South African Railways 19D 2683 on Knysna goods 1996

Here is a clip taken while working the early morning goods from George to Knysna in 1996. Sadly all this is now history. The line having been closed after rock falls etc and the loco now stands in the scrap at Voorbaai depot. Hopefully she will run again.

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• 19D
• 2683
• on
• Knysna
• goods
• 1996

[LifeofRail]

At the moment I and many others are very worried about the remaining steam locomotives at Voorbaai depot. I cannot help but think they will just end up in the scrap just like many of the other once preserved locomotives from that depot did.

[WhyAyeMann]

at least they would have enough sense to keep the bridge right?

[LifeofRail]

Not sure they will even keep the bridge!! If rumours are correct the whole rail system in the area is to be closed. I hate to think what will happen to the remaining steam locomotives!!! Nothing seems to be safe in that area anymore!

[SteffanLlwyd]

@LifeofRail This line is famous Worldwide. They are crazy to throw away a national asset like this. Look, I know it is a small thing to do, but who do I register my protest with?

[LifeofRail]

@SteffanLlwyd There is a big protest lot and a company trying their best to re-open the line but things really do not look good at all. As I said in another message on another clip, the current railway lot over in SA are just not interested in anything but cash!! When the line closed they started running trains to Mossel Bay. Now only a few months ago that was stopped and all trains and locos are standing getting destroyed at the old loco shed in Voorbaai!! Very sad indeed!!

[SteffanLlwyd]

@LifeofRail We were so lucky in the UK because Dai Woodham who was really a scrap merchant, kept most of the locomotives he'd bought off British Railways without scrappig them. Many of these are now returned to steam. Thanks to this scrap-man-turned-conservationi­st, loads of cash is turned-over every year. The whole episode took thirty-forty years; but it has worked.

[LifeofRail]

@SteffanLlwyd Oh yes it is amazing here in UK what has been done and they see how much steam can generate from tourists etc. Unfortunately it just does not seem to sink in like that in places like South Africa. Last month a whole bunch of locomotives were sold for scrap. They were sent to a army base for safekeeping and preservation only to be scrapped 20 years later!! Its not even worth thinking about anymore as the SA government just wont help!!

[jayengee]

One South African line I really wanted to travel on. I managed to get on the Alfred County the last time I was out. Thanks very much for posting this.

[Herriot7]

One of the most beautiful lines in the world - saving it would be an investment in the future!

[WhyAyeMann]

Jeez, not keeping a historic photospot is bad enough, but come on, getting rid of all the steam engines? I wish I had the money, power, and rail so i could take them and keep them running. But thats anyones wish I suppose.