Ex-NRZ 15A Garratt no 398 prepared to go to New Zealand
Posted: 14 Mar 2011, 10:27
Ex-National Railways of Zimbabwe (and ex-Rhodesia Railways) class 15A Beyer-Garratt locomotive number 398 prepared for shipment to New Zealand. Picture of the loco is can be viewed at:http://www.friendsoftherail.com/phpBB2/ ... 149&t=8126
Information Release from Steamnet, March 9, 2011:
Information Release from Steamnet, March 9, 2011:
To all Steamnet 2000 members.
Below is the information release I have sent to our local press, it is self explanatory. I am copying it to all members for their information. Any local members receiving this please try to find someone to man a table at our site dispensing tea/coffee to the working crews.
The AGM held on Dec 07 was successfull and attended by 8 people with 8 apologies.
Frank Higgo asked to step down from the committee and was thanked in his absence for his dedication over the years. Jeff van Rooyen was appointed onto the committee.
The committee urged that all members especially those overseas be reminded to please make occasional contributions and/or pay their subs. I am aware that members don't see much for their money but we, with meagre local resources, ARE looking after some 14 [sorry 13...] historic locomotives at our site and can take pride in knowing that if it wasn't for our efforts then all would by now be stripped and derelict.
P J Odell  Chairman  09/3/2011
STEAMNET 2000Â Â INFORMATION RELEASE
Steamnet 2000 based in Beaconsfield with international membership, is a volunteer steam train preservation organisation dedicated to preserving the heritage of the once premier tourism attraction of the Northern Cape, the "Steam Kyalami" between De Aar and Kimberley. We, the only steam train organisation in the N C Province, care for some 12 locomotives, some owned by members, some leased from Transnet. We are grateful to Transnet Feight Rail for their cooperation.
Despite government policies since 1994Â and, only 3 years ago, again being identified as one of the N C Province's 10 tourism development projects, no support is forthcoming for the reinstatement of some steam trains as a tourist attraction in the Northern Cape, once one of the the world's main destinations for steam fans.
In 1998 an affiliated New Zealand organisation purchased a Class 15A Garratt steam locomotive from National Railways of Zimbabwe [formerly Rhodesia Railways] to operate tourist trains on the New Zealand rail network. Locomotive No 398 was built in Manchester, England by the "Beyer Peacock" company in 1950 and used over most routes in Zimbabwe including the Cape Town mail trains through Botswana as far as Mafikeng. "Steam Incorporated", the new owners, moved it into Steamnet 2000's care at Beaconsfield in 1998.
This forthcoming weekend, No 398 will finally be split, loaded and leave the Northern Cape aboard 3 low-beds bound for Durban and shipping to New Zealand via Australia. Steamnet 2000 has been responsible for dismantling and preparation and Saxport and Mike du Plooy consultants have been contracted to load and transport the locomotive.
It is expected that the low-beds will leave the site for Durban early on Monday morning of the 14th March 2011 exiting opposite the Diamond Pavillion mall.
Steamnet 2000, Steam Incorporated and Saxport wish to place on record their thanks for the help and cooperation received from Transnet Freight Rail during this operation.
Strictly our site, being located within TFR, is off-limits to the public but should the press or VIP's wish to visit and view please contact me on 082-856-2277
Peter J Odell
Chairman Steamnet 2000. Kimberley