Friends of the Rail Forum

CREA newsletter 77

Having read this issue, I am not surprised at all as to why HRASA is such an in-efficient organization. There is actually no real news with regards to operational issues, let alone the Millsite saga. I'm beginning to wonder if it would not be better to get the HRASA operations up north, and split between FotR, RS, Umgeni, and Sandstone (ie Steam-in-Action). Maybe this might help us all for the long term future?

Good point, Gabor! What do the rest think? Its high time something happens rather than more hot air.

I tend to agree with Gabor about the geographical issue. Practically speaking, the north seems to be the focus of heritage rail operations in South Africa. In Gauteng, between FOTR, Reefsteamers and Rovos Rail, you can see a steam-hauled train out on the national rail network almost every day of the year (which is more than can be said for virtually any other country in the world, including the UK, which is rightly regarded as a world leader in heritage rail - this is often forgotten by South African enthusiasts who often only see the negative side of the national heritage rail scene). Add in Umgeni and Sandstone, and you have the majority of the active heritage rail operations.

The other argument for a strong HRASA presence in the north is that most key players in TFR and RSR are in Gauteng, and it is easy for groups in the area to maintain a good relationship with them. TFR personnel were aboard 3117's inaugural trip as guests, for example.

Saves HRASA plenty of money in travelling fees. Just makes sense to base the HQ in Gauteng rather than Cape Town or anywhere else.

Who uses the forum on the HRASA website?

Dylan,

This is the message that I get when I would like to visit HRASA forum;

Attention:
Public Registration has been disabled. This may be a private bulletin board.
Please contact an Administrator if you would like to register.

Very attractive? . . . and inclusive? . . .

A waste of time springs to mind.