Blue Train - Durban Program 21 to 26 July 2010

[Steve Appleton]

Blue Train - Durban Program 21 to 26 July 2010:

For those who may be interested in such things - there are several rather unusual Blue Train (with 14E) photo opportunities coming up in and around Durban over the coming few days, as it performs "lunch trips" along the North and South Coasts.

Firstly, the train will be departing Pretoria on Wednesday, 21 July at 12:00, arriving Durban at 05:30 on Thursday, 22 July. It departs again at 07:00 "empty coaches" northbound for Shakaskraal (08:30), where it will turn around in time to pick up its passengers at Compensation at about 09:30. A leisurely ride all the way to Umkomaas will then follow, passing Durban at 10:55; Amanzimtoti at 11:40 and arriving Umkomaas at about 12:20 before returning. Departs Umkomaas at 12:40; Amanzimtoti 13:05; Durban 13:45 to Shakaskraal (15:10). The loco runs around again and the train then proceeds to Compensation where the passengers will disembark at 15:45. The train continues as "empty coaches" to Durban, arriving at 17:10 where it will be staged in Durban Yard until Monday, 26 July.

On Monday, 26 July precisely the same schedule will apply Durban - Shakaskraal - Umkomaas - Shakaskraal - Durban.

The train returns to Pretoria at 18:00 the same day, passing Pietermaritzburg at 20:25 and reaching its destination at approximately 09:30 on Tuesday, 27 July.

Regards


Ashley

[Stefan Andrzejewski]

Steve any idea of the cost of this trip. Just curious.

[Steve Appleton]

Stefan, No idea of pricing or availability at all.
This is not a commercial, but suggest you contact Santie Bekker at http://www.satravelbooking.co.za/. She is well-connected, may know and can do bookings.

[Rob Jamieson]

Most probably a charter trip. Hope it's not a government official using tax payers money to impress friends or business associates.

[Craig Duckham]

Wish I could be lineside, the South Coast is my favourite spot for trains. Also wish I could be in the train! Wonder how many people will photograph the train on the coast.