Alfred County Railway - South Africa 1986

Recorded over one day in April of 1986 as the 2ft gauge 2-6-2+2-6-2 Garratts went about their business timber hauling. From memory, the lengthy South African Railways Port Shepstone - Harding 'Narrow Gauge' branch had been mothballed by the State operator and had then been leased by a group of enthusiasts who saw a future in it and steam traction. Timber haulage resumed but massive competition from road haulage saw Diesels leased in an attempt to stay competitive. I have no idea what the current status of the line is, but several of the Garratt's were later exported, some landing up in the UK on the Welsh Highland Railway.
This little compilation chases one mixed / empty train as it heads into the beautiful Natal hills and the mid way point. Subsequently, a few scenes following an opposing loaded working back to Port Shepstone by dusk.

[@emldolan4102]

I lived on the railwayline at Port Shepstone (last hill before downhill to station) and worked in harding town 1978, had room at school that overlooked station ( had my Yamaha XT 500 which i still have and drove a government ford F250 4x4) Brings back wonderful memories thank you - ELO remember the good old 1980s hehe

[@windbergs]

Thanks for posting the movie. Hard to believe I was in South Africa in the same year with my father and we chased the NGG15 out of Port Elizabeth to Poetese I think. In our white rental car with us both with our US engineers caps we were mistaken for Police while waiting at a crossing for the train, amazing times. Too bad it is all gone. It will be interesting to see the NGG16 converted to 2ft6 for the Puffing Billy. Post more if you can, I will not get to see our Super8 films again...

[@BartBusschots]

A really lovely collection of views - I do so love the Garratts, amazing locos!

[@mthokozisicele7067]

Now Houses have been built right on top of the tracks .. ...,,🤞

[@siphelelemthethwa2352]

2:39 Golf Course on Marine Dr, Shelly Beach

[@superbee470]

Very nice ! Enjoyed this video :)

[@siphelelemthethwa2352]

3:34 Izotsha

[@bearbon2]

Kind of odd the way the driver sits stuck out on the side with the wind in his face. Hope there's no tree branches close to the right of way.

[@chadleighdebruyn7673]

It’s because there’s little to no room on the footplate of the Garret, the tender sits right on the cab

[@andrewthacker114]

Where is the Alfred country line ?

[@Renownvidz]

It was in South Africa. Closed now I believe, sadly.

[@mzwandilemahlaba5029]

Port Shepstone to Harding

[@gavinhamilton9044]

Can't be 1986, I visited in 1988 and there were no NG15's on the property, nor were 141 or 155 running and the N2 bridge hadn't been built then. The ACR didn't start running until early 1988 either

[@mthokozisicele7067]

Christmas times were the best...the train would come by .. fully loaded with White tourists who would throw candy at us as we herd cattle near the railway track ....some times any evil one would throw a tin full of poo ....i believe they have all been judged accordingly