SDD2

[Kevin Wilson-Smith]

Posted for Chris Janisch who said....

Seen at Pyramid South yesterday, in the low light of a thundercloud backdrop, are two new diesels: SDD20003/A001 in powder blue and white with yellow and red trim, labelled Anglo Platinum; and SDD20004 in powder blue with white trim, labelled "AssMang Manganese".

Calls to the shed foreman revealed no knowledge of their presence: however on the windows was a written authority for their towage by TFR from Wentworth(Durban) to Cor Delfos(Pretoria).

I presume they entered PS through the Sentrarand line and will move to Cor Delfos shortly.
Who owns these and where are they bound?

[Kevin Wilson-Smith]

Via e-mail comments were.....

From Geoff Pethick

Hi Chris
These are new Chinese diesels, presumably owned by AR&TS (Surtees) for use at Assmang as part of a haulage contract.
Regards
Geoff

and from Dylan Knott....

Type SDD2 diesel-electric locomotives owned by ARTS. Hire locos. Destined for Anglo Platinum Rustenberg and Black Rock Hotazel. They were built by China South Loco Group or CSR South.

Probably see more of these soon. Two more at work at Douglas Colliery.

All info courtesy of John Middleton.

[Craig Duckham]

Are the two SDD-2 still there?

Any chance of some more pictures of these before they enter revenue service? More angles from the front and sides. Any takers?

[Chris Janisch]

They left Pyramid South 2 days after arrival. I have a few more pics but as you can see they were unfortunately coupled up to other locos.

[Stefan Andrzejewski]

Your background of storm clouds and sun certainly give a perfect setting for photography. Well done on capturing the moment

[Craig Duckham]

Chris, would you be willing to post the other pictures?

[Steve Appleton]

Saw these three "foreign" locos (two types, two in dark blue and one in light blue, if memory serves correctly) lashed-up go through Hercules northbound, light-loco, on the "Metro" lines at about 09:20 on Friday 5th December whilst waiting to push-back at the yard exit signal. Also watched a diesel-powered single DZ-sized "flat wagon" with a green tank and small, masked crew aboard trundle through northbound with arms hung out each side, spraying weeds. Left a strong smell of herbicide wafting over the yard. Surprised that they did that during peak Metro hours.