CPK - local news

[John Ashworth]

On the steam side, work is progressing at a furious pace on the new Rovos
25NC. The loco is to run in Ap[ril on a steam safari to Zim, via
Magaliesburg, Botswana. The loco has had new lagging made and it is
currently being fitted. The painting of loco and tender is complete and she
looks a beaut. Hydraulic testing and a trial trip are still needed and there
are now roughly three weeks to take off.

The diesel/oil/whatever 25NC is now currently out of service. Perhaps her
parts will be fitted to the new NC.

[Chris Janisch]

Rovos are very busy and short of motive power. On Wednesday there were 3 trains and all arrived/ departed in the afternoon where there was a flury of activity. Diesels were seen buzzing in and out of the shed and electric power took the train to Centurion. Unfortunately there is far less line work now for steam, often trains are taken out by electric/diesel and even trains coming in are sometimes so hauled. Despite Transnet's problems they still manage to supply power for Rovos. Maybe when 3533 comes on stream there will be more line work again.
Coach restoration continues apace while the vehicles recently derailed in Zim are being inspected for damage.

[John Ashworth]

I was firing 3442 for Rovos Rail on Wednesday, and it was an interesting day. We went out twice to fetch inbound trains (first from Centurion, then from Koedespoort), but as Chris says, the afternoon outbound train was taken out by units. Funnily enough there were two locos in steam (3442 and 3360), so conceivably the train could have been taken out by double-headed steam, but since we had only just got back and would have had to take water, it might have been delayed a bit. Also, there is never a guarantee that the incoming train will be on time, so I suppose they had no guarantee that our loco would have been back in time. Also 3442's crew would probably have worked more than our safe hours if we had to take a third train out that day.

I don't know Rovos Rail's policy, but as an outsider it looks as if their priority is finishing 3533 so even footplate crews are working on that loco instead of driving trains - that is left to TFR units.

A picture of 3533 on Wednesday can be found at http://www.friendsoftherail.com/phpBB2/ ... 138&t=1736

[Dylan Knott]

How useful was the GMAM when in Rovos service?

Did they prefer it to a 19D?

[Chris Janisch]

The GMA was not useful, it was essential. For a long time it was the only serviceable loco on the roster. It worked flat out shunting and hauling trains and was always equal to the task. It was regularly used on 20 plus coach trains and was a sight to behold. To see this loco working flat out was a fantastic experience- a conundrum of turning motion, black smoke and noise!
Sad to see her leaving Pretoria, in April last year, but I recorded this as she doubleheaded with 3016 on an RS train returning from Cullinan.
Goodbye old Smokey.

[Kevin Wilson-Smith]

Can someone let me know when the Garratt next runs - so far all my attempts to catch her for pics have been fruitless........

On a separate note I thought Transnet had said no diesels would be available for hire until further notice?

[John Ashworth]

3533 reportedly passed its boiler hydraulic yesterday and was due for an internal exam today.