FOTR 19D derailed at Cullinan

[John Ashworth]

FOTR 19D 2650 derailed at Cullinan today, apparently due to missing sleepers. No injuries reported. Loco and coaches remained upright.

[John Ashworth]

Edited report from the driver of the train, 30/11/12:

More Drama on Cullinan line.

Today Nov 30th I was the driver of FotR train 988563 08.30 Hermanstad- Cullinan load 6 coaches est 194 tonnes tare.

At Rayton as usual we obtained the staff for the 9km branch & were advised telephonically of the 30kph permanent restriction and that the trackmaster was in attendance at Km3.

22 mins later at 11.35 when 0.6km short of Cullinan, on the final sharp curve in a cutting we came to rest on the ballast. This is the same curve which derailed 15F 3117 about 3 years ago. Because of the check rail they are unable to use theft proof concrete sleepers.

We ALWAYS keep to 10-20 kph on this branch & keep a good look out for stolen trackwork.

Sitting on drivers seat it felt like we had hit a gravel road, fireman & pilot held tight, I applied train brake, threw loco into reverse and hoped for the best. About 30m of sleepers had been stolen, the 2650 inc tender were totally derailed but more or less upright and the first wheel of the first coach teetered on the brink of falling onto the ballast.

No one was injured and 2650 seems to have no major visual damage although the cowcatcher is bent but wont need replacing. Where would you get one anyway?

Fascinating to stand on a L-R sloping footplate with a full gauge glass on L side but only half on R side......

By mid afternoon a diesel arrived and eventually permission was given to move the coaches.

We filled 2650's boiler, broke up clinker to ease fire removal and left her to her fate outside Cullinan.

Engineers will on Saturday apparently jack up 2650 & relay the track under her!

A couple of volunteers... are now working late into the night to ready 3664 for Saturday's train either using the 4 remaining coaches & a water tanker or the full set if back in time.

Saturdays train will terminate at Rayton with busstitution onto Cullinan, with luck sundays train may get to Cullinan.

From the FOTR Chairman, Nathan Berelowitz, 01/12/12:

Loco to be rerailed today and train to go Hermanstad to Rayton with coaches and tender first, probably Sunday line to be open

[John Ashworth]

Photos at http://www.friendsoftherail.com/phpBB2/ ... 06&t=10338