0 vol 5 no 1

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THE ULOLIWETHE ULOLIWETHE ULOLIWETHE ULOLIWE

The Railways of Southern Africa: Past & Present The Railways of Southern Africa: Past & Present The Railways of Southern Africa: Past & Present The Railways of Southern Africa: Past & Present

Spoorweë van SuidelikeSpoorweë van SuidelikeSpoorweë van SuidelikeSpoorweë van Suidelike----Afrika: Toeka tot NouAfrika: Toeka tot NouAfrika: Toeka tot NouAfrika: Toeka tot Nou

A monthly railway historical and research publication

‘n Maandelikse spoorweg historiese en navorsing publikasie

Vol Vol Vol Vol 5555 No 1No 1No 1No 1 UnUnUnUn----official / Nie official / Nie official / Nie official / Nie Amptelik Amptelik Amptelik Amptelik ---- GratisGratisGratisGratis

Everything to do with the former SA Everything to do with the former SA Everything to do with the former SA Everything to do with the former SA

Railways: i.e. lighthouses, harbours, Railways: i.e. lighthouses, harbours, Railways: i.e. lighthouses, harbours, Railways: i.e. lighthouses, harbours,

staff, photos, books, RMT, stations, staff, photos, books, RMT, stations, staff, photos, books, RMT, stations, staff, photos, books, RMT, stations,

tugs, SAR Police, SAA, catering, tugs, SAR Police, SAA, catering, tugs, SAR Police, SAA, catering, tugs, SAR Police, SAA, catering,

pipelines, SAR stamps, SAR models, pipelines, SAR stamps, SAR models, pipelines, SAR stamps, SAR models, pipelines, SAR stamps, SAR models,

SAR rolling stock, South African SAR rolling stock, South African SAR rolling stock, South African SAR rolling stock, South African

armoured trains, armoured trains, armoured trains, armoured trains, diagrams, etcdiagrams, etcdiagrams, etcdiagrams, etc

Hennie Heymans, Pretoria, ZA

[email protected]

January 2014

All photographs carry copyright by their respective photographers.

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CONTENTS

All photographs carry copyright by their respective photographers. ............................................ 1

CONTENTS ................................................................................................................................................ 2

WELCOME ................................................................................................................................................. 5

FRONT COVER – VOORBLAD ................................................................................................................ 5

EDITORIAL – REDAKSIONEEL ............................................................................................................... 5

WEPENER’S PERAMBULATIONS AND … SOME RAILWAY HISTORY .......................................... 6

• 20131213 ........................................................................................................................................... 6

• 20131220 ......................................................................................................................................... 11

RAILWAY-SPEAK ................................................................................................................................... 18

• SAR terms = Public meaning: The Wepener’s............................................................................. 18

RAY’S JOURNEY TO AFRICA ................................................................................................................ 27

• Ray Ellis, Australia ........................................................................................................................ 27

PHOTO ESSAYS ....................................................................................................................................... 32

• Badges of the various Railway Companies in South Africa: Van der Westhuis ...................... 32

• Trains from the Anglo-Boer War - 1899 - 1902 ............................................................................ 36

• Courtesy: The Anglo-Boer War (South African War) -1899-1902 Facebook page - Compiled

by Johan Jacobs ................................................................................................................................. 36

Comments by HBH .............................................................................................................................. 37

• Victoria Hotel: Rovos Rail (Photo 5) ........................................................................................ 37

• NGR Frere Anglo-Boer War (Photo 2) ..................................................................................... 38

• Comments re: Photo 3 ............................................................................................................... 41

• Matjiesfontein and the Blue Train: Alex Faria (Cape Town) ..................................................... 41

• Durban Station from the Air: Rudi Venter (Durban) ................................................................. 46

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• Jacobus Marais .............................................................................................................................. 49

• 20E .............................................................................................................................................. 49

• Train Dynamics Test Coach No 15097 ..................................................................................... 50

• Trans Natal ................................................................................................................................ 52

• S1: Angela Lawlor ......................................................................................................................... 52

• Draai Station: Tish Archer ............................................................................................................ 53

• Driemanskap: Johannes Botha ..................................................................................................... 55

• Locomotive: Jan Kempdorp: Koos Kotze .................................................................................... 55

• Western Cape: Francois Mattheüs ............................................................................................... 56

• Martin Nel ..................................................................................................................................... 57

• Anglo American Locomotive ................................................................................................... 57

• Saldanha Station ........................................................................................................................ 58

• Williston ..................................................................................................................................... 61

• Orchard Station: Willie Marais .................................................................................................... 61

Phil du Plessis ....................................................................................................................................... 63

• Action photos at Accident ........................................................................................................ 63

• 43-002 Weighing in .................................................................................................................... 66

• 8E ................................................................................................................................................ 66

• Roadblock .................................................................................................................................. 67

• Fire! ............................................................................................................................................. 67

• Test Train ................................................................................................................................... 67

• Pietermaritzburg Station: Rudi Venter ........................................................................................ 68

1933: RAND- DURBAN EXPRESS .......................................................................................................... 71

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RAILWAY HISTORY GROUP ................................................................................................................ 72

GERMISTON MARSHALLING YARDS ................................................................................................ 73

• My adventures with a Class S1 steam Engine: Johan Jacobs ................................................. 73

SOUTH AFRICAN MODELS .................................................................................................................. 76

• Scalecraft model: Adrian Hill ....................................................................................................... 76

LETTERS ................................................................................................................................................... 76

• Alex Faria ....................................................................................................................................... 76

• Ray Ellis ......................................................................................................................................... 77

• Charlie Lewis (SoAR).................................................................................................................... 77

• Locomotive at Van Der Merwe Station: Piet Conradie .............................................................. 77

• Palestine Railways: Chen Melling ............................................................................................... 78

27th Annual News Letter: Collector Mervyn Emms (89) .................................................................... 78

• Robbie Green ................................................................................................................................. 78

RAILWAY SOCIETY OF SA (NATAL) ................................................................................................... 79

Back page: .............................................................................................................................................. 80

RMIG: LIONEL PENNING ..................................................................................................................... 81

SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS ................................................................................................................ 82

• A319 ZS-SFI Johannes Botha ....................................................................................................... 82

UK: A Tricky & Sticky Problem ............................................................................................................... 82

STOP PRESS .............................................................................................................................................. 85

DISCLAIMER AND GREETINGS ........................................................................................................... 85

NEXT ISSUE & GREETINGS ................................................................................................................... 86

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WELCOME

Our best wishes to all: Only health, wealth and happiness in abundance to all our readers. Thank

you for all the good wishes we received. May 2014 be a happy and successful year to all of you!

FRONT COVER – VOORBLAD

No’s 3533 + 3511

captured by Schalk Burger

at Houtkraal,

On 28-07-1990

EDITORIAL – REDAKSIONEEL

Now at last I have a few free moments...

During November I promised an issue during December 2013... I did not happen because I

went to Ethiopia for two weeks on the film I am helping with. Making films is hard work,

the hours are long and I am engaged in research.

Feedback regarding Ethiopia:

I saw no railways, nor did I visit the Addis Ababa railway station. (Prof Deon Fourie asked

if I had visited the station. He had the pleasure to visit the station.) Addis Ababa is the first

independent African country. During WW2 South African forces helped to defeat the

Italian forces and were instrumental in assisting the emperor to take back his throne.

(Members of the SA Police serving in Abyssinia with the UDF were then tasked to police

Addis Ababa ...)

Addis Ababa is a very large city with very modern cars, trucks, taxis and busses ... and

docile but intelligent donkeys in the street. I saw cattle and sheep being driven to the

abattoir; and horse carts (gêrries) with quite nice ponies. However I saw that they were

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building their own version of our Gautrain in Addis. On the surface, at street level, they are

building a double line right through the city centre. I saw that an old railway line was

uprooted in the process.

Ethiopia is as modern as Johannesburg in some places and it also has places that look like

the pictures in an old illustrated version of the “Old Testament.” They are a Biblical people;

they have a connection with the Queen of Sheba and the House of David. They are very

religious, proud and very friendly. They have beautiful women. Their deposed Emperor is

related to the “Lion of Judah.”

Now back to railways proper...

Thank you for your support gentlemen! Without you, I cannot do this magazine!

Baie dankie vir u briewe en foto’s

WEPENER’S PERAMBULATIONS AND … SOME RAILWAY HISTORY

• 20131213

Hi guys.

Not much, haven't been out line side much lately.

RRL's loco from Mozambique at Friedesheim with a load of empty hoppers for

Frieddies 5 shaft.

The old 31 class at the exchange yards at Welkom show grounds, waiting for

one of Harmony's locos to pick up the load and bring empties.

A couple of shots of the uplifted Glen Harmony branch.

Again at Friedesheim, this time Transnet with the Mondi timber shunt.

Cheers.

J & J.

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• 20131220

Hi guys.

The two 34's are at the ballast shunt in Virginia. Since this station has

closed a Train control officer must now come by road from Kroonstad to open

the station - CS 90 has not been introduced here yet - but the station has

been closed... The ballast comes from a nearby waste rock dump from one of

the closed mines. We reckon that when this dump runs out Virginia will be

closed completely.

Harmony Surface Rail was seen at old President Brand 3 shaft.

Sheltam and RRL were spotted, you know you are spoilt with trains when you

don't even bother to take photos of the ore movements anymore! One day when

all this ends I'll kick myself for taking the 31's for granted... Rumours

are that RRL want to move from Welkom station in to the industrial area,

re-lay a piece of siding and open a workshop, will keep you posted.

At Hennenman silos I got my friend making up an air-braked load of empty

mielies for Kroonstad. 51 trucks in the completed train. On the photo of the

yellow shunter you'll notice the other little black shunt diesel as well.

The huge barrel bolt on the diesel's door is what has to be done to protect

the crews from line side "people" nowadays. All locos are getting this

fitted - who would ever have thought...

Then quite a nice visit to Whites. This station has had a reprieve and will

only close somewhere between January and March 2014 - well that is the

latest info at least !

I noticed the signals were green near Whites, we gave the TCO a call and he

said to come have a visit. Several hours and 4 trains later we only left.

The first one is "Captain Ford" heading towards Kroonstad with a load of

fuel. Then the Friedesheim timber shunt came past. Some of the trucks were

painted like the last truck on this train - blue, white and red. This was

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the colour scheme for some dedicated timber trains a couple of years back -

can anyone remember - "Green Arrow" or something like that??

After that it was a short load for Bloemfontein. This train came to a halt

in the station and the driver got out and looked stressed. He told us that

he had just hit someone with cow catcher at the bridge in Hennenman, he

heard the knock ! He stopped his train and went back to investigate but the

person got up and walked away - never the less it still has to be reported.

After numerous phone calls and the driver saying he is prepared to continue

the train left. Normally the crew gets taken off and sent for counselling

and a relief crew gets brought in.

Lastly another train from the branch, this time mielies from Wesselsbron

heading towards Kroonstad.

This will be some of the last photos of trains at Whites while still open

and standing.

We were also told that no "YQ's" have been issued or sent for any Christmas

specials this year...

Cheers.

J & J.

15

The huge barrel

bolt on the diesel's

door is what has to

be done to protect

the crews from line

side "people" now-

adays. All locos are

getting this

fitted - who would

ever have thought...

16

On the photo of the yellow shunter you'll notice the other little black shunt diesel as well.

18

Stuur asb u foto’s en stories na [email protected]

Sonder u kan ons nie die tydskrif uitgee nie

RAILWAY-SPEAK

Hi Hennie,

These short terms were and are still used by Railway staff to communicate with each other,

what seems unintelligible to the uninformed is easily understood by Railway staff.

• SAR terms = Public meaning: The Wepener’s

Algemene Besetting = complete occupation. Lasts from 10 to 14 days. Used on COALINK &

OREX lines.

BAD = High sided bogie truck for loose goods.

Banker/Stoot Lokomotief = Used to push heavy loads over steep inclines. By having a

locomotive at rear of train. Could be used with all forms of operating.

Absolute tablet/s withdrawn from “Van Schoor” instrument. If double header, first driver

holds tablet. If banker used, two tablets withdrawn, one for each driver. Both tablets must

be handed in at next station, for cancelation. New tablets issued, one to precede the other to

allow banker to return to home station. Locomotives may only be despatched, forward or

return, at following Telegraph station. General Appendix 4 (Part 1) states on page 174.

BB = Low sided bogie truck for loose goods.

Besetting = Occupation, for a few hours to repair slacks or accident damage.

Bell Buffer = Earliest type of buffer, used link and iron pen, to connect trucks. [Many hand

injuries occurred, staff not using wooden link lifters].

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Billy Kan (Can?) = Enamel can with cup and metal handle, for keeping coffee/tea warm on

footplate.

Blou = Blue train.

Balstamper = E3 locomotive.

Brommer = 31 Class diesel.

Cape Gauge = 3’6”/1.065mm – 1.067mm for curves.

Chief = Chief Steward in charge of Dining Saloon.

Circus = Circus train due, extra staff and shunt locomotives arranged.

CIV = Catenary inspection vehicle, used on electrified sections.

Coach Screws = Thread screws; fasten rails to wooden sleepers, with Sole Plate. Had

Policeman on top, small projection, if hammered Policeman flat. Large socket used to

hammer in with no damage to Policeman.

Coach Screws = All had dates cast onto then.

Colum = Watering point for steam locomotives. Emergency water points were also

available.

Compo = Combined 1st, 2nd & 3rd class, Guards section & parcels area, main line coach, used

on mixed and branch lines.

Composite Brake Blocks = Made of composite materials and not iron.

Condensor = 25 Class.

CS 90 = Very latest form of CTC train control. Presently being installed Kroonstad to

Bloemfontein and Leeuhof to Kroonstad. Shunting in sidings can also be performed.

Detonators = Tins of 12 later only 10 were issued to trains staff, PWI, plus all staff working

on or near running lines. They had a 2 year life span for train’s staff, a 5 year for other staff.

Old ones were transferred to other sections. A fresh stock was held under lock and key at

stations. SAR Police would check new receipts and issues, on a monthly basis.

Diesel Elektro = Combined diesel and electric locomotives. E14, E19 & E20.

Dinosaurs = Very large machine used for cleaning ballast, often works together with old

sleeper removal and new sleeper replacement machine.

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District Inspector = Obsolete grade.

Dominie Kaboese = The SAS/SAR Christelik Unie/Christian Union, issued the “Spoorweg

Bode”/”Railway Messenger” from 1919 to 2009, a stop order was completed. Due

to dwindling staff and lack of interest/faith. Last issue was issued in 2009. We have a copy.

A “YQ” was issued and it was soon known that Minister was coming. Local Ambulance

Hall would be placed at his disposal. Many new stop orders would be signed. [Sadly no

more].

Doppies = Detonator to warn of stationery train in section; 1 = Slow down, 2 = Stop then

proceed slowly, 3 Stop and await order to proceed, 4 = Used in cuttings/tunnels. Dead stop.

Driepoot = Tripod. Protective apparatus with red disc and red light at night to protect C &

W staff, working on trains.

Dummy = Metal plug to close vacuum pipes at end of train. [Air brake pipes have stop

cock].

Dwars lêers = See sleepers.

DZ = Dolly low sided truck for general goods.

Draadkar = Electric locomotives.

Dual Voltage = Electric locomotives for use under 3kv DC & 25kv AC.

Earth Return Cable = Safety device sends excessive power to sub-station. [Occurs when 2

locomotives entered same overlapping section simultaneously, regenerative braking or

from excessive lighting storms].

ECS/LR = Empty Coaching Stock/Lee Rytuie. Got preference at night to return to nearest,

mostly suburban, cleaning depots. Railway staff was allowed free transit, with very

quick unauthorised stops at halts/stations.

Eenheid = Electric locomotives.

EMU = Electric Motor Unit – Suburban.

ESSEM = Station Master.

F = 15F locomotive.

Fish Plate = Metal plate with 4 holes to secure rails to each other. [Continuous welded rails

now used].

Fist = Clip of spring steel, to attach rails to concrete sleepers. [Being phased out; hack saw

cuts through them and are stolen].

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Flash over = High voltage shorting over lapping sections, fault or heavy lighting. 1kv

considered low voltage, yellow sign/lighting flash, 1.1kv considered high voltage/yellow

sign/lighting flash & skull/cross bones.

Flash Butt Joint = Instead of fish plates, rails aligned, crucible placed above joint, ignited

7,000c liquid steel fuses rails together. Permanent joint created. Grinded to smooth

finish. [No click sounds anymore].

Food Packages = Were stocked in 1 to 5 meals. Issued to staff when trains were running late

due to accidents, derailments, failures. A formula was available to issue the correct type

according to hours on duty. The Operating office would have a supply, the main supply

locked in the Staff & General office. These supplies were exchanged at regular intervals.

With the Expenditure Auditors making regular checks of all records kept. [Everything had

controls in those days].

Free Pass = Annual holiday Free Rail Pass, Could be used on all lines, including foreign

lines. Only proviso one could not traverse same line in the same direction twice. PTO used

for this portion of journey.

FZ = Mass grain bogie truck.

Gammat = GMA/M locomotive.

Grey hound = 16E locomotive.

Groen Mamba = E4 locomotive. [Used on Hex River Pass, after short spell in Natal, curves

to sharp].

Groen = Drakensberg train.

Helling aanduiding = Alignment post.

Houtstaf = Used on very light serviced branch lines, Wooden Staff.

Iling, = single of Zwiling [Staats Noordbaan – German West Africa – 600mm].

Juk = Yoke, when guards vans were withdrawn, a yoke was used on last open truck. Two

“Ore” a “Marker” and red lamp attached.

Kameel = 25 Condensor locomotive.

“Kats-Nyama” = Local lingo for certain fish & chips shops. [Stated sold cat meat].

Kerkbank = 3rd class Suburban with green plastic seats transverse or on sides of coaches,

more standing room.

Kerkie = As above.

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Kookwaterblik = Empty coffee tin with “Bloudraad” galvanised wire handle. Tin filled with

fresh water, held in fire box for very short while, by means of pricker. Soon boiling for

a cuppa coffee/tea.

Kriek = E1 locomotive.

Link = Metal link in form of loop, used to couple bell buffers together.

L = Insulated truck for perishables. [With drawn].

LA = Insulated truck for perishables, with large diesel motor running deep freeze plant.

[With drawn].

LO = Insulated truck for perishables, with ice tanks on roof. [With drawn].

Loopgeselser = Early form of bulky Walkie Talkie, strapped to chest, for ease of shunting.

[Smaller ones now used].1

Matiza = Large or small ballast tamping/trimming machine. [On hire from “Plasser Rail” or

“Lennings”].

Merker = Placed on last vehicle of train to indicate train complete, on back of light

locomotive. Red circle with white border, some had white diagonal stripe others square.

Three types in use. An electric flashing type was used but did not last long.

Message pouch = Steel hoop with canvas covering and canvas pouch. Messages were

placed in pouch, taken out and loop thrown back onto platform for staff to collect.

Many station staff and train staff would pucker paper message up hold in finger tips, train

staff would grab message and train would proceed. [If a tablet or message was missed,

train stopped fireman/assistant ran back to retrieve and train would depart]. The few

minutes would be made up by exceeding the speed limit no

mention would be made in train register.

Motor Coach = Driving coach on Suburban’s.

Motor Trolley = Motorised inspection vehicles of various sizes. [Ordinary bakkies/trucks

with steel rail wheels, lowered onto track. Rubber tyres give traction.

NGG = Narrow Gauge Garret.

1 When the SAR got their first “walkie talkies” they interfered with our SA Police radio system in

Johannesburg. While we were working nearby we always caught them up with their railway-speak: “3

Bogies, koppel...koppel ....”

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Noodhulpliga = Afrikaans equivalent of “St John’s”, worked together at train accident

scenes. Had regular exercises. [Issued lovely grey metal First Aid boxes].

Nood Magnetofoon = Before the emergency phone described below. Guards or train staff

on light locomotive/s, would have a collapsible bamboo pole with two copper contacts, the

contacts would be scraped on the two wires, described in the Working Time Table as

Nood/STS lines, often black plastic insulators, turn the magneto and speak to one or both

stations and state nature of problem. [RTO has solved this problem and cable theft a thing

of the past]. Should RTO fail, all drivers have Cell phones issued to them, plus GPS

installed.

Noodfoon = Track side plug in phone sockets supplied, for drivers to use in case of

emergency.

Oorlaai kruier = Tranship staff on Pakkies to load and unload items.

Ore = Marker placed on both sides of guards van to indicate guard less train. White circle

on black background, forward, red backwards.

ORS/ISD = On Railway Service/In Spoorweg Diens. Gratis transport.

OZ = Fruit bogie truck, with partitions to keep cartons stable. [Since withdrawn].

Pakkies = Two coach EMU, used on PWV, Cape suburban sections, for sole purpose of

transporting urgent parcels traffic.

Panser Karre = 2 Road/Rail armoured cars, designed & manufactured in Langlaagte.

[Kobus – Piet, only ones in world. Mine, Bullet, Explosive proof. One on display at

Windhoek station].

Patent buffer = Once knuckles were opened, on coupling the pen would fall into place, a

steel cable used to release pen on uncoupling. On change over patent buffers had slit to

accept the link from bell buffers, making it possible to use both types in making up loads.

Patrollieman = Servant walking on delegated section. [Had large spanner and hammer, to

tighten Coach Screws and Fish Plate bolts]. Story of one who had wooden light

weight tools, an easy job.

Pendrol = “Pigs tail”, shaped clips to attach rails to sleepers. [Have to be welded in some

suburban areas, stolen over week-ends].

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Permanente spoedbeperking = 6 sided, yellow painted with black speed limit. [Branch lines

30km/m to 100km/h on straight main line sections]. A badly injured shunter from De

Aar was transported to Kimberly in a record time. 25NC topped 140km/h at times.

P & T = Carriage and Wagon stop or artisan required.

Poppet = 15E, 16E & 19C locomotives. [Drivers said the Poppet valve locomotives were

dreams to operate. [Most locomotives in RSA had Walshafts valve gear].

Post Commander = Official in charge of SAR Police post.

PTO = Privilege Ticket Order, ¼ or ½ price tickets according to salary.

Pump Trolley = Used for track inspection.

Push Trolley = As above but pushed by workers.

PWI = Permanent Way Inspector.

PZ = Insulated iced bogie truck for fast transport of fish.

Queenie = QZ Explosive bogie truck, also called Doppies, subject to strict operating

movement control & SAR Police attention. Large red X later removed to make trains less

visible. [Since withdrawn].

Reserved = 1st & 2nd class Non-White main line coaches.

Resiestrein = Conveying race horses from Gosforth Park and Booysens to “Vaal Race

course” at Viljoenskroon. Express livestock train, with attendants on board, having

3rd class tickets issued to them.

Roepman = Call man, used to wake staff in rest rooms for their next shift, also used to call

staff from houses in cases of emergency.

Rooi Duiwel = 26 locomotive.

Rooi Hongersnood = Drivers income dropped when Diesels came into use. [Less

preparation time].

RSTS = Railway Servant Travelling on Service. Issued at short notice, if Free Pass or Linen

Backed pass cannot be easily obtained.

RTO = Radio Train Orders.

SAS/SAR = First aid organisation. Had regular training programmes, worked with other

organisations. Large stations had beautiful wooden first aid boxes, made by SAR plus

at smaller stations/RTS vehicles small metal tins. Dining saloons, passenger guards vans

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and brake down trains had two very large first aid kit boxes on both sides of coaches.

[Including stretchers].

SDI = Senior District Engineer. [Construction, Electrical, Infrastructure, Mechanical, Signals,

Telecommunication].

Silent Sue = 25 locomotive.

Screaming Sue = 25 Condensor.

Skof Blik = Drivers tin, with regulation/rule books and wife’s provisions. [Always carried

by fire man/assistant. Very shiny chrome tin and brass/copper rounded lid].

Slam door = Suburban wooden or steel stock.

Sleepers = First metal with slots to slide rail in, then flat with sole plates used, wooden also

with soleplates, 1st concrete with I beam then round pipe, broke under toque on

curves, then Fist, Pendrol, now long solid concrete. Holes drilled with diamond, drills to fit

particular fittings, extremely heavy, used on sets of points. [Today many staff

also sleepers].

Slip Joint = With long welded sections, most of expansion is lateral. However at points a

slip joint is used, to allow length wise expansion. [Hence- Click sound of long ago no

longer heard].

Specie = Coaches used for transport of gold bullion or cash. Had accommodation,

abolitions & kitchen for on board SAR Police.

Spello = Brake for some shut eye, between shunts/train. [Today new driver sleep in the

sections and end up having an averted collision of even worse a collision].

Stasieblompot = SAR Policeman on platform duty, standing still, but observing everything

going on around him. [No longer visible].

Stoffie = Steam locomotive.

St John’s Ambulance = English First Aid Society, worked with Noodhulpliga at Railway

accidents. Regular classes held by both groups.

Studebaker = ES shunting locomotive. Now E8.

SS/NG = Smal Spoor/Narrow Gauge.

Tablet/s = Authority to driver from Station official, to proceed. Obtained from “Van

Schoor” machine. Round “Absolute” Only 1 train in section. Tri-angular “Permissive”.

More than one train in section. Square “Crossing Tablet”, Train to cross another train at

26

designated Loop/siding in section. These were the items caught by Fire

man/Assistant/Driver at stations and only given back to official at section end station,

except “Crossing Tablet” which would be exchanged with crew of other train to enable

trains to proceed further.

Tydelik spoed bord = 6 sided yellow ends, black centre with white speed limit, used whilst

work being done on track.

Tubular Track = Sleepers, lay under track not across them. Used Luderitz line, less build-up

of drift sand. Also used at stations to wash away filth into drains.

Tydelike spoor las = Rail cracked damaged. A special clamp is placed under damaged

section & clamped in position, till permanent repair is made.

Telegraaforder = Method of train operating, same as Paper Order.

UWC = “Union and Carriage Works”, Nigel.

U = Well wagons. [Most withdrawn].

UCW stock = Sliding door steel suburban stock & mainline passenger stock. Locomotives

as well.

Van der Bilt = Round tenders fitted to some 19D, all 24 and all S2 locomotives.

VKO = See PTO/ Voorreg kaartjie order.

Vrypas = See Free Pass. [According to grade salary 1st, 2nd’ 3rd class would be issued, still

available to “PARASA”, members and Spoornet pensioners.]

Windhond = 23 locomotive.

Wissels gesluit = Points locked. Siding closed or track damaged/stolen.

Wit = White train. [Governor General/Presidential train].

Wors Hond = Converted 25 Condensor with long half round water tank.

Yk van skale = Scale fitters would visit stations regularly to certify counter and floor scales.

Date of inspection stencilled on scale and in his log book. Checked by revenue auditors2.

YQ = Notice of normal or special trains. No longer used. [RTO now in use].

ZNR = Non Revenue truck, new code. Was NRE.

2 In my young days there were “inspectors” who visited all shops to check the scales in the various shops.

Are these inspections still being carried out? Who protects the consumer today? - HBH

27

Bo maar net ‘n klein monster van destyds se alle daagse eie aan die Spoorweg taalgebruik.

Treingroete,

John.

RAY’S JOURNEY TO AFRICA

• Ray Ellis, Australia

This year has been a somewhat “topsy turvey”

one for me!! This was my first overseas trip since

Barry and I went to India and Malaysia in 1983.

As many of you will know, I journeyed to Africa

for a month in October this year, to visit Malawi,

to do some on-site research for my forthcoming

book on the railways in that country (2 weeks)

and then to South Africa (2 weeks) to meet many

of the friends I am privileged to have there, some of whom I have had the pleasure of

talking to on the phone. It was very much a journey of discovery for me with Malawi –

always wanted to go there, but never had the chance. South Africa I had indeed been to

before, but way back in February 1980 (I still have the tour booklet), when I travelled with

an Australian Railway Enthusiasts (ARE) group, who in turn were booked on one of the

famous South African Railways’ “Steam Safaris” for a month, covering much of SA, but not

Natal. That was covered by the Australian ARE contingent hiring cars, and doing a most

enjoyable journey down to that lovely part of SA – much like my tropical North

Queensland – thick jungle, lush vegetation, cane fields, tropical fruit, and the like, but now

we also found rondavels, the typical round mud houses in which the indigenous South

Africans live in, and still do, in that part of the world.

This time I travelled Business Class all the way!! Qantas to and from SA, South African

Airways to and from Malawi. I stayed at the Protea Hotels which are all 4-5 star in both

Malawi and SA. Why not have some comfort??

In Malawi, I was surprised at the low standard of living of many of the residents, but

previous trips to India had prepared me for this. And Malawi has one of the densest

populations of anywhere in the world, not helped by “refugees” from neighbouring

Mozambique and Zimbabwe & Zambia.

28

I spent much of my time here in Mandala House, the preserved old African Lake Co.

headquarters, where the Society of Malawi (SOM - of which I am a member) has the use of

the top story for a headquarters, archive, library, reading room, etc., whilst the lower story

is occupied by a restaurant - great for morning and afternoon coffees, and lunch !!

The thing I remember most about Malawi was the jacaranda trees, which were everywhere,

and in full bloom too. I stayed at the Protea Hotel in Blantyre, which was most enjoyable,

and all the staff from the manager to even the humble cleaners and gardeners, were most

courteous and friendly. At Mandala House I was given much assistance by Mike Bamford,

Dora Wimbush (I even scored a para in Dora’s SOM newsletter as to why I was there!!) and

Gervasio Ngumbira, who all helped me greatly – nothing was too much trouble!! I also had

the pleasure of enjoying a meal (my shout) with all of these people at some stage, and also

met a number of SOM members at various times.

I unfortunately did not have the time to visit the Lake, or to spend time at the railways

(which are all diesel these days – ugh) or museums, maybe next time...

And finally thanks to my “taxi drivers,” Alex, Happy, Patrick, and most of all Sylvester,

who happily conveyed me all around in Blantyre.

My good friend Hennie Heymans, who lives in Pretoria, had, as promised, met me at

Johannesburg Airport when I arrived from Australia, and also met me again on my return

from Malawi. We got on like a house on fire!! I similarly had the great pleasure of meeting

Hennie’s wife, the lovely Petro, who I had spoken to a number of times on the phone, and

also to meet their son, Bernard, when we dined together for my last night in SA.

Hennie is a retired Brigadier from the SA Police, who has interests in many things. He

produces two much enjoyed monthly on-line magazines on railways and the police. He

included my visit & our travels in his November issue on railways – 42 pages no less,

which was most flattering. I also had the pleasure of meeting Lt. Col. (retired) Eric Samuels

who took us to the Friends of the Rail’s depot in Pretoria for a look around, and we had a

good discussion on Boer War trains, amongst other things. We also had a “braai”

(Afrikaans for “barbecue”) and I had the pleasure of meeting one of Hennie’s best friends,

Dr. Peter Lamb.

To travel around in the Johannesburg – Pretoria area, it was always by Gau-train

(pronounced “Go-train” – remember this area of SA is in GAUteng province), a modern,

most up-to-date high speed means of getting around which everybody who can uses to get

29

to & from work, pleasure (like us!!) and the airport in Joburg. Security was very tight, and

there was “somebody watching” (but very friendly) all the time. Made you feel very safe.

Line speed was in the 100s for most of time, and the trains were very comfortable. You just

buy a “ticket” (like a credit card, & just swipe to get in & out) for a certain amount, and

then just top it up as needed – very natty. Trains run frequently, and connect if need be

within minutes, by cross-platform interchange. Hennie and I made much use of this when

in the Joburg – Pretoria area. Whilst in the Pretoria, we travelled to meet Peter Stow

(drinks) and Jean Dulez (lunch). I have many of Jean’s excellent DVDs on SA. Amongst

other things, we hired a car – a BMW no less!! (Hennie has one too) – for the journey thru

SA to Cape Town.

We had originally planned to go to Sandstone and the railway museum at George, but for

various reasons we had to forgo visits there.

We motored down to Bloemfontein where we visited the Anglo-Boer War Museum, which

had some great displays – a Boer War blockhouse, hospital, and train. It was on the 7th class

steam loco here that I came to grief!! After Hennie had taken my photo in the cab, in

climbing down, I misjudged the distance to the ground and came down rather heavily –

fortunately no physical damage, just a bad sprain to my left leg, which plagued me for the

rest of my time in SA, and took some weeks after I returned to Oz to settle down !! Ho

hum.... The good part was this museum had a great book shop so I was able to add to my

growing Boer War book collection.

Then it was on to Kimberley to the Big Hole

Museum, which I was most keen to visit, as I had

been there in 1980, and importantly they have on

display one of the two (the other is in Zimbabwe)

De Beer’s Director’s Coach, which had been

moved several time due to mining subsidence, but

now lives in a camera-friendly shed so Hennie

was able to click away. Another highlight here

was to travel on the Brill 4-wheeler tram, which

runs out into the streets, and ends up beside the

“Big Hole.” Initially we were the only ones ready to travel, but a scout-around found, of all

people, some Australian Poms who wanted to travel, so we got out ride !! The museum has

a marvelous collection of old buildings, both residential and commercial that adds to the

historical ambience of the place.

30

From Kimberley we went on to Matjiesfontein, and its hotel, a place of some significance in

the Boer War. It has a museum with railway items (loco and rolling stock), and amongst

other things, of the vintage cars on display are two of the Royal cars used on the 1947 Tour

by the Royal Family (King George VI, Queen Elizabeth, Princess’s Elizabeth (now the

Queen) and Margaret) of South Africa. We were conducted around the hotel by one, John

Theunissen, whose repartee and his voice impersonations of the likes of Mandela, and

other famous personages, was spot on, and he was also a dab hand on the keyboard and

sang some great old fashioned songs. In the yard was a fire engine, and of all things, a real

red London Transport Leyland double-decker bus!! Another photo opportunity for

Hennie!!

Then on to Cape Town, where we stayed in the Protea Hotel at Sea Point (which has

famous railway connotations for those in the know – it had the first electrified railway line

in SA). It was here that we also got to meet, and be conducted around, by the very

knowledgeable and efficient Charlie Willoby (of colored extraction), who, when the word

got around he had a “generous” Ozzie in the cab, was accompanied by his son & a

neighbor’s boy. They all wanted to be “in” on the act!!!!

First on the agenda was to attend the monthly meeting & have lunch with the Railway

History Group at Newlands in Cape Town which was on this occasion held at the home of

Lee Kempthorn, and chaired by the redoubtable Wally Greig, complete with a beard to

rival mine!! I finally got to meet Leith Paxton, who I had spoken on the phone with often,

and had actually corresponded with him when he was still in Port Elizabeth (Leith has no

recollection now of this, but I still have the letters file in my archive to prove it !!). As many

know, Leith is an excellent draughtsman, and has produced many drawings of South

African Railways locos, carriages and wagons, as well as being an ardent researcher. Lee

had arranged an excellent lunch, which I was most happy to pay for, and Hennie presented

me, at the meeting, with a wooden display box containing several drinking glasses with the

logos used by the old SAR which appeared on their carriage windows since 1910. Thank

you Hennie...

The next day was my first and only “steam fix” of the tour – to travel on Atlantic Rail’s

steam excursion from Monument Station in Cape Town to Simonstown behind a 24 class 2-

8-4. I had done this journey before, in 1980, but by suburban electric. Now was even better,

and much more pleasant. Hennie & I had the pleasure of travelling with the “famous”

Charlie Lewis, who along with Les Pivnic, now resident in Sydney, are the authors of the

excellent on-line pictorial magazine “Soul of a Railway,” which magnificently celebrates

the “old” South African Railways. As an aside, I had the great pleasure to meet Les in

31

Sydney earlier this year when I visited Sydney to, amongst other things, see my female

cousin Fran, who lives in Springwood in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney.

Whilst in Cape Town, Charlie took us to visit one Hennie’s good friends, Leon de Villiers

(“Div” to his mates), and his lovely wife, Patricia, and enjoy a most delightful meal. Div

very kindly and very efficiently, packed (it took me ½ hour to unwrap!!!), and arranged to

post by Air Mail to me, all the books I had accumulated in SA and Malawi, and thus save

me a massive excess baggage bill!! Div has a second-hand book business, and has since been

able to find and send to me a book I was seeking on Pagel’s Circus, a SA circus of years

gone by, that for many years hired their own train from SAR.

After all this excitement, Hennie and I flew back to Joburg, then by “Go-train” to Pretoria.

Now and earlier I had time to sit down to browse through Hennie’s extensive and vast

library. Railways figure fairly prominently in this, but Hennie has wide interests – history,

police, military, politics, etc., let alone the vast collection of model railways that he has in a

cottage in the back yard, and a special room attached to his garage. Vintage Hornby, Triang

and other makes figured prominently. UK enthusiasts would salivate with delight in

having such a collection!!!

So, it was back to Oz, a shorter flight on the way back because of the prevailing winds.

Unfortunately I couldn’t get a Qantas flight back to Brisbane, and had to travel Virgin (for

the first time). It was great to be back home, gammy leg and all. I didn’t sleep much that

first night, and the time difference didn’t help, it is hard adjusting. However the next night

I slept for 9 hours solid, and my “afternoon” nap was a 4 hour “shut-eye” ...... jet lag no

doubt, but a recent visit to my doctor gave me an “all clear” so the bracing air in Malawi

and South Africa must have agreed with me.

Will I go back again?? Yes, you bet, but I am not going to commit to a time-frame....

I would also like say a special “thank you” to Kelly Bannam, from Ucango, who very

kindly made all my travel arrangements and hotel bookings. Thank you Kelly.....

And last, but by no means least, I would like to say a special “thank you” to Hennie and

Petro, who treated me as a true friend, for which I am indeed most grateful. Please have a

Rum & Coke or Drambuie on me......

32

PHOTO ESSAYS

• Badges of the various Railway Companies in South Africa: Van der

Westhuis

Blackened Brass Cap Badge of the Natal

Government Railways used between

1902 - 1910. This badge is from JR Gaunt

Birmingham

White Metal small Cap Badge of the

Natal Government Railways used

between 1902 - 1910. This badge is from

JR Gaunt Birmingham.

White Metal Cap Badge of the Natal

Government Railway used between 1902

– 1910.

Brass Cap Badge for a Guard of the Natal


– 1910.

Silver Cap Badge of the Cape


- 1910. This badge is from V R B Co

Birmingham.

33

Silver Scroll Type Cap Badge of the

Imperial Military Railways used between

1900 – 1902. This badge is from V R B Co

Birmingham.

South African Railways cap badge used

between 1910 – 1934. This type of badge

was worn by Station masters Special 1A

and 1B, District Inspectors, Catering

Inspectors, Other inspectors, and Chief

stewards with the lettering embroided.

Silver scroll type cap badge of the South

African Railways used between 1910 –

1926. This badge is from Bent and Parker

Ltd of Birmingham. There were 2 cap

badges used by junior railway staff (

Station Foreman, Train Conductors,

Ticket Examiners, Guards, Catering

stewards, Platform Porters, Bedding

Attendants and Shunting personnel) the

SAR scroll badge and the SAR

monogram cap badge.

Silver Monogram Cap Badge of the

South African Railways used between

1910 – 1934.This badge is from JR Gaunt

Birmingham.

34

Silver Cap Badge of the South African

Railways used between 1910 – 1934.This

badge is from Bent and Parker Ltd of

Birmingham. Worn by 2nd, 3rd and 4th

class Station Masters. This badge is from

JR Gaunt Birmingham.


between 1934 – 1953.


between 1953 – 1980.

White Metal Cap Badge of the South

African Railways used between 1934 –

1990.This badge was also manufactured

in brass. This badge is from Firmin

London.

35

White Metal Monogram Voided Cap

Badge of the South African Railways

used between 1934 – 1990.

Pewter Monogram Solid Cap Badge of

the South African Railways used

between 1934 – 1946.


between 1980 – 1990. Was used by

Station Master Special Class and Senior

Class, Superintendents, Yard Master

Special Class and Inspector Special Class.


between 1980 – 1990.

36

• Trains from the Anglo-Boer War - 1899 - 1902

• Courtesy: The Anglo-Boer War (South African War) -1899-1902 Facebook

page - Compiled by Johan Jacobs

Wagons been loaded at Pretoria station

Armoured train at a siding3

Long Tom gun been loaded at Durban

harbour for Ladysmith4

Railway yard at Pretoria station

3 Near Frere - HBH

4 I think this photo was taken at Pretoria - HBH

37

Pretoria station-note the Victoria Hotel at

the background

Boer prisoners been offloaded at

Pretoria station

Comments by HBH

Over the years we have seen many of these photographs, so much so that they are truly in

the in the public domain. The name of the Victoria Hotel is the “new name” of the hotel. It

became a popular watering hole for British officers during the Anglo-Boer War.

• Victoria Hotel: Rovos Rail (Photo 5)

The Victoria Hotel was used by Rovos Rail before they moved to Capital Park. A search on

internet revealed the following information about the hotel:

Victoria Hotel: The oldest hotel in Pretoria, the Victoria Hotel, on the corner of Paul Kruger

and Scheiding Streets, opposite Pretoria Railway Station, has been restored to its former

glory. Sunday afternoons are the time for regular chamber music sessions. The hotel used

to be the meeting place of the Rail Workers’ Union delegates.

http://www.tourismrsa.com/western-cape/western-cape-attractions/west-coast/1109-

pretoria.html?start=7

The Victoria Hotel is the oldest hotel in the city of Pretoria dd 1894! The charm and old

world character of the "Grand Old Lady" of Pretoria cannot be surpassed. Socio-econimics

have changed tremendously in surrounding area to become cosmopolitan with many

pedestrians and hawkers on the busy sidewalks, but quiet at night. Relaxed homely

atmosphere inside with no glitz and glam! Come stay with us for a day or two and share in

her warmth and relax in an atmosphere of yesteryear. The lovely Herbert Baker railway

station, Luxury Blue Train Lounge and nearly completed Gautrain station is just across the

road. Many places of historical interest within walking distance.

http://www.venuesearch.co.za/site/showVenue.pl?id=1886

Victoria Hotel

38

Lonely Planet can't book you a room here, but want to make sure you find the best hotel

possible. That's why we've included contact information so you can call or email yourself.

Lonely Planet review:

Built in 1894, this quirky, historic hotel has a grand staircase plastered with old

photographs, stained-glass windows and Victorian-style rooms, some with old claw-foot

tubs and brass beds, all opening out onto an old enclosed wraparound veranda. Stay the

night, however, and you’ll discover smelly drains, spluttering showerheads, and creaky,

empty corridors straight out of a scary movie. It’s convenient for the bus station though

and if you don’t mind sacrificing modern comfort for character, then this does the job

nicely. Our independent authors have visited Victoria Hotel and selected this as one of our

recommended hotels in Pretoria.

Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/south-africa/gauteng/pretoria/hotels/victoria-

hotel#ixzz2q4Sxljd4

• NGR Frere Anglo-Boer War (Photo 2)

I dug into my archive and found the following pictures of NGR trains staged at Frere

during the Anglo-Boer War:

Note Steam Engine (generator) left – in well wagon

39

Here we see that the train, HMS Terrible, is manned by sailors and soldiers

This photo also appears in both the Natal Mercury

and in

Malmesari’s book “Les Trains Blinde”

40

Another photo ofthe steam generator for the search light

Trains with materiel staged at Frere during the Anglo Boer War

41

• Comments re: Photo 3

I dug into my archive again and came up with a post card: “Ed Nels of Brussels, 3rd Series

of the Transvaal with comments: Le depart pour Ladysmith du canon “Long Tom”

(Creuzot) translated means: The departure for Ladysmith of "Long Tom" gun (Creuzot).

My comments would be: A NZASM train departing Pretoria with a Long Tom gun for the

Boer Forces at Ladysmith?

• Matjiesfontein and the Blue Train: Alex Faria (Cape Town)

Hello Hennie,

Ek hoop alles gaan nog goed in Pretoria; hier gaan dinge goed maar ek is baie besig met

boeke.

Toe ons nou weg was De Aar en Richmond toe het ek ‘n paar trein fotos afgeneem vir jou.

Ek kry nie altyd mooi fotos van treine nie maar ek neem hulle af net om vir jou te laat weet

42

ek dink wel aan jou.

Dit was vir my nogal interessant om die Bloutrein op Majiesfontein te sien presies wanneer

ons daar aangekom het. Om die waarheid te vertel, ek was onder die indruk dat die

Bloutrein nie langer operasioneel was nie; maar nouja!!

Erens tussen die fotos het ek een van Drie Susters ingesluit want dit is vir my altyd so

lekker om hierdie drie spitskoppe te sien. Dit is vir my die bewys dat ek wel in die Groot

Karoo is.

In elk geval, julle moet lekker bly en geniet die fotos – hulle is nie juis waffers nie maar

“just a thought”.

Groete

Porra

46

• Durban Station from the Air: Rudi Venter (Durban)

Below: Durban station and Metro yards

Durban station and Metro yards 02

47

Durban station and Metro yards_03

Durban station and Metro yards_04

48

Where have all our MLP Coaches gone?

49

• Jacobus Marais

• 20E

50

• Train Dynamics Test Coach No 15097

51

Where is the “red marker?”

52

• Trans Natal

• S1: Angela Lawlor

53

• Draai Station: Tish Archer

54

View towards Touws River

View from Konstabel station

55

• Driemanskap: Johannes Botha

• Locomotive: Jan Kempdorp: Koos Kotze

Koos said the sun was against him. Photos taken with cell phone.

56

• Western Cape: Francois Mattheüs

• Martin Nel

• Anglo American Locomotive

Driver Alwyn Orffer

Anglo American Locomotive

Driver Hendrik

57

Hendrik Richardson....

58

• Saldanha Station

61

• Williston

• Orchard Station: Willie Marais

Oom Hennie,

Dreigemente is nou sterk dat hul Touwsrivier stasie gaan sloop!!!!!!

Ai..is daar dan niemand wat kan intree en die sloping keer nie........ons probeer nog

Intepeneurs werf vir Restourasie en om die beroemde geskiedkundige Stasie wat die

Welvaart van Jimmy Logan van arm Spoorwegman tot Ryk sakeman op Matjiesfontein te

bewaar vir die nageslag.

Jimmy het as Distriks Superindent op Touwsrivier in die Frere Hotel wat in 1881 gebou is

deur die destydse Spoorweg sy rykdom begin versamel in die Verversingslokaal van die

Hotel om dan later na hy die Spoorweg bedank het sy rykdom uit te brei deur sy

plaasgrond (De Draai) te verkoop aan sy vorige werkgewer om fondse te bekom vir die tot

standkoming van Matjiesfontein.

62

Die Geskiedenis is gelaai op die Blad: Touwsrivier van Toeka tot Nou.......onder

dokumente.......die Boekie van Johan Stassen .....Doas ab!!!

Kan Oom Hennie nie vir ons intree by Prasa om ons ‘n kans te gee nie........ons sal iemand

vind om die Geskiedkundige 132 jarige gebou te bewaar.

Ek gaan môre ook ‘n mail stuur na Nasionale raad van Gedenkwaardighede, want

Transnet kan nie net Geskiedenis vernietig nie!!!!!!!!!

Ek stuur die foto’s in mb.........sal so graag die ander van die Stasie self wil stuur vir

Oom......Die ou Stasietjie is ook so geskiedkundig!!!!!!!

Groete

63

Rovos at Orchard

Phil du Plessis

• Action photos at Accident

66

• 43-002 Weighing in

• 8E

67

• Roadblock

• Fire!

• Test Train

68

• Pietermaritzburg Station: Rudi Venter

The Roof

69

The West wing

Platform Clock

71

On behalf of the South African Police and/or the SA Railways & Harbours Police: “Not Guilty!”

This happened in 1893 it was only 55 yrs later when Dr DF Malan and the National Party came to

power. Mr Gandhi was ejected by a Trooper of the Natal Mounted Police; those were the days of

the British Natal Colony. I have the Trp’s name somewhere in my archive.

1933: RAND- DURBAN EXPRESS

Rand - Dbn Express - SA Railways Magazine 1933-10-

1217.

Driver MJ Botha and the 2:15 Rand Durban Express at

Germiston Station.

72

RAILWAY HISTORY GROUP

Editor: Wally Greig

Bulletin No. 121 January 2014

Class GD on the up Caledon train entering Houwhoek Pass c1935. Eric Manken

73

GERMISTON MARSHALLING YARDS

• My adventures with a Class S1 steam Engine: Johan Jacobs

In the early 1970’s my younger brother Pieter joined the South African Railways as a

foreman /stoker on their steam locomotives at the Germiston Steam Depot. During his time

he did quite a lot of shunting with a Class S1 steam loco as well as with other loco’s in the

marshalling yard. I also remember a popular place called ‘stasie 1’ that he frequently

worked at.

The entrance to the steam depot and the steam shed

After school in the afternoons I went to his workplace and spent time with him and his

driver till knock-off time at six. It was nice to sit in his stoker’s chair as he fired-up the fire

box or to lean out of the door while they were busy shunting up and down the yard

picking-or dropping off stock. I can still remember the radio messages from the handheld

two-way radio that hung behind the driver’s head, ‘vorentoe drywer’ or ‘hokaai drywer’

and then the shattering as the big loco connected stock or released them.

74

Class S1 waiting for the relieve team and part of the marshalling yard

Some weekends I spent the whole day with them and then we braaied some boerewors on

the shovel inside the firebox. I played the role as the chef and made food and coffee.

The Class S1 was a big strong engine that was placed in service in 1947; the South African

Railways placed twelve Class S1 shunter steam locomotives, with a 0-8-0 wheel

arrangement in service, manufactured in the Salt River workshops in Cape Town. A further

twenty-five, manufactured in Scotland, were placed in service in 1954. The twelve

locomotives were numbered in the range from 374 to 385. The Class S1 was the first steam

locomotive to be designed and manufactured by the SAR in aforementioned quantity,

although not the first to be designed and manufactured in South Africa. The Natal

Government Railways 2-8-2TT tank-tender locomotive "Havelock" had already taken that

honour in 1888. After the war a further twenty-five Class S1 locomotives were ordered

from the North British Locomotive Company (NBL) in Glasgow. They were manufactured

in 1952 and delivered in 1953 and 1954, numbered in the range from 3801 to 3825.

The locomotives had bar frames, Walschaerts valve gears and were superheated. While the

cylinders, driving wheel diameter, chassis and many other features were similar to that of

the existing Class S shunters, the boilers were much larger, being a shortened version of the

specially designed boiler that was used on the Class 12AR.

Since shunting locomotives are designed to operate at low speeds in tightly curved

shunting yards, there was no need for the leading or trailing wheels that are necessary on

main line locomotives to improve high speed stability. In addition it is desirable to have as

large a proportion of the locomotive weight as possible carried on the coupled wheels to

obtain the maximum adhesion. As on those of the Class S, the top sides of the Type JT1

tender’s coal bunker were set inwards to improve the crew’s rearward vision.

75

The Class S1 was noted for its efficient and economical working. It was the SAR’s largest

and finest shunting locomotives with quite an enormous shifting and accelerating ability,

and could cope with block loads of up to 2,000 long tons (2,000 tonnes).

A typical ‘footplate’ with the driver and his stoker and the yard at ‘stasie 1’

I also visited my brother when he worked at other marshalling yards around Germiston

and the one that comes up the most is the Angelo marshalling yard just before Boksburg

station. But my greatest wish was to do a long trip with him to Breyten...and fortunately it

was not long before that opportunity came up.

Class S1 At the steam shed with Germiston station looking east at the goods yard

Reference and photos: Wikipedia the free encyclopaedia.

76

SOUTH AFRICAN MODELS

• Scalecraft model: Adrian Hill

This is a Scalecraft model. It was done as a part of a full Premier Classe set for a customer. I

spent a lot of time to get the window sizes and positions just right. The windows are

smoked and flush fitting. They're about R680 or so.

https://www.facebook.com/Scalecraft?ref=hl

LETTERS

• Alex Faria

Hello Hennie,

Lees en geniet!

http://www.wyomerc.com/essays/TranscontinentalRailroad.html

Porra

77

• Ray Ellis

Look at this little lot !! Amazing …..!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not as good as the South Africa Gautrain!!

http://safeshare.tv/w/vwncRciSFb

Cheers

Ray Ellis

• Charlie Lewis (SoAR)

A brief note to wish you Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 2014 and to offer my

whole-hearted thanks for comments/suggestions/corrections/photographs received.

Les (Pivnic) and I will be continuing our series on the history of SAR from early in the New

Year when we hope to resume contact with you. Meanwhile, here is the link to the index

page which gives access to all 30 chapters we have completed so far:

https://sites.google.com/site/soulorailway/

I would also like to put on record our thanks to Andrew Deacon who has patiently sorted

out all the problems we have encountered with putting this stuff on the web, and my

personal thanks to Les and (lately) Peter Micenko for their massive contributions, without

which it would be impossible to do the subject justice.

Thanks again for your participation and.....see you next year, Charlie

• Locomotive at Van Der Merwe Station: Piet Conradie

Hallo Almal,

Agteros kom ook in die kraal - uiteindelik - na maande - op die BLOG geplaas !!!

BAIE Dankie vir julle hulp met die fotos!

Groete

Piet

78

kyk: http://steam-locomotives-south-africa.blogspot.com/2013/04/rayton-getaway-farm-

van-der-merwe-class.html

• Palestine Railways: Chen Melling

I would start with this Wikipedia article:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palestine_Railways

Then these two books, the first of which is the main source for the Wikipedia entry:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palestine_Railways

http://rail.co.il/EN/Fun/Pages/Book.aspx

And then just ask...Chen

Because of South African involvement in the Palestine Railways, the bug bit me. Via Ray

Ellis I “met” Chen and he has given me advice to start on the Palestine Railways.

I have found many pictures on the Palestine Railways on “Google Images”.

[Just for interest sake: The South African Police sent dog masters (detectives) to assist the

then (British) Palestine Police.]

27th Annual News Letter: Collector Mervyn Emms (89)

• Robbie Green

Robbie Green sent very interesting info on the Ooster-spoor (the Eastern Line of the old

NZASM), unfortunately in PDF and in Portuguese, but never the less, very historical and

very interesting.

79

RAILWAY SOCIETY OF SA (NATAL)

Note:

The film I am involved in made use of USR near Botha’s Hill. A passenger steam was used

in the movie. I am glad USR had the opportunity to figure in the movie ... more later ... H

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Back page:

Comments HBH: This photo brings back many “police” memories. 50 years ago I joined

the SA Police. At King’s Rest police station Wests was part of our beat. The SAR & H Police

policed the harbour and the railway property at Wests. However there was the Wests Hotel

(private property) and we had to attend to the disturbances there. The green hill was

Admiralty Land since the time of the British occupation and we, the SAP, had to attend to

complaints on that land. Our beat stretched also right to the light house - at the view site.

Many days I recall the Union Castle ships leaving the harbour. What a memory!

Other memories? Yes, murder, abortions (we found foetuses in the harbour), rape and

faction fights were attended there. Always in full uniform and had to do heavy carry work

usually over weekends on damp hot days. [Enjoyed one “illegal” trip on an engine back to

the patrol van.]

Behind the Bluff – the green hill in the picture – was the Union Whaling Co’s whaling

station. Trains used to travel from the harbour around the Bluff to the whaling station.

Special trucks, some dating from the NGR, carried one whale per (S) truck.

81

RMIG: LIONEL PENNING

82

SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS

• A319 ZS-SFI Johannes Botha

UK: A Tricky & Sticky Problem

Train firms to be banned from allowing 'utterly disgusting' toilets to flush sewage on to the

tracks

By MATT CHORLEY, MAILONLINE POLITICAL EDITOR

PUBLISHED: 09:48 GMT, 6 January 2014 | UPDATED: 09:49 GMT, 6 January 2014

Train companies are to be ordered to adapt their trains to stop dumping sewage on the

tracks.

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Ministers want to rewrite future franchise deals to end the ‘disgusting’ practice of toilets

flushing straight on to the rails.

But they admit it could take years before the problem is eradicated because it is impossible

to fit tanks underneath older carriages which are still in service.

Filthy: Many older intercity trains cannot be fitted with retention tanks which means toilets

flush straight on to the tracks

More than a decade ago fears were raised than toilet waste

building up parts of the rail network were hampering repairs

and causing a threat to the health of maintenance staff.

While carriages are often repainted and refitted with new seats,

the toilets still flush on to the tracks because there is insufficient

space between the axles to fit sewage tanks.

Lib Dem transport minister Baroness Kramer has asked

officials to examine plans for all new franchises to ban train

operators from running trains which do not have retention

tanks. And she wants more signs warning passengers not to flush toilets when trains are in

stations to avoid excrement piling up on the tracks.

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Transport minister Baroness Kramer condemned the practice as 'disgusting'

Baroness Kramer said: ‘This is just one of the most disgusting things. I do want to hear

from the industry because it is just unacceptable. ‘If you are in a station don’t flush. Just

don’t do it, it is utterly disgusting.’

Fed-up passengers last month began collecting signatures about the smell from toilet waste

dumped in Liverpool Street station. The petition states: 'This practice should be stopped, it

is not reasonable that vast numbers of people using Liverpool Street are being exposed to

the risks associated with raw sewage on a daily basis. It is 2013 not 1913.'

Network Rail, which is responsible for the tracks, pinned the blame on train operators,

adding: 'For the well-being of our track staff we would like to see this practice of toilets

emptying onto the tracks cease.' Intercity trains which do not have tanks are expected to

continue running on Britain’s railways for another four years.

First Great Western faced criticism in 2007 when it announced it was extending the life of

its rolling stock for another 10 years. At the time it was claimed fitting toilet retention tanks

to the existing rolling stock would increase train weight and ‘require major structural

modifications that cannot be justified as part of the life extension’. After the collapse of the

West Coast line deal, ministers tore up the timetable for letting new franchisees so that in

future they will be staggered.

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Commuters at Liverpool Street station in London launched a petition last month against

toilet waste being dumped on the tracks. It means it could take many years before new

rules banning toilets flushing on to tracks can be implement across the network. RMT rail

union boss Bob Crow has condemned the toilets as a ‘shocking indictment on the state of

our railways 20 years after privatisation’. ‘Not only is it a filthy way of disposing of

effluent, but it also poses real health risks and dangers for RMT members out there

working on the tracks,’ he added.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2526535/Train-firms-banned-

allowing-utterly-disgusting-toilets-flush-sewage-tracks.html#ixzz2pdyiiQ2A

Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

STOP PRESS

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86

NEXT ISSUE & GREETINGS

The next issue of “The Ulolwe” will be Vol 5 No 2 and will be published, DV, sometime

during late February 2014.

Send in your comments, anecdotes and photographs please.

Take care!

Stuur solank u stories, herinneringe en u eie foto’s aan [email protected] in jpg-formaat

Hennie Heymans – Pretoria, ZA ©©©© 2014

0 vol 5 no 1

Documents

sar models

sar stamps

sar police

sar terms

south african sar

sa railways

railways of southern

south african armoured