du Plessis ...................................................................................................................... 76
Kelvin Naylor (Spyker) ............................................................................................................. 77
Shaun le Roux ............................................................................................................................. 77
Dennis Walters ........................................................................................................................... 79
André Kritzinger, Cape Town, ................................................................................................. 79
What’s this? [May 1987] .................................................................................................................... 80
Conclusion / Slot ................................................................................................................................ 81
I have decided to publish The Ulolwe in .pdf format monthly and to distribute it to
my Rail Friends and other Rail Fans. I will still publish the The Ulolwe on ISSUU.
Click on http://issuu.com/hennieheymans/docs for previous issues. Subscribe its free!
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Photographs, stories, letters, diagrams and anecdotes are welcome. Railwaymen are invited
to take part.
Our Main Story – Second World War – SAR Hospital Trains
A JOURNEY AHEAD
Repatriation of Sick and Disabled Italian Prisoners of War
By WO II RS TOMS - Zonderwater
Illustrated by Lt-Comdr FH Sibson1
The Prisoner-of-War Hospital at Zonderwater is the largest POW Hospital in the Southern
Hemisphere. The modern and most up-to-date equipment in this hospital can favourably
compare with any other South African hospital and can adequately meet any emergency
that it may be called upon to deal with. Since its inception it has been prepared to combat
any epidemic and could accommodate up to approximately 3,000 patients if the occasion
demanded.
1 Lt-Cmdr FH Sibson is identical to Francis H Sibson of The Boys Book of South African Engines
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Now that the war has drawn to a successful conclusion the predominant thought uppermost
in the minds of the majority of Italian prisoners is repatriation, and naturally, sick and
disabled men are given first priority.
Owing, however, to International technicalities, the repatriations in the past have not been
as expeditious as our Government - in conjunction with the British Government - would
have liked them to have been; but as world conditions gradually settle so circumstances will
permit more speedy repatriations in the future.
The initial spade work in preparing such repatriation involves a tremendous amount of
work and careful planning by many Defence Departments. When the provisional figures for
a forthcoming repatriation of sick POW are received by the POW Hospital, work commences
immediately.
Each and every chronic case is carefully examined by two or more UDF Doctors and several
Italian MO’s. After the requisite number of sick have been selected, one of the most difficult
tasks arises, and that is the selection of the Italian Protected Personnel who, in accordance
with the Geneva Convention, accompany each draft.
From the hundreds of Medical Orderlies only a few are fortunate in being selected. Among
them there are Interpreters, Medical Orderlies, Clerks and Male Nurses. These are selected
from men who were captured in the early stages of the war. Their length of captivity is one
of the deciding factors.
As the final list nears completion, excitement and tension runs high. At a general assembly
the names of those selected are read out, followed by excited cries of joy and expressions of
disappointment.
Each Patient and Orderly is then given instructions as to various times he has to report to
different sections of the hospital-for pay purposes, drawing of equipment and inoculations.
It is, for instance, essential that every man be vaccinated and have a yellow fever
inoculation.
These repatriates are well equipped prior to leaving the country and receive new issues of
underclothes, boots, kitbags and a number of other items too numerous to mention here.
The organization of this great task runs smoothly and efficiently. Hundreds of sheets of
nominal rolls are roneo-ed in strict alphabetical order. For easy reference each man has a
card tied to the lapel of his coat on which is a number corresponding to that on the nominal
roll. Separate lists have to be compiled for inter-departmental work as the selected patients
in each of the 120 wards are scattered throughout the hospital. Mental cases, trachoma’s,
T.Bs and other ailments have to be kept separate, and the amount of work thrown on to the
Orderly Room staff may well be imagined.
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From dawn on the day of departure repatriates start lining up on the parade ground. They
are soon surrounded with groups of well-wishers and friends bidding and kissing them
farewell.
Their kit, having been searched and checked the night before, is neatly stacked ready to be
conveyed to the station.
The buzzing talk grows loader as the time for the final parade draws near, and the word
"Ciao" (cheerio) frequently echoes above shouts and laughter.
At last the command to fall in sounds, and each man, who IS able to walk falls in his
appointed position, ambulances, then start leaving from the hospital wards conveying
stretcher, mental and infectious cases. The marching out of the hospital goes with
mechanical precision and very rarely does a hitch occur.
SAR Hospital train
A hospital train awaits the repatriates at Zonderwater Station. While the kit is loaded into
the van by a special fatigue party, the patients are quickly taken out of the ambulances as
they arrive and systematically placed into the bunks of the ward cars. The beds or train
bunks run in double rows down either side of the coach. The blue SAR blankets and
spotlessly white sheets would surely meet with a favourable comment from the most
exacting of matrons. They are equipped with electric fans and radios for the comfort and
entertainment of the sick.
Magazines and books are also provided. A unique and compact dispensary coach fully
equipped with emergency medicines and drugs is attached to the last ward car. The UDF
train staff attached to this hospital train are railway men and their job is to attend to the
welfare of the patients and act as a liaison between military and railway officials, Special
care is taken with the mental and neurosis cases and trained Italian mental orderlies handle
them tactfully. All the repatriates are easily distinguishable as they are dressed in second-
hand British pattern battle-dress dyed brown-this appearance gives them the nickname of
"Chocolate Soldiers", U.D.F. hospital staff accompanies the draft, and in addition to the
Protected Personnel repatriates, are Italian Orderlies who assist on the journey to the point
of embarkation.
The SAR train staff perform their duties as efficiently as is their custom, and patients on
special diets are catered for in every respect. No trouble has ever occurred on these train
journeys. The prisoners are docile and willing to co-operate. A psychological study of these
people portrays happiness at the thought of seeing their families and sadness in others.
Questioning them reveals their mixed feelings; many are returning. With a feeling of great
apprehension of bewilderment and uncertainty. One POW has just received a letter
informing him that on the capitulation of the German Army in Northern Italy, his mother
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and daughter ran out of the house into the street to join the celebrations, when, suddenly,
the Germans opened fire and killed them. Yet another is returning to a home razed to the
ground. Others have had good news. Their families are safe and sound, thanks to the
invaluable information and aid given by the Information Bureau of the SA Red Cross. The
war with its consequent effects has left its permanent mark. On the arrival at Durban Docks,
a word about the highly efficient organisation of the Embarkation Authorities is worthy of
record. As the tram draws to a halt, a loading party of native stretcher bearers are awaiting
the arrival of the POWs. They are lined up spick and span with their stretchers and wheel
chairs in tidy rows beside them.
After a short consultation and the handing over of varied documents, the actual embarking
of patients from the train to the hospital ship is executed in a smooth clockwork manner.
'The whole operation is Over in a short time, and the 'Orderlies on the quay side wave and
shout their good wishes before departing to a Base Depot in Durban, from where they await
their return journey. The depressed feelings of the Orderlies who have to return to
Zonderwater can easily be understood. Back in camp a silent emptiness assails the hospital
for a few days after the repatriation fever wears off, and the remaining prisoners wait in
anxious expectation that they will be the lucky ones to be selected on the next draft- When
Who knows?
One thing is certain. The majority of POWs who have already left this country have taken
with them the predominant thought of the democratic treatment that has been conceded
them during their captivity; and the kind and generous nature of the South African people
with whom they have come into contact at, various times will forever remain with them.
Note composition: locomotive, ship and tug all ‘steaming’.
• In contrast our POW’s had a hard time in Italy and Europe during WW2.
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Zambian Railway Coach – Capital Park
This lady was seen at
Capital Park during 2004.
Here is a photo of the ZR
logo - HBH
SAR Catering Divison – SAS Verversingsafdeling
Carlos Vieira
The Blue Room Johannesburg Station – Die Bloukamer Johannesburg-stasie
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Dear Carlos,
Thanks for sharing! The recipes make for interesting reading! These menus were still in the
days of the £-s-d, i.e. before the 14th of February 1961!
When I was a police recruit during 1964 I used to visit Johannesburg over weekends and
even the ordinary restaurant on the Johannesburg station was renowned for its bangers,
mash and green peas or pie, chips and gravy!
Do not forget the railway coffee which a taste of its own – HBH.
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19D 3369 Lorraine Gold Mines - HBH
During a visit to Port
Shepstone with Boon
Boonzaaier of Bosveld
Train Safaris I met
these two old
“Gentlemen of Steam”.
I did not take their
names but I listened to
their interesting
anecdotes. They were
working at Alfred
County Railway. They
were practicing a dying
art! While walking
around the ARC I met
them and I took some
photographs of the NG rolling stock, locomotives and other interesting historic stuff.
• It would be nice to publish a photograph of 19D 3369.
15
??-Truck - Greylingstad – 7 Dec 2010 - HBH
I photographed this forlorn truck at Greylingstad – I have no idea from where it comes?
SAR 3’ 6’’ Gauge Wagon Drawings – Leith Paxton
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Leith writes:
Morning Hennie,
Thank you for your interest in my wagon book. Because of the difficulty getting drawings
and information from the ‘railways’ these days, I resolved a few years ago to collect and
redraw is many wagon drawings as I could as a service mostly to modellers/builders,
although many armchair railway enthusiasts have also appreciated it. The book consists of
74 highly detailed drawings of a sample of wagon that were service from about 1920 to 1980.
There are also 17 pages of numbering chart with the old and new numbers. Any additional
publicity will be much appreciated. Might I add, I am an admirer of your work, but have
had much difficulty subscribing to your e-Gazette2. Maybe you could make it easier for me.
If I can be of assistance to you by way of material or resources please ask. Regards, Leith.
The cost of the book is R200 which includes postage with tracking. Deposit the money in
Absa Account 4034669357 branch code 632005. Please send proof of payment with your
postage address to “The Paxtons” <[email protected]>
2 Thank you Leith you have convinced me – I will distribute every month in .pdf format.
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Current photos of the old coal sidings between Ladysmith and
Newcastle – Huidige foto's van ou steenkool sylyne tussen Ladysmith
en Newcastle - Rudi Venter
Dannhauser: right coal syding / Dannhauser: regs steenkool sylyn
Ballengeigh Station: mine siding / Ballengeigh stasie en myn-sylyn
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Glencoe stasie – Glencoe Station
Dannhauser – right coal siding / Dannhauser –regs steenkool-sylyn
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Elandslaagte stasie / Station
Elandslaagte stasie en oorblyfsels van ou myn-sylyn / Elandslaagte station and remains of
old coal siding
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Houer trein tussen Wasbank en Wesselsnek-stasie / Container train between Wasbank &
Wesselsnek
A Very fast Goods Train – Near Irene – HBH
21
This train travelled north to Pretoria at speed. Note the reflectors. Does anybody have an
idea whether this train has a special name?
Imperial Military Railways Bridge – nr Irene – over Hennops River (?)
This beautiful IMR
bridge dating from
the Anglo-Boer War
is over the Hennops
Riv (?) An uplifted
line ran over the
bridge between Irene
and Olifantsfontein.
Unfortunately the
Willows cover the
Keystone with the
letters “IMR”.
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A Tribute to the South African Railways Police
1st of October 1986
On the 1st of October 1986 the South African Railways Police ceased to exist ... This once
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proud force was integrated into the South African
Police during a parade at Esselen Park which I was
fortunate to attend. I was a witness to the demise of
the Railway Police and that led to the ultimate demise
of the railways, the national carrier we once knew.
The SAR Police were active all over the globe
guarding the vested interests of the SA Railways,
Harbours and Airways. Due to certain events that
took place the State President at a meeting of the State
Security Council decided that all law enforcement agencies in South Africa would be
rationalised. I was a staff officer at the Secretariate of the State Security Council. I wrote the
letter to the Commissioners informing them formally of the decision that had taken place.
National Transport Police
As a (retired) South African Police officer who is interested in trains, aircraft and transport
generally I secretly hoped that a National Transport Police would be established to police
the roads, railways, harbours, waterways, airports and airways. The South African Police
serve the country and the people generally – while the SAR Police served a specific client,
viz the South African Railways (or the ultimately Dept of Transport.)
At one time the SAR was part of the Dept of Transport and I would have kept the SAR
under Transport and that would be the portfolio the SAR Police as the National Transport
Police could serve! (One could also see that South Africa was mainly focused on the
revolutionary onslaught and trying hard to improve matters on the social side of society –
schools, hospitals, education, water, and, and.)
National Transport Plan
If we had a coherent National Transport Plan which covered the whole spectrum of
transport including: roads, railways, airways, commuter traffic, taxis, busses, ships, boats,
heavy transport, integrated transport systems between them all, I think the Gautrain would
not have been necessary! A Strategic Reserve of Steam Locomotives, rolling stock including
preservation and tourism would have been catered for in a coherent and integrated way.
[A rail service from Groblersdal via the old KwaNdebele would have been a much be better
investment! The present Metro between Pretoria and Johannesburg could have only been
improved upon. More feeder lines between various new townships and Pretoria,
Johannesburg, Sharpeville, Vereeniging, and Sasolburg is very necessary – to mention a few
ideas. A new line for fast passenger train service is needed between Pietersburg / Polekwane
/ Moria (ZCC Church) and Pretoria, Johannesburg and Soweto! The line between
Magaliesburg and Pretoria is slowly being stolen! While the sleepers on the line between
Cullinan and Rayton is being stolen bit by bit! ]
Here are some photographs that I found in a collection of photographs that belongs to Maj-
Gen Leon Mellet, former spokesman of the Ministry of Law & Order:
SAR Police Dogs
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Sers ‘Skip’ Scheepers (later major en die BO van die hondeskool op Esselenpark) met sy hond R2
Rommel / Sgt Scheepers and Rommel.
Sersant ‘Tokkie’ Koen (oorlede) met sy hond R3 Rex
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Oubaas se honne!3
The book below, by Brig Ronnie Beyl, is in Afrikaans and a valuable reference to what the
old SAR Police did in South Africa before 1981.
3 This Police dog is undentified. (The identification of the dogs and their handlers was done by Brig R
Beyl)
26
A History of the South African Railways Police – Brig R Beyl
Enquiries: "Ronnie" <[email protected]>
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The South African Police and the SA Railways
Capt Thys du Plessis – SAP New Canada
Below: Capt Thys du Plessis is a 2nd generation railway policeman – Thys and I was at school
together in Durban. We met again in Soweto, at New Canada.
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Both Thys and I gave evidence at the Goldstone Commission on Train Violence. I contacted
the HSRC and Dr De Kock visited us on the spot to help us understand th complex problems
of train violence. There were many factors – e.g. when the train ran smoothley commuters
were attacked in order to intice them to use the taxis. I travelled many a day on these trains!
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Source: Scope 30 April 1993
30
31
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Comments HBH: I was attached to the ‘Physical Rendering of Service’ in Soweto during
1992. We had 6 000 policemen in Soweto. At that time I regularly travelled on the
commuter trains between Soweto and Johannesburg. We had approx 500 policemen on the
trains daily. We were in a “catch-22” situation. The trains travelled fast and if there was a
fight on board in the next coach we could not go there, as each coach was sealed off. When
the train stopped at the station there were so many commuters that that you could not move
from coach A to B! I would not have believed it, if I had not seen it myself. The coaches
were sealed off because it stopped robbers from moving from coach to coach. One train e.g.
full of commuters would sing hymns from Vereeniging – via Soweto – to Johannesburg, the
next train would be full of XYX Party while the next train would be ABDC–Party. I saw
trains travelling next to one another, in the same direction, fighting running battles when
the train stopped – they would fight across the platform until the trains departed. Getting in
the wrong train could mean death! Many dead commuters were picked up along the line!
Anglo-Boer War: Boers leaving POW Camps for Home
It appears to be a train of the NGR somewhere, I presume, in either in Northern Natal – on
the line north to Heidelberg or in the Ladysmith – Bethlehem area on the NGR’s Free State
line.
Any comments will be welcome.
Photo: Leon Mellet-Collection
33
Dec 2010 Gautrain – Pretoria
Mainly Continental rolling stock
34
Berea Rd Station, Durban
SAR Magazine March 1924 page 283
35
SAR Magazine November 1924 p 1119
There has been a lot of discussion on SAR-List about the Berea Rd station in Durban. I
thought I would place a few old photographs of the station. To-day the line has sunk much
deeper – during the 1960’s the station was near the Natal Technical College.
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The Wepener’s perambulations through the country
1989: Springfontein to Koffiefontein - Jacque Wepener
On 20 June 1989 we arrived at Springfontein (height 1519m) at 01:30 by car. As usual it was
well below freezing. (No global warming those days - Ben van Tonder will be able to tell
you how cold Springfontein and the surrounding areas can get!) As the car's lights fell onto
passing trees they glistened with frozen dew drops. As soon we had met the friendly station
staff and the crew of our train and were invited into the warm Station Foreman's office. Here
we spent about an hour chatting and hiding from the bitterly cold Free State morning. We
saw the departure of the Amatola to East London with one "Fris Chris" walking down the
corridor with only shorts on and a beer in the hand! We had left Welkom at 01:15, the
Amatola had left Hennenman at 19:23 and we had actually caught up with at Springfontein.
Soon after that an Algoa full of sleeping passengers, oblivious to the cold, heading for
Johannesburg arrived and departed.
At approximately 02:20 our train to Koffiefontein (train no. 973) was shunted in with class 35
no. 35 - 303 at the head. We boarded an ancient "TX" van no. 290084, one of the first type of
all steel coaches to be built and departed at 02:30. As we started moving the cold really sank
its teeth into us and it felt as if we were going to freeze to death in this deep freeze we called
a train. The smell of the guard's paraffin heater drifted into our cold compartment. We took
out all our warm sleeping kit and tried to get some sleep. We awoke after a most cold and
uncomfortable morning and later arrived at Koffiefontein at 07:14 (143 km). (We can clearly
state that this was the coldest we have ever been on a train anywhere)
After plenty of shunting we once again departed for Springfontein at 09:09 (train no. 976).
The sun was warming everything up nicely by now. We travelled through a quite dull and
flat countryside. Only on nearing Fauresmith the scenery started to change to a more hilly
type of view. All along the route we stopped to pick up or set down passengers and goods
together with some shunting.
At Fauresmith we left the train to do the shunting and walked down the main street with the
railway line running down the middle of it. We took some photos of the old 8th class and
strolled back to the station telling some of the people we met to keep a look out for us
because we would soon be coming down the road by train!
Duly we departed from Fauresmith and how strange it was to be sitting in a railway coach
and going down the main street at the same time. We waved at the people we had just met
and others sitting on their stoeps or standing in their driveways watching us go by at an
almost walking pace. Cars moved behind the train in slow procession. Near the end of the
4 Any comments Carlos?
37
road the line swung to the right and the main road to the left. Our next stop was at
Jagersfontein. Then on to Springfontein arriving at 14:15.
From Springfontein by car to Aliwal North for our next adventure – “The Reverses”.
John & Jacque.
2009 Dundee
During August 2009 the Wepeners paid a visit to Dundee in Natal and this is their photo
report:
38
39
RRL ore haulages in Welkom area – Jacque Wepener
RRL's Diesel Hydraulic at Welkom station, November 2009.
RRL 35 02 & 35 01, Just "delivered", Welkom station January 2009.
40
RRL 91 01 nearing the exchange yards with the mines at the show grounds, April
2010.
RRL 33 02, heading towards Friedesheim, December 2010.
41
Heilbron Railway Station – Jacque Wepener
42
Ladybrand – J & J Wepener
43
The YAY! Train
One during the 1990’s my Father travelled on the
Trans-Natal and he was given this metal badge.
He in turn gave it to me – does anybody know
more about the “YAY”-train?
44
Greytown-line
What is the correct name for
this item?
Coach 49 - HBH
This coach was built in 1947. I find no record that she was used in the Royal Train of 1947.
She was later used on the Governor General and State President’s White Train. Also used in
the RSA / Rhodesia / Zambia-talks at the Victoria Falls. (Photo: SAR).
45
RMO’s 3-Axle Caboose
This caboose used
by the Railway
Medical Officer.
It was plinthed at
De Aar with loco
6A No 462. Later
this coach of
Africana and
Railwayana im-
portance was
staged at Mill Site
where I photo-
graphed her in a
pitiful state.
(Photo – Hennie Heymans-Collection)
46
• I wonder what a diagram from Leith would look like.
47
Photo’s 2004 – Hennie Heymans @ Mill Site
48
Steam Heating Cars - Stoomverhitters
The following article on Steam Heating Cars was found in the South African Railways and Harbours
Magazine of 1949. Please have a look at the various photographs and liveries:
49
1949 - Nuwe Metode om Elektriese Passasierstreine te Verwarm
South African Railways and Harbours magazine February, 1949 - 35 -
'n Elektriese stoomverwarmingswa wat doeltreffender en meer ekonomiese verwarming
van elektries verhitte hooflyn-passasierstreine in die vooruitsig stel, is vir proefdoeleindes
in die spoorwegwerkwinkels te Pietermaritzburg gebou. Die voertuig is aan verskillende
geslaagde toetse onderwerp, en gehoop word dat dit in die nabye toekoms in gebruik
geneem sal kan word.
Die verskaffing van stoom vir die verwarming van hooflynpassasierswaens gedurende
die wintermaande het in die geval van elektriese trajekte nogal moeilikheid opgelewer.
Op die oomblik word 'n steenkoolketelvervoerwa agteraan elke trein gehaak—'n taamlike
duur reëling, wat die dienste van 'n spesiale stoker vereis.
Toe die jongste tipe van elektriese lokomotiewe bestel is, is 'n elektries verhitte ketel, as deel
van die lokomotief se toerusting, by die spesifikasie ingesluit. Dit is egter moeilik bevind om
'n voldoende voorraad water in die lokomotief vir lang reise te vervoer, en die metode is
slegs vir kortafstand passasierstreine doeltreffend.
Die nuwe voertuig, waarmee gehoop word om die vraagstuk op te los, sal agteraan die
lokomotief gehaak word, en die romp daarvan sal heelwat ooreenkom met die van 'n
elektriese lokomotief klas 1E. Dit is gebou op 'n onderstel van 40 voet, soortgelyk aan die
wat vir voetrokke gebruik word.
Die stoomtoestel sal uit twee ketels bestaan, elk met 'n vermoë van 320 kw. en 2,900 volt
gelykstroom. Die maksimumwerkdruk van elke ketel is 120 pd. per vk. dm., en nagenoeg 800
pd. stoom per uur kan teen 'n drukking van 70 pd. per vk. dm. verkry word. Elke ketel is
voorsien van 'n tenk met 'n vermoë van 224 gelling, asmede 'n elektriese suierpomp.
Die ketels word deur middel van verstelbare drukregulateurs en 'n veiligheidstermostaat
gekontroleer. Die ketel bestaan uit 'n horisontale romp van sagte staal en van klinkwerk-
konstruksie, toegerus met elementpype van sagte staal uit een stuk. Die nikkelchroom-
weerstandselemente is met kwartsbuise omhul, wat in die elementpype aangebring is, en dit
kom dus met die gebruiklike vlampypketel ooreen. Die ketelromp is met 'n asbesvesel
bekleding geïsoleer en daar is 'n plaat staalomhulsel om die bekleding.
Daar is vier addisionele tenks, met 'n vermoë van 290 gelling elk, in die hoeke van die
voertuig aangebring sodat daar 'n ruim watervoorraad vir die hele rit van Durban na
Volksrust—die volledige elektriese trajek —beskikbaar sal wees.
Die 2900-volt-toevoer vir die ketels word deur middel van 'n standaard pantograaf,
wat op die dak van die voertuig aangebring is, van die bogrondse kontakdraad
verkry, terwyl die 110-volt-hulptoevoer deur 'n 11-kw-motorgeneratorstel, van die tipe
waarmee die Witwatersrandse voorstedelike passasierswaens toegerus is, verskaf word.
50
Wanneer die stroom aangeskakel word, gloei die elemente en verwarm die water, wat
deur pype na die verwarmers in die gange en kompartemente van die waens loop. Die
nuwe metode is baie sindeliker en doeltreffender as die van die steenkoolketel, en
aangesien die toerusting outomaties is, sal dit min aandag vereis. Omrede die wa aan
die lokomotief gekoppel word, sal 'n bediende nie nodig wees nie. Die
lokomotiefpersoneel kan toesien dat alles in die haak is. —Suid-Afrikaanse Spoorwegnuus.
Green Steamheater on the Trans Karoo
In this official SAR photograph we see the Trans Karoo with a green steam heating car. In
my collection I have many photographs of the then new steam heating cars in black and
white but not in a colour photograph. I believe there is a Blue & Grey steam-heating car as
well.
Die Trans Karoo met ‘n groen stoomverhitter – is daar dalk iemand wat ‘n kleur foto het van
‘n groen stoomverhitter.
51
8 ZNR 182-781
8 ZNR 182-781
NS-1 94-005-435 Braamfontein 30-10-2003 HBH
52
Photo by Col Andre Kritzinger
Dangerous travelling
Another picture from the
camera of Col Andre
Kritzinger!
53
Train surfing
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Train_surfing
Train surfing is riding or climbing ("surfing") on the outside of a moving train. This activity
is illegal in many countries and is prohibited by administrative law.
History
Riding on the outside of suburban trains is very popular hobby of Russian teenagers
Train surfing is a common phenomenon and a usual way to ride on the trains in India,
Indonesia and South Africa. This practice is a serious issue in these countries where people
have been killed or injured in accidents. In the rest of world, train surfing is predominantly
practised by young people for testing of courage, getting adrenaline or positive emotions.
Sometimes people ride on the outside of trains to travel without a ticket.
With the creation of the internet, the practice of filming the act and posting online videos of
it is on the increase worldwide. While there are no official numbers, the London
Underground is now running an advertising campaign against "tube surfing". The
advertisements now at most underground stations show a female figure with one arm and
the caption "she was lucky" next to it.
In Germany, the practice was made popular on TV in the 1990s. There it was called "S-Bahn
Surfing". Slowly, the former train surfing culture changed and integrated into the German
graffiti culture. The phenomenon was forgotten until the millennium, but in 2005 it was
rediscovered by a group from Frankfurt, Germany. The leader of the crew who calls himself
"the trainrider" famously surfed the InterCityExpress, the fastest train in Germany. An
54
internet video claimed that he died a year later from an incurable form of leukemia, but later
"the trainrider" revealed in an interview of Sat1 Akte 08 that this video was made by a fan
and the story of his death was a hoax.
An English teenager was killed by hitting a bridge while train surfing in November 2002.[1]
A similar fate hit the Danish train surfer Martin Harris on 12 May 2007. After the incident, a
campaign against train surfing was launched by two individuals. The homepage (in Danish)
can be found at www.trainsurfing.dk.
References
1. ^ Teenager died 'train surfing', BBC News, 8 May 2003
External links
This article's use of external links may not follow Wikipedia's policies or guidelines.
Please improve this article by removing excessive and inappropriate external links.
(December 2010)
Extensive Video Collection of Trainsurfing Activity Documentation of the worldwide
Phenomenon Trainsurfing
South Africa's train-surfing problem BBC News
Australian news report on a trainsurfing injury
Trains surfing teen loses legs BBC News
Train Surfing: Assessment of Risk Jinx Magazine
Station 2: Trainsurfing article TV2 (résumé and screenshots from tv-doc, Danish
language)
Station 2: Train-surfing documentary TV2 (video-on-demand, requires sign-up and
payment) (Mirror, login-free leak at YouTube)
Trainsurfer Surfs Germany's Bullet Train on YouTube
Trainrider DVD Trailer on Google Video
A May '05 post to a German online forum documenting the trainsurfing of the
InterCityExpress train from Hanau.
A May '05 post to a German online forum documenting the trainsurfing of the
InterCityExpress train from Hanau. (Google Translated from German to English)
A weblog post claiming that the Trainrider may have faked his death. The post contains
an anonymous comment claiming to be from a friend of the Trainrider, who says he is
very much alive. The Trainrider later performed in a tv-report below, and thus it is
official that he isn't dead.
German TV-report featuring an interview of Trainrider alive (subtitled version in
English)
Russian TV-report about the train surfing
Danish news article about the first official train surfing accident in Denmark
Trainsurfing.dk campaign launched against train surfing after Denmark's first deadly
accident
The Trainrider The complete account of The Trainrider, Danish language
55
The Star Surfing Soweto 10 April 2011
Monday, January 10th, 2011 by Sihle Mthembu
http://www.mahala.co.za/culture/surfing-soweto/
http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/gauteng/trainsurfing-to-jozi-in-pictures-1.1053745?image=3
Florsheim shoes and bow ties, staffriders are something of folklore on the streets of Soweto.
Staffriding, otherwise known as train-surfing, began when trains first started ferrying
commuters from Soweto to Jozi.5 More than just a means of showing off, staffriding became
a way to outrun the cops after a secret meeting or to avoid being caught without a dompas.
Both activists and criminals surfed the tracks as they sought a fast means of escape. Fast
forwards fifty years and the culture is alive and well, and just as deadly. Generations of
young, rebellious teenagers have made the pastime their own, and train-surfing has taken an
all together different and more dangerous direction from its early days as a way to stick it to
the state.
Directed by Sara Blecher (known for producing local TV shows like Zero Tolerance and Bay of
Plenty among many others) Surfing Soweto takes us deep into this surprising, Youtube-
friendly phenomenon. Developed over three years, the film follows Prince, Lefa and
Mzembe. They are Soweto’s ultimate badasses. We see how train surfing quickly morphs
from an after school lark for the trio to a burgeoning cult thing they are both proud of and
freaked out by. Prince is The Godfather of train surfing in the township – schooling guys on
the dangers. He’s a self-declared platinum medallist of the ‘sport’.
This is a community that has changed so much since the Soweto Uprising and now has a
new form of youth rebellion, more nihilistic and doomed, that chimes with the blunted
Zuma era.
“I wanted to show what’s going on with the youth of Soweto thirty years after that famous
uprising. That change is what inspired me,” Blecher says. Train-surfing is a death-game
played out by a series of counter-culture anti-heroes trapped in a hopeless situation. No jobs.
No future. It’s a punk reaction to being caught without prospects in the rising post-
apartheid consumer culture. But Surfing Soweto is not chiefly a political film. It’s more a
humanist tale exploring the conditions that drive these kids to casually risk their lives for
fun and fame.
We stay with Mzembe as he tries to find his roots, and follow Prince and Lefa as they try to
get an education. There are stupendous, edge-of-chair train-surfing montages and vivid real-
time interludes of drugs and crime. One of Blecher’s biggest concerns making the film
wasn’t whether her subject would be open to the process, but how to develop their trust.
The answer was to get the train-surfers to document their own experiences. Turning the
camera on their own lives, giving this pungent film a rare immediacy.
“We often thought the guys wouldn’t bring the camera back,” Says Blecher. “We were sure
they’d steal it. And having to deal with Mzembe being drunk and Prince being high were
real challenges!”
5 I never saw this in Soweto - HBH.
56
Surfing Soweto is doing the international festival circuit and has already won the Tri-
Continental Human Rights prize. Simply getting the film out there has been a victory for
both Blecher and the surfers.
“People really love this film,” she says. “Especially the kasi audiences. We really show the
reality out there for far too many of our kids. I wish I could take credit for all this, but it’s
really about the guys who gave so much of their lives to this film.”
She means it literally. A major talking point for audiences is Lefa’s shocking death. His body
is found on a railway line. According to Blecher, Lefa’s death pushed her to get the project
done. “It was such a tragedy and it forced us to finish the film. Lefa gave so much to the
whole process. There was no way we couldn’t finish. It felt like we had to, so his life meant
something.”
409158858.doc 620981626.doc
Trainsurfer strikes a pose in the Matrix style
while leaping and hopping along the top of
the moving train. While keeping his balance
is key, he also has to keep a constant
lookout for the dangerous electric cabling
running above his head. Photo: Ziphozonke
Lushaba, The Star, April 7 2011 at 16:10
A school exam question paper is used to
crush mandrax pills which the young
trainsurfers take before their stunts. Photo:
Ziphozonke Lushaba, The Star - April 7 2011
at 16:10 http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-
africa/gauteng/trainsurfing-to-jozi-in-
pictures-1.1053745?image=3
1389583467.doc 3717441995A
57
A trainsurfer strikes a pose in the Matrix
style while leaping and hopping along the
top of the moving train. While keeping his
balance is key, he also has to keep a
constant lookout for the dangerous electric
cabling running above his head. Photo:
Ziphozonke Lushaba, The Star - April 7
2011 at 16:10.
A grinning trainsurfer, high on adrenalin,
does the 2020 as the train roars through the
open veld at high speed while he clings onto
the outside of the coach by just his
fingertips. Photo: Ziphozonke Lushaba, The
Star.
A trainsurfer, high on adrenalin, does the
“2020” as the train roars through the open
veld at high speed while he clings onto the
outside of the coach by just his fingertips.
Photo: Ziphozonke Lushaba, The Star April
7 2011 16:10
A staffrider prepares to jump between the
coach and the platform several times before
ending up inside the train. Photo: Ziphozonke
Lushaba, The Star -April 7 2011 at 16:10
My mode of
travel … and
right a free
pass!
58
Correspondence DA Hendrie
From the Rick Searle-collection:
59
“Blackie” Col Andre Kritzinger
South African "Blackie" 0-4-2WT - From Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia.
60
South African "Blackie" 0-4-2WT
“Blackie” plinthed at Cape Town station, 16 February 2007
Power type Steam
Designer R&W Hawthorn
Builder R&W Hawthorn
Serial number 162
Build date 1858
Total production 1
Configuration 0-4-2WT
Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8.5 in) Standard
Wheelbase 11 ft 10 in (3.607 m)
Length 23 ft 2 in (7.061 m)
Width 6 ft 3 in (1.905 m) engine
8 ft 5 in (2.565 m) cab roof
Height 11 ft 8 in (3.556 m)
Fuel type Coal
Boiler 3 ft 10.5 in (1.181 m) dia
Cylinders Two[1]
Career Messrs E. & J. Pickering
Cape Town-Wellington Railway
61
Cape Government Railways
Kowie Harbour Improvement Co
Number in class 1
Number CWR 9
Nicknames Blackie
Delivered 1859
First run 1859
Last run 1883
Retired 1883[1]
Preserved 1
Disposition National monument, plinthed
In September 1859 Messrs. E. & J. Pickering, contractors to the Cape Town Railway
and Dock Company for the construction of the Cape Town-Wellington Railway,
imported a small 0-4-2WT well-tank locomotive from England for use during the
construction of the railway. This locomotive, later to become the Cape Town-
Wellington Railway’s engine no 9, was the first locomotive in South Africa. It has
been declared a National Monument and is plinthed in the main concourse of Cape
Town station.[1]
Manufacturer
The first locomotive in South Africa was built in 1858 by R & W Hawthorn at their Leith
Engine Works in Leith, Scotland, for Messrs. E. & J. Pickering, the contractors to the Cape
Town Railway and Dock Company for the construction of the Cape Town-Wellington
Railway. It was a 0-4-2WT well-tank locomotive, works number 162, and built to run on
1,435 mm (4 ft 8.5 in) Standard gauge.[1]
Service
Upon arrival in Cape Town on 8 September 1859, the engine had to be dismantled before it
could be landed off the brig Charles by means of lighters. The engine was accompanied by its
engineer-driver, a Scot named William Dabbs. It was partially re-assembled on the jetty and
then moved to Alfred’s Square, now part of the Parade in Cape Town. There a galvanised
iron shed was built over it and the re-assembly completed by Dabbs. As built, the engine
had an open cab, but a cab roof was soon installed.[1][2][3]
Cape Town-Wellington Railway
The first sod for the Cape Town-Wellington Railway was turned on 31 March 1859 by the
Governor, Sir George Grey, using a silver shovel specially made for the opening ceremony,
but the first section of track between Fort Knokke and Salt River was only opened on 8
62
February 1861. The slow construction rate of 1½ miles of track in 23 months led to strained
relations between the railway company and the contractors that ended in October 1861 with
the Cape Town-Wellington Railway taking over all construction work, as well as the
Pickering engine. The dispute ended in sabotage when the disgruntled contractors ran the
engine into a culvert, with the result that it had to be sent to the newly established
workshops at Salt River to have some serious damage repaired.[1][2][3]
While the damage was being repaired, the Cape Town-Wellington Railway took delivery of
eight more locomotives from R & W Hawthorn. These were 0-4-2 tender locomotives that
arrived in two shipments on 20 March and 28 April 1860. They were given names and
numbered from 1 to 8. When repairs to the Pickering locomotive was completed, therefore, it
was given the number 9 in spite of having been the first locomotive in South Africa.[1][2]
The 45 mile (72 km) line from Cape Town to Wellington took nearly five years to complete.
The line to Eersterivier was officially opened on 13 February 1862. Stellenbosch was reached
on 1 May 1862 and the planned railhead at Wellington on 4 November 1863. Work was
completed about a year later, and according to the plaque mounted on its plinth in Cape
Town station, engine no 9 did have the honour in 1865 to haul the official inaugural train of
the Cape Town-Wellington Railway to Wellington.[2][4]
Plaque on Blackie’s plinth
Port Alfred on the Kowie
In 1872 the Cape Government decided to take over the operation of all railways and the
Cape Town-Wellington and Salt River-Wynberg lines were amalgamated into the Cape
Government Railways. No 9 remained on the Wellington line until June 1874, when it was
shipped to the Kowie to assist with construction at the Port Alfred harbour that was being
undertaken by the Kowie Harbour Improvement Company. In Port Alfred, No 9 was
officially named Frontier, but since it was painted black at the time, it came to be
affectionately known as Blackie.[1][2]
63
Blackie was reassembled and put to work on the west bank of the Kowie river, but derailed
on reaching the first curve on the existing rails that had been laid for ox-drawn wagons and
were not fish-plated together. During the repairs it was found that the curves were too sharp
for the engine and the flanges on the middle pair of wheels were removed. Blackie was also
restricted to a 2 mph (3.2 km/h) speed limit.[1]
As pressure of work demanded, it became necessary to regularly ferry the engine from one
bank of the Kowie to the other, until a second locomotive was obtained in 1877, an 0-4-0ST
saddle tank engine named Aid. Blackie worked on the Kowie project until 1883, by which
time it was completely unserviceable and was abandoned on a siding.[1][2]
Grahamstown to Cape Town
“Blackie”, 24 August 2003
In December 1897 a big South African Exhibition took place at Grahamstown and Blackie
was repaired, repainted and railed to that town to be placed on show. When the exhibition
drew to a close at the end of January 1898, the engine was placed in storage in Grahamstown
until 1913, when the Cape Government Railways decided that it should be placed on
permanent exhibition on Cape Town Station. Blackie was repainted in the Cape Government
Railways livery, railed to Cape Town and mounted on the old Cape Town station’s
concourse at the ends of Platforms 3 and 4.[1][2]
When the Cape’s suburban lines were being electrified in 1927-28, Blackie was found to be in
the way of some masts that had to be erected for the overhead equipment, and it was
trucked off to Salt River by the engineer in charge with instructions that it be scrapped.
Fortunately, the old engine’s historical value was recognised by Salt River’s mechanical
engineer in charge, who had it plinthed just inside the entrance to the works. It remained
there until it was eventually examined by the Historical Monuments Commission, which
had it returned to Cape Town station. On 6 May 1936 it was proclaimed a national
monument by Government Notice No 529.[1]
When the new Cape Town station was completed in the 1960s, Blackie was plinthed in the
main hall.[1]
64
See also
• 0-4-2
• South African "Natal" 0-4-0WT
• List of South African locomotive classes
• Cape Town railway station
References
1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Steam Locomotives of the South African Railways, vol 1: 1859-1910,
(D.F. Holland, 1971), p11-15, p18, p23, ISBN 0 7153 5382 9
2. ^ a b c d e f g The South African Railways - Historical Survey (Editor George Hart,
Publisher Bill Hart, Sponsored by Dorbyl Ltd, Circa 1978)
3. ^ a b South Africa’s Yesterdays, The Reader’s Digest Association South Africa (Pty.)
Limited, 1981, (Editor Peter Joyce), p162, ISBN 0 620 05019 5
4. ^ Plaque mounted on Blackie’s plinth
Wikimedia Commons has media related to (category):
South African "Blackie" (0-4-2WT)
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_African_%22Blackie%22_0-4-2WT"
Categories: Steam locomotives of South Africa | 0-4-2T locomotives | Hawthorn locomotives
Where is Blackie now?
On a recent visit to Cape Town I made my regular pilgrimage to “Blackie” – “where it all
actually started in South Africa – if Natal had not beaten the Cape!” and “Blackie” was gone.
The Answer
Dear Hennie,
I understand that many of the SAR treasures, probably including Blackie, are in the vaults of
(deleted), deep under Cape Town. I do know exactly where they are, but I won't
compromise their security by saying any more, but I understand that everything is safe (or
was a year or so back when I received my information). In view of all the tales of wanton
destruction that we have been hearing, this is actually excellent news, as it means that much
really is being kept safe.
With very best wishes
Sue Lawrence
• Sorry this is crazy! “Blackie” is of interest to tourists! It is a National Monument (or it
was one!) now stucked away in a vault!
To put us all in a good mood, let us move down to Carlos’ Junction:
65
Carlos’ Junction
“Meet the South African Railways”
66
67
68
69
Note 1960’s Brown Baggage Car & FP-trucks
70
71
72
73
Carlos Veiera – Berea Rd Sta 1902
E-mails / Vonkpos
Leith Paxton: Dear Hennie,
I must start by saying how much I enjoyed our chat on the phone yesterday. ‘There are more
things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in all philosophy.’ (Shakespeare).
The railway talks as also good!
Robert’s Heights
There were a few items from your Gazette that I wanted to comment on though. The one
was the article about Robert’s Heights. On several army camps that I did back in the 1970’s I
travelled that line and on each occasion remember how the two 19D’s struggled up the bank
past Iscor. I can safely say it was one of the most uncomfortable trips I have ever made. Due
to track restrictions, I suppose, they slipped the locos and had one on the front and one on
the back. As the front engine slipped, the back engine would compress the train into the
front which got his going, but the back one would then stall and cause the front one to slip
again and so it went on. The net result, for us on the train, was that we were continual
buffeted back and forward. In the compartment, we would have to stand and hold on to the
upper bunks for dear life.
NGG13
I was also taken with the NGG13 photo of the ‘BUS’. Do you have a date, location and
engine number for her? I am trying to put the individual lives together of our NG locos.
While I think I know pretty well which operated were from 1945. Prior to that and Natal, are
two of my weaknesses. A reasonable resolution jpg would also be nice, if I may be so bold. It
would merely be for reference purposes, but please include photo credits. It is the least we
can do to honour these old timers who went out and took photos.
Enjoy the weekend, and don’t eat too many Easter eggs. I am allowed, as I walk them all on
74
Tuesdays which is my hiking day.
Kind regards, Leith Paxton
Anesh Singh - Good Day, My name is Anesh Singh I am a section manager safety I
happened to come across the railway gazette you compiled and I must say that it is
absolutely informative and very interesting reading material. I also noticed that the copy
that I have is vol 1 no 2, do you have vol1 no 1 and will you be so kind and share it with me
.your assistance in this regard is highly appreciated. Regards, Anesh Singh, Section
Manager / Safety, Danskraal / Newcastle.
Nanthan Berilowitz - Cullinan
Nathan reported on SAR-List: “Good to have friends that care on the current railway
system. Got a call this afternoon to say that there has been another mass sleeper theft on the
Cullinan branch line from where the main tar road near the Zonderwater Prison area is, to a
distance up the gradient. Now with FOTR trying once more to get a train to Cullinan, they
will now travel to Rayton and bus the passengers to Cullinan. At least that is about ten
kilometres of road transport. This train also has a film crew doing stuff for Japanese
Television and this really is a great way to promote rail travel in the RSA.”
• This is very near to the Cullinan Police station. When FOTR derailed the SAPS
stopped a friend from taking a photo of the derailment – let’s wish they stop the
public from removing the sleepers on this line dating from 1906!
Railways Worldwide Heritage Nicola Di Lembo 20 April 09:12
HAPPY EASTER AND GOOD PEACE ESPECIALLY FOR WONDERFUL JAPANESE
PEOPLE AND NATIONS OF MEDITERRANEAN, CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION AND
FREEDOM. WE WANT RAILWAYS DO NOT CARRY WEAPONS BUT HELP TO
ERADICATE POVERTY AND HELP PROGRESS AND BROTHERHOOD OF THE
PEOPLES OF THE WORLD.
6E1 14736
6 Koedoespoort, 5-11-2004 - HBH. This one is for the “Engelsman” in the UK!
75
FOTR – 29 May 2011
Hi Everyone;
For those going on the steam train ride from Hermanstad to Cullinan on the 29th May 2011
please deposit your money into the following account with your name and then e-mail me
([email protected]) your proof of payment. The prices are in the previous National
Newsletter that I sent out. Remember the closing date for payments is the 24th May.
Account; ABSA, N0; 4048825193, Branch code; 632005 IPA Nongqai.
David S
National Editor
International Police Association (SA)
André Kritzinger
12 April 04:13
South African Class H1 4-8-2T - Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia
en.wikipedia.org
In 1902, towards the end of the Second Anglo-Boer War, the Imperial
Military Railway placed 35 4-10-2T tank locomotives in service, built
to the specifications of the Natal Government Railways “Reid ten-
wheeler”. At the end of the war, these locomotives were transferred to
the Central South African Railways.
Boon Boonzaaier passed this on: The Rail train (BHP call it a steel train) down to a place
called Kurrajura on the branch line to the mines at Yandi to drop rail. About 287 k's down
the track. Also some general shots around the Flash Butt Yard and a nifty little forklift shunt
unit from Germany, yep drive the fork lift onto the platform and use it as a shunt engine.
76
Dear Mr Heymans,
Accident at Paardevlei
I would like to thank you for publishing my query and everyone who responded – I really
appreciate it! Kind Regards,
Cherece du Plessis
Second Chance Sanctuary - Durban
Hennie & Johan,
Railways & Genealogy
Thank you very much for the reply. I understand and thank you for the links here. Also,
Hennie has put my one email into his Railways magazine, for which I am very grateful.
With regards to my offer, I understand that most people do not have the time or inclination
to go head long and do research on a promise of any payment. My intention here is, should
anyone who knows what I am looking for stumble across any relevant information and
present it to me, be willing to pay for that information. So really, this is a bit of pot luck for
me.
Therefore my offer still stands and would appreciate this offer being publicised to other
77
enthusiasts who might stumble across any info for me.
I have copied Hennie in on this and offer him a donation for his foresight and effort, so
Hennie, if you let me know how, I will send a donation to you or an organisation related to
Railways research in SA .
I also intend to send snippets to you gentlemen as and when I come across them, Like the
Naylor Token stuff I attach now. If this is inconvenient for you please inform and I will
desist.
Thanks again Gents and very Best Regards
Kelvin Naylor (Spyker)
• Consider a £’s -donation to Friends of The Rail. Contact Nathan Berelowitz c/o
Trevor Staats <[email protected]>
Here is Spyker’s previous letter:
My Name is Kelvin Naylor (Spyker to the Boerkies). My Great Grandfather, Daniel Naylor
arrived in SA some time just before 1890, we think, as he Married Emily Jane Jones, nee
Carnell in that year, she was listed as being from Taung. Her parents and siblings were
established in Kimberly then as they had worked on the railways construction to Kimberly. I
think Daniel was working for Pauling, Sir Charles Metcalfe or Rhodes at the time, possibly
on the Vryburg line. It has also been said that he worked In India as well as having
something to do with the construction of park station, not sure which one though. I have
anecdotal and documented evidence that Danile was known as a Railways contractor
(Mainly Ships Passenger lists and then What the Family has told me). I am desperate to find
out who exactly he worked for and if he had a business partner as is alleged. Daniel died in
1940 in East London.
Please point me in the right direction.
Very best Regards
Spyker
Shaun le Roux asked us to place this:
15th NATIONAL
MODEL
78
RAILWAY
CONVENTION
28 APRIL – 1 MAY 2011
GARDEN COURT – EASTERN BOULEVARD
National Convention Programme:
Layout Tours, Clinics, Competitions, Gala Dinner & Award
Ceremony, National Train Show, Steam Rail Excursion
ENQUIRIES TO MIKE TROW
Tel: (w) 021-7613070
e-mail: [email protected]
NATIONAL TRAIN SHOW
Saturday 30 April 2011 – 10:00- 16:00
D F MALAN HIGH SCHOOL
Frans Conradie Drive, Boston
Layouts, Exhibits, Model Railway, Model Car & other Model Items for
sale – Model Competition Displays
Entry Fee R20 (Adult) R10 (Children) - Enquiries: Mike Trow
www.samodelrailway.hot.co.za
79
Good Evening Hennie
I found your excellent Railway Gazettes while Googling the internet, and in particular the
article by Stan Kantor on the train wrecking on the Pietersburg line. I am currently doing
research into the bridge destroying and train wrecking by the Boers, and the Royal
Engineers repairs later. I'm a Structural Engineer with an interest in bridges. I would like to
get into contact with Mr Kantor, and I wondered whether you are able to provide me with
his contact details. Regards,
Dennis Walters - East London
Hallo Dennis - How about sending us an article for publication?
(Dennis was put in touch with Stan Kantor).
Hello Hennie
I am sending the following which I know will interest you and can be used for the Gazette
http://southafricaarchive.org/archive/files/netherlandsrail_dc5f3bf4d6.pdf
It refers to the concession of the TVL line to LM by the Gov.
I'll send a couple more pics.
Groete Vriend, Carlos Veiera.
Dag vriende
Check these out. It is a site recently discovered and is Dutch. On the search engine of this
site write "Transvaal" and see what you get. You will be surprised from very early pics of SA
but also very early photos of NZASM.
http://www.geheugenvannederland.nl/
Groete, Carlos.
André Kritzinger, Cape Town,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_African_%22Natal%22_0-4-0WT .
The last horse that came first. Regards, Andre
Fanie Kleynhans
80
The Cape Town to Port Elizabeth Premier Classè
Just north of Wellington 12/02/10 – Fanie Kleynhans
What’s this? [May 1987]
81
• Is this not a coach from the Cape Town “Funeral Train”?
Conclusion / Slot
Next issue sometime in May 2011.
Greetings! Groete! Saudações! Saluti! Приветствия! Cyfarchion!
बधाई! დღესასწაულები !
Hennie Heymans – Pretoria, ZA. © 2011 [email protected]