The Natal Old Main Line between Kloof and Inchanga has been closed due to sections of track requiring wooden sleepers to be replaced.
This has resulted in a joint effort between Umgeni Steam and Metrorail to effect the necessary repairs to ensure that USR'S holiday running days can go ahead as planned. The immediate concern is the 90 sleepers that must be replaced before any train will be allowed back on the line. The timing is not ideal with the next booked trains for USR due to run this coming weekend on Sunday 20th December.
Natal Old Main Line Closed for Sleeper Replacement
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Brendon Anderson
- Posts: 124
- Joined: 03 Jun 2008, 14:55
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Ashley Peter
- Posts: 34
- Joined: 12 Dec 2007, 18:17
Re: Natal Old Main Line Closed for Sleeper Replacement
Latest count up to 300 sleepers... TFR have at least finally come to the party and are assisting with two gangs. 22 sleepers replaced yesterday (Wednesday) and 60 so far today. Still a long way to go with USR trains booked from 06:30 on Sunday!!
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Steve Appleton
- Site Admin
- Posts: 3606
- Joined: 23 Jan 2007, 14:14
- Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Re: Natal Old Main Line Closed for Sleeper Replacement
Well done at getting some institutional assistance. Does either TFR or Metrorail ever use that old line anymore? Is it that they perhaps require the line as ultimate backup for the Natal main line or are they genuinely being supportive of USR?
Potential line closure is a big worry for several heritage operators, not least FOTR whose outings include a run over 9 kms of the the Rayton-Cullinan-Zonderwater branch. This line, like many such branch lines, is steadily deteriorating whilst maintenance is minimal. We sincerely hope that we don't suddenly find the line condemned for passenger train use (like the Sabie line was) or closed altogether (like the Hercules-Magaliesburg line is). Complete closure is presently not likely because there are still a couple of TFR pick-up freights that run weekly to a steel plant at the line's end in Zonderwater. The line could however be reclassified as a freight only line. Worse, if that plant was to switch to road transport or close, what then? FOTR would essentially become the line's sole users.
Potential line closure is a big worry for several heritage operators, not least FOTR whose outings include a run over 9 kms of the the Rayton-Cullinan-Zonderwater branch. This line, like many such branch lines, is steadily deteriorating whilst maintenance is minimal. We sincerely hope that we don't suddenly find the line condemned for passenger train use (like the Sabie line was) or closed altogether (like the Hercules-Magaliesburg line is). Complete closure is presently not likely because there are still a couple of TFR pick-up freights that run weekly to a steel plant at the line's end in Zonderwater. The line could however be reclassified as a freight only line. Worse, if that plant was to switch to road transport or close, what then? FOTR would essentially become the line's sole users.
"To train or not to train, that is the question"
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Ashley Peter
- Posts: 34
- Joined: 12 Dec 2007, 18:17
Re: Natal Old Main Line Closed for Sleeper Replacement
Hi Steve -
At least the Rayton - Cullinan section is only 9km long - maintenance could possible be manageable, even for a volunteer preservation group - our line is 45km long and abounds in 1:30 gradients and 90m radius curves. In fact, probably 10km or more of the line has check-rail curves.
Neither Metrorail nor TFR still use this part of the line. The bottom section (Rossburgh - Pinetown), is owned and operated by Metrorail, and has about 30 commuter trains a day. However, the section from Pinetown to Cato Ridge is a TFR asset and they appear to have a policy of actively discouraging any use of the line. Far from being a "strategic alternative" to the "New" Main Line (opened in 1921), they would rather cancel trains or send them via Richard's Bay than send them over this line. Reasons given by senior management include such howlers as "it is a narrow-gauge line"; "it is not able to carry the axle-loads" - yet the standard motive power over the line previously were Class 6E1 and 37 locos; "it is not safe for passenger trains" - but we have been running over it on a regular basis for years without incident, and 18 coach passenger trains used to be worked over it during breakdowns on the New Line.
It appears that TFR may be a bit embarrassed about the situation - and may be concerned about negative publicity if we have to shut down operations over Christmas, with trains already heavily booked.
At least the Rayton - Cullinan section is only 9km long - maintenance could possible be manageable, even for a volunteer preservation group - our line is 45km long and abounds in 1:30 gradients and 90m radius curves. In fact, probably 10km or more of the line has check-rail curves.
Neither Metrorail nor TFR still use this part of the line. The bottom section (Rossburgh - Pinetown), is owned and operated by Metrorail, and has about 30 commuter trains a day. However, the section from Pinetown to Cato Ridge is a TFR asset and they appear to have a policy of actively discouraging any use of the line. Far from being a "strategic alternative" to the "New" Main Line (opened in 1921), they would rather cancel trains or send them via Richard's Bay than send them over this line. Reasons given by senior management include such howlers as "it is a narrow-gauge line"; "it is not able to carry the axle-loads" - yet the standard motive power over the line previously were Class 6E1 and 37 locos; "it is not safe for passenger trains" - but we have been running over it on a regular basis for years without incident, and 18 coach passenger trains used to be worked over it during breakdowns on the New Line.
It appears that TFR may be a bit embarrassed about the situation - and may be concerned about negative publicity if we have to shut down operations over Christmas, with trains already heavily booked.