Zambia: Ex-RR Garratt No 620 derailed during move

[Steve Appleton]

From Peter (Rollbahn): "Note that No 620 has been well lubricated as directed to Andrew by me before the movement. The boiler inside however looks a total mess."

No 620 being towed by diesel to the points.
620’s front wheels derailed on points when backing towards its new undercover home.
620 taken back to its usual road while we wait for the tracklayers to come and see to the points – and one section where it is suspected that the track splayed open. See shed in the background. The undercover road which is waiting for 620 has a pit.
We live to try again. At least there is quite a lot of interest at the workshop about the loco now that it is receiving a bit of attention.
Cheers
Andrew Schanknecht
Chief Financial Officer
Mopani Copper Mines PLC
PO Box 22 000, Kitwe, ZAMBIA

[peterbagshawe]

Is there any update on the situation regarding this loco? Is it being put back into serviceable condition?

[peterbagshawe]

Chas Rickwood of Zimbabwe has managed to make contact recently with Andrew Schanknecht who replied as follows:

"I am pleased to hear that an interest is being taken in our Garratt.
About a year ago I had it moved under cover at our locomotive workshops at Nkana, Kitwe.
There are no plans at this stage to restore it. But it least it is safe.
Unfortunately as you know we are far from the tourist routes, which doesn’t help matters.
If you know who may be well placed to give a restoration project some momentum it would certainly help."

Andrew Schanknecht, 24 January 2011