South African Railways 25NC Kimberley to Bloemfontein

[steamtrainguy]

I lived in waterval boven the second larges railwaytown in south- africa during 60/70's.

After matriculation i worked 2 months at sas/sar in the signalbox in waterval boven.What a pity that steam is all gone.I just loved the smell and the noise the trains made.If only they kept a few of them running and not only for leisure and tourism.I feel so sad when seeing all the cut- up steam locs.Why did this ever happen.

[LifeofRail]

@steamtrainguy Waterval Boven, I remember that place very well with the garratts and large steam shed. In 1995 I spent loads of time there as I was driving steam locos in a movie at nearby Badplaas.There is still a few locos at WB but non of them have steamed for years now. It would be a magnificent tourist railway but like everything in SA its all gone to pot.

[steamtrainguy]

Did you ever miss catching a token at that speed?

[LifeofRail]

@steamtrainguy Oh yes I sure did!! Once I was struggling for steam due to a stupid arrogant driver so I missed it on purpose and he had to stop. Then once at Kloofiend we were flying and I missed it. Stopped and searched everywhere but with no joy we were given permission to proceed! Two hours later in Kimberley shed there I find the token right inside the tender of all places!! We had to get it back to Kloofiend asap on the next train!

[PrentonPimp]

Thanks Mr N. Pure gold.

[Crosshead1]

Fabulous stuff. Don't think I've ever seen such an immaculate cab. You guys must have got great discounts on Brasso. Love the shots of the block token being exchanged with the crew member hanging out the cab. I don't think you'd get that one past the occupational health & safety committee these days. And I can't imagine using fencing wire to keep a modern diesel loco working. Those really were the days, hard work, but probably more satisfying than today.

[LifeofRail]

Yes those sure were the grand old days of steam. Believe it or not that mad crew member is actually myself catching the token. That Kimberley to Bloem line was the best line I ever worked. As for the polished cabs, 3449 was Driver Erasmus's engine. My regular loco at that time was 3488 and was even cleaner than 3449 but nothing ever beats my old Germiston 15F no 2922, that loco was polished from end to end everyday of her life.

[Crosshead1]

Mad? Maybe. Having fun? Almost certainly. Much of the scenery in this clip is very similar to parts of New South Wales, Australia, where I live. I'd love to see some shots of 15F 2922 if you have any.

Regards

Crosshead1 (another Richard)

[foreversteam]

Hey Rich,

Glad to see you are putting some of your old clips onto Youtube. Footage is always magnificent and it is great that you are sharing it with everyone. Some of your 15F footage is also great especially of a 15F that came chuffing slowly under a bridge with regulator wide open then went into a violent spin over the points - remember that one?

Thanks...

Bryn