South African Industrial Steam, Tavistock Collieries.
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 13 июл 2012
- Recorded whilst on a ten day tour in 1990 to mop up some of the final South African industrial steam workings. Most of the exchange siding yard scenes were taken adjacent to Tavistock Colliery and it's their ex SAR 'S' class 0-8-0 we see working the short spur to and from the mine. The loco itself was on hire from Witbank based Dunn's Locomotive Works. Also putting in appearances are a pair of 15CB locos from another nearby colliery (Transvaal Navigation?) who've worked in over another altogether longer branch on which we also see them working.
The stalled car scene is merely a tenth of what took place in reality, regrettably I didn't film the whole event as it's driver struggled to start it with the S class bearing down on him! 
Авто/Мото
Hard working Ex SAR Locos in poor condition valiantly giving it their best during the sunset of their lives. Even in their last days they served with dignity and courage in the face of their demise. Long may their memories live! Fantastic video, really special and great camera work - thanks so much for sharing this!!!
Fascinating video,so unusual to see air braked ex SAR locos,the S class was also a surprise.On my three trips to SA I saw very little industrial steam,trying to find it was one problem but then I was also trying to see as much main line action as possible as well as the Natal 2ft gauge.How sad to learn that it s all finished.Look forward to more of this if possible.
My father was a driver (Engineer), on the SAR. He started out as an engine cleaner in East London, was posted to SWA during WW2 and later transferred to the Transvaal and then to Durban, Natal, where he retired. I fired to my Dad on several occasions and I can remember very vividly, the runs we made on the South Coast with class GCA, GF, GEA , 14AR's, 16th Class and the occasional GD Garrett. This movie brought back many memories of 15F's, 15CA's,19D's, And 'our Big-Boys' the GL Garretts! Dad also drove GEA's, GO's, GMA's and GMAM's. I share Mr. Bryn Morgan's sentiments and observations. It was a real shame, to see such beautiful locomotives have their fires snuffed-out, virtually forever. My last visit home, left me very saddened. To see those locomotives which had been 'saved', and placed in a "secured-area" , only to be stripped bare of piping, gauges, side-rods, brass and copper fittings etc.by vandals who saw only the few [Rands] they would receive for the "Scrap-Metal"! What a travesty. I applaud those hardy souls, who ventured forth with the sole purpose of preserving some of South Africa's Steam Heritage! We salute you-one AND ALL!
+Sol Carter I wish I could say I'd worked on a footplate. That's a proper job! SAR locomotives have a 'family' look that's great too.
You are so 'right-on' Stephen.Interestingly enough, as I look back at the Germiston engines, they were quite well kept-Especially the Germiston Pilots! When the shiny boiler-bands were missing from a loco, you knew it's time was getting close to being terminated from service. Nice ti hear from you.
+Sol Carter It is always a pleasure to make contact with last generation professional steam footplate crew. Their reminicances always make for wonderful reading. I'm sorry to say I have never visited South Africa and only appreciate SAR steam through videos. What is so impressive about them is the tonnage they shifted, the speeds attained and the grades they conquered on Cape Gauge. Given South Africa's huge coal reserves, the case for electric traction was strong, but not for dieselisation. As you say, elimination of steam was a mistake. I've seen this conclusion from SAR steam crew who insist to this day that SAR steam was the equal of diesels for power and economy. Can you recommend any books written by railwaymen about driving and firing? (They are so much more compelling than books written by enthusiasts.) And would you be thinking of writing one?!
I have to agree with you Stephen. When it's been your occupation, and you live it and breathe it, there is no describing the satisfaction. I emigrated to the UK and then to Canada, where I became an Instrumentman/Surveyor, on the BCR-just as it gave up it's PGE status. I worked on the Dease Lake extension from Bulkley House to Chipmunk Creek. Then went South to do the track rehabilitation from North Vancouver (Mile 0.00) to Mile Post 74.4. This was prior to the Royal Hudson making it's debut on the run from North Vancouver to Squamish.
Great stuff! Never seen the S class in action before, what a handsome little engine. The car scene reminds me of my own trip to SA in 1991 when I got my rental stuck in a slippery bit in Randfontein Estates. Luckily it was near a mine workshop so they brought a big digger to haul me put which got stuck itself in the process. Had to get yet another digger to haul us all out!
These locos look good 'n mean and up to the job! Thanks for posting.
The S class 0-8-0 was a very powerful locomotive. I don't remember the HP or drawbar rating, but it was impressive. The S-2 which was built by Krupp in Germany, was very light-footed. Nice looking locomotive, but did not live up to expectations. One of the model, was used exclusively to move the Blue Train from Cape Town's main station, to the coach yard and return.
Good memories!
Great film! Do you know if the beauties are still in action? I enjoyed evry second of this clip. If you have more, are you planning to upload more? Thank you so much for sharing. Take care!
...anwar...
Great stuff. I note the locos are dual-fitted for vacuum and air brakes. Where did the Westinghouse air compressors--and the related plumbing and brake valves--come from?
Ever so sorry, but I've really no idea where they'd have sourced them from.