Premier Classe Diesel

[Stefan Andrzejewski]

I caught these two 35's thumping away with the P.E. Premier Classe just outside N1 City Cape Town

[Barend Botha]

Interesting looking power car behind the locos, never seen that before.

[Jez Smith]

Interesting looking power car behind the locos, never seen that before.

Is this a mechanical version of the vapour cars?
I am rather disappointed to see the state of the locos used on this train. They are definitely NOT 'Premier Classe'!

[Stefan Andrzejewski]

Very few of our Loco's are Premier Classe standard. The power car has to Volvo V8 engines generating electricity for the train . Especially for the Aircon, which draws plenty current. Nothing like a Vapour Car. There are 220 volt plugs in each compartment.

[Jez Smith]

Thanks Stefan. I know the vapour cars are to supply heat - UK locos used to have on-board boilers for this purpose, but all were rendered obsolete in the 1980s. All trains are now powered and heated/air conditioned by locomotives fitted with ETH (Electric Train Heating), also known in the states as HEP - this also supplies power for catering, laptop points etc. Steam-hauled trains on the mainline in the UK have generator vans in their consists, but are usually converted coaches, so the visual image is not spoiled.

[Stefan Andrzejewski]

The 3E was the only Loco to have inboard heating . There were not to many of those built and were all scrapped in the 70's and 80's. I think also one of your English Electric.

[Nathan Berelowitz]

Pity about the filthy motive power. There was supposed to be "dedicated" motive power for the train sets, and now they are to fall under PRASA,and have to use TFR loco's. Very interesting to see how this will all pan out.
Did the 4E not have the boiler inside for steam heating?

[Stefan Andrzejewski]

No as long as it was, only the 3E.

[Stefan Andrzejewski]

More Friday Premier Classe Diesel Photo's. This time further up the track

[Jez Smith]

I bet those old GEs sounded fantastic!

[Stefan Andrzejewski]

They do but the Class 33 still the best sounding.

[Eugene Armer]

Hi Stefan, is this the Premier Classe to Port Elizabeth? If yes, maybe that explains the diesels?

[Stefan Andrzejewski]

Yes Eugene it is. I think these two pull it right through to PE.

[Eugene Armer]

Maybe someone else can tell us if this is correct ? As far as I know, the section from Voorbaai to PE is worked by class 34's, not 35's, and I would be surprised if 2 x 35's could take the Premier Classe load up the Montagu Pass.

[Stefan Andrzejewski]

I am suprised that 2 35's do it from Cape Town. I have seen them twice. They seem to battle along at 70k/mh.