Southbound Trans Karoo with derailed AFRO4010

[John Ashworth]

See discussion at http://www.friendsoftherail.com/phpBB2/ ... 031#p37031

I thought S/B Trans Karoo ran on Mondays & Wednesdays ? Never mind. One left Kimberley behind AFRO4010 late [?] Tuesday night.

There is a 10 day “blockade” Postmasburg-Kimberley-De Aar -Port Elizabeth, with no manganese/cement trains running [till 20th/21st] Apparently traffic using Kimberley-De Aar is not entirely “blockaded”

Poles & wires are up on the 2nd line [old down line] from about km 32 through Modderriver to about km 39 south of Modderriver making a “long loop” However as some pictures show the old Girder bridge is not yet wired & appears to be having the girders heightened for the overheads. [and/or the AFRO,S !]

The 1900 “Boer War” blockhouse is also visible, probably the most excitement it has ever witnessed?

It seems track work was not completed or a temporary speed restriction was in place but the lokfuhrer not informed.

Lokfuhrer Ad Schoeman was already driving when I was firing at De Aar in the 70,s ! Years of experience…. and is totally reliable. From 24,s on the Douglas link to PRASA AFRO,s.

SABC news talks of 12 “injured”

A following S/B container train with 5 x 20E stands dead in Spytfontein “long loop”

11 pictures , all by P J O except the 4010 close up by Jeffrey Van Rooyen. [Director Steamnet 2000]