Friends of the Rail Forum

Highballing Hwy 6

Running around the train

Have you noticed, John, how many more valves, levers, knobs and gadgets there are on American locomotives as compared to SA ones. Plus that huge reverser "Johnson Bar".

It is good to see how much she enjoys her training and the sounds of the loco working are great. She does not communicate much with the shunter or her fireman, checking clear etc.. Nice ending with a 'solid' coupling, but not exactly a 'Blue Train' coupling!! Good thing she does not have John D. on the train. She will learn.

The reverser seems to be in quite an obtrusive position towards the middle of the footplate, compared to most UK, South African and Kenyan locos where it is located in front of the driver or towards the driver's side of the cab.

She looks very focused, calm and competent.