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The International Steam Pages |
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Steam in South Africa 1998 |
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South Africa's GEORGE - KNYSNA Line 25 June to 5 July 1998 Report by Duncan Cotterill Although this line now comes under the auspices of the Transnet Heritage Foundation and is marketed as the Outeniqualand Preserved Railway, it is still essentially a real working railway rather than the linear steam theme park that many so called preserved lines, particularly in the USA, have become. All that distinguishes it from any other part of the Spoornet system is the use of steam traction and red/grey coaching stock. Current Timetable
x denotes trains crossing Trains stop to pick up or set down on request at other intermediate stations and sidings (halts). The timings are rather slack and departing up to 15 mins early from intermediate stations seemed normal practice. The afternoon goods from Knysna frequently ran early throughout. Traffic Passenger traffic seemed quite buoyant with 33705/33708 loading to 4 or 5 coaches and 33706/33707 loading to 3 or 4. The school holidays and Knysna Oyster Festival ensured a good complement of passengers on virtually every train. The coaches, normally all slam door suburban open firsts, have returned to the traditional red/grey colours from the non-standard brown/cream livery adopted a few years ago. Unfortunately freight traffic was not as healthy. There was a steady flow of between 2 and 4 timber wagons a day from Knysna. Empties always arrived on the 05:00 goods and most loads were taken back to George on the 16:00 goods. Occasionally a load of timber or a container were conveyed on the mixed trains but the majority of these workings were effectively passenger trains. Loco Workings Three locos are required each day to work the service. Each works George to Knysna and back. An additional loco, usually the S2, is used as George pilot. Out Goods 33705 33707 25/06 3668(24) 3693(24) 3675(24) 2749(19D) &
3706(S2) at George Note 1: Note 2: Sun 28/06 Note the absence of GMAMs 4070, 4072, 4122 and 7ths 1007 & 1056. Some may have been in the heavy repair shed which was locked. The depot was deserted so there weren't any staff around to ask either. Further Afield: Sun 28/06 Photography Running through some of South Africa's most dramatic coastal scenery, the George - Knysna line ranks with the most photogenic in the world. The parallel N2 main road and low train speeds make chasing easy and it would be a simple matter to obtain 10 to 12 shots of each working if quantity was a concern. Many of the best locations take some time to walk into, so discerning photographers will find that settling for 2 or 3 goods shots of each working and ignoring many of the lesser positions yields better results. Hex River Pass Visited Sun 05/07: The old steeply graded, curvaceous main line over the pass was closed a few years ago in favour of a brand new line burrowing under the mountains via a series of tunnels. The original line appears to be intact but shows no signs of recent use and vegetation is slowly taking over the trackbed. Considerable rationalisation has taken place leaving little apart from a basic single track railway. Few signs of the 3000V dc electrification remain while Matroosberg station has lost all it's loops and sidings and all signalling equipment has been removed. The eastbound Trans Karoo express was photographed on the new line. Incidentally, this was the only non steam working I saw in 11 days in the country in spite of driving many miles close to various lines. Logistics I used British Airways direct flights from Heathrow to Cape Town and back (£576 return). Car hire for 11 days cost £315 from Hertz. Although it's expensive to get to South Africa, at current exchange rates of 10 Rand to the Pound, living once you're there is cheap. Budget hotels and B&Bs in Knysna were offering rooms for as little as R50. Some of the more up market establishments cost as little as R150, a far cry from the £75 or so a similar room would cost in the south east of England. A full tank of petrol costs less than R100 and a slap up meal, including drinks, rarely costs more than R50. Conclusions Travelling halfway round the world to visit a preserved line may seem extravagant but the exceptional quality of the photographic locations made this a very satisfying and worthwhile trip. This part of South Africa has far more to offer than just the railway and makes an ideal destination for those wanting a relaxing change from the rigours of China or the frustrations of Cuba. Where else can you watch schools of dolphin playing in the surf just offshore while waiting for the train? |
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Rob Dickinson
Email: webmaster@internationalsteam.co.uk