Railway Heritage

Rescue of Rand Water Board "Nigerian" locomotives by Sandstone Estates

One of the most rewarding things about having a web site is the amount of useful information that is supplied to us voluntarily from people around the world who have often had firsthand experience with the locomotives or railway artefacts in question. Andrew Boucher is one such person and he has attached this delightful photograph and interesting background as to how he came to be involved with this class of locomotive.

I was interested to hear of the rescue of these locomotives by Sandstone Estates in August. You refer to them as "Nigerian" type, but did you know that the Gold Coast (Ghana) Railway also had 27 of this type, delivered between 1930 and 1953,the most obvious difference being a larger cab than the S.A. locos.

I lived in Ghana in 1964,and made many good friends on the railway at Kumasi. They were very kind to me and I spent many hours driving these locos while shunting in the yards there, although as a small boy I found them heavy to handle! I attach a photograph taken on one such occasion.

Sadly, Ghana Railways saw fit to scrap all its steam locomotives, and those surviving in Nigeria may have been cut up by now, so I was pleased to learn that Sandstone had snatched these two from the jaws of the scrap man!

Regards
Andrew Boucher

RAND WATER BOARD LOCOMOTIVES BUILT BY HUNSLET

RAND WATER BOARD LOCOMOTIVES BUILT BY HUNSLET

The Rand Water Board owned two 0-8-0 Tank locomotives built by Hunslet Engine  Co. of Leeds to a similar design built for Nigeria. The two locomotives were mainly used to serve a Pump Station at Zwartkoppies, about 20 km south of Johannesburg.

RWB No:1 was  Hunslet 60510/1938 and was originally named “Irene”, RWB No: 2 was built in 1946 as Hunslet works no:61035.

The pumping Station was connected by a 5km branch line to the SAR at Randwater on the mainline between Germiston and Vereeniging.

Below: One of the Rand Water locomotives working her heart out!

Coal and stores were railed from the SAR exchange yard into the pumping Station. They were used from Monday to Sunday except Saturdays. The locomotives were withdrawn from service and a diesel locomotive was used from 1992. Recently the Pumping Station was converted to electric power and the rail system was uplifted.

Both locomotives were recently moved to Sandstone Estates in the Eastern Free State. These locomotives are now in a safe environment where they will be protected and preserved for the Future

Below: One of the RWB locomotives arrives safely at the Hoekfontein Steam Shed.

After a long journey and the end of an  important day in their lives, they are safe from the cutters, and a new day will announce a new era of life for these two locomotives.

Photos by :Dick Manton.

Info: John Middleton.

BSA Rail Car- request for assistance

I am trying to find out more about a railcar designed and built by my grandfather's brother, Jim (and more about Jim). I noticed in the Web site that you are restoring a BSA railcar. I wonder if you have any information about early railcars in South Africa.

Jim built a railcar which he later sold to BSA.

From "A Catalogue of the Papers of the Birmingham Small Arms Company Limited"

MSS.19A/1/2/4 1908 Dec 2:

Scope and Content Management Committee's report to Board : alteration of working hours, trial of 50-hour week; state of orders in various departments; order for manufacture of 10 Drewry railcars.

I have a picture of the early railcar at: http://drewry.net/JimandAlf.htm [see picture below]. I believe he took this car to Africa.

Apparently another brother, Bill, worked on the railways in South Africa and disappeared out there.

Anyway, I guess, I am probably looking for a needle in a haystack but am writing to you just in case you might be able to help (and thought you could be interested in the photograph).

Good wishes,

Tony Drewry
Senior Lecturer,
Faculty of Computing Engineering & Mathematical Sciences,
University of the West of England,
Bristol, BS16 1QY
http://www.cems.uwe.ac.uk/~tdrewry/
Tel. +44(0)117 3283166
Fax. +44(0)117 3282734

DZ and B Bogey wagon technical information

Geoff Pethick has kindly sent us some information which he came across while reading an old copy of the South African Railway Modelling Scene magazine.  Recognising that our Hoekfontein workshops were restoring the identical wagons he kindly thought of us and send us the information.  We are publishing it herewith for general information purposes.

NG B
NG B
NG DZ
NG DZ

Restoration of locomotives.

People often ask what they look like when we receive them. The answer is that inevitably it is not a very pretty sight. Here is O&K locomotive, No. 11112, in our Bloemfontein workshops awaiting the commencement of restoration. There are so many parts missing that a major out source project is underway to acquire components. The wheels and the chassis are also currently being refurbished on an out source basis.

A locomotive will emerge from this collection of parts.

 

10CR working at Loraine Gold mine and CLASS 10CR NUMBER 771 report

Heritage - Rail - News

10CR working at Loraine Gold mine and CLASS 10CR NUMBER 771 report



Jump to the update:

- Class 10CR Number 771
-The History of the 10CR

Update 6th November 2007

 

Dick Manton photos of 10CR working at Lorraine Gold mine. Free State Goldfields

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Please find attached a few pictures of our 10 class when we moved it

from the bottom workshop to the top storage shed. Full report below.

CLASS 10CR NUMBER 771

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TENDER:

  • Braking gears on both bogeys to align.

  • Eight new brake blocks to fit

  • Rear wheel on front bogey – sharp wheel flange. Will need to replace.

  • Play on side friction wearer plates to take up

  • Vacuum cylinder to overhaul.

  • Chamber rubber pipes to replace( X 6)

  • Vacuum rubber pipes to replace ( X3)

  • Handbrake to fit ( not equipped with)

  • Tender front drag box compression springs to adjust.

  • Rear Buffer beam to remove, extend down and to fit properly to frame channels.

  • Rear drag box to repair and to fit properly.

  • Tender to clean inside and to test for water leaks.

  • Tender in sound condition except for repairs above.

LOCOMOTIVE:

FRAME AND WHEELS:

  • R leading drive axle box completely condemned. Will need a complete new axle box.

  • New grease pads to fit.

  • All driver wheels springs needs replacement. Either broken or collapsed.

  • Two bissel springs to renew-both broken. ( In stock at Groenspan)

  • Bissel side control springs to retension and fit.

  • R side bissel wheel sharp flange might be just in limits.

  • L + R bissel bearings to re metal.

  • Horns and wedges to inspect when boxes are removed.

  • All big ends, small end and coupling rod bushes to inspect once rods are removed and to renew where needed.

  • All pistons and valves to extract and rings and sleeves to inspect.

  • Snifter valves need cleaning.

  • Front bogey to remove, clean and inspect condition.

  • Crosshead slippers to white metal.

BOILER:

Tubes/ stays and boiler looks in good condition. Boiler to be prepared for internal inspection by Boiler Inspector to have full report on Boiler. According to Oom Van Wynghardt, all the tubes were replaced and locomotive was not in use long after it was done.

  • New ash pan will need to be manufactured with ash slide.

  • Drop grates to fit.

  • Brick arch to build

  • Lead plugs was leaking, to re lead.

  • Seems like foundation ring was leaking slightly, but hydraulic test will reveal.

  • 12 elements were blanked off.

  • New spark arrestor plates to fit.

  • New Table plate to fit.

  • New diaphragm plate to fit

  • Boiler lagging to renew.

  • All boiler joints, pipes and fittings to fit.

  • Steam test.

  • Washout plug in smoke box was leaking, needs closer inspection to determine cause.

Locomotive in general in sound condition. The new axle box will be costly as well as re-metal of bissel bearings and crosshead slippers. If the boiler is tested okay by the Boiler Inspector, then she will be well worth restoring.

Photos below:

 

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The History of the 10CR

In our book "The Sandstone Steam Railroad - The First Ten Years" on page 22 we review the importance of our Class 10CR locomotive.  Because it is a very rare locomotive, and indeed a very attractive locomotive, it has been brought into our restoration line-up for the future.  While the Sandstone Heritage Trust does not under normal circumstances restore locomotives on the Cape Gauge, our new cooperative tripartite agreement with Reefsteamers and Friends of the Rail mean that we are effectively making our locomotives available to them for use throughout Southern Africa.

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In order to bring this about funds need to be raised by all three organisations for the restoration of rare locomotives, and so Sandstone is now beginning to identify what locomotives could and should be restored in years to come.  The initial report by Gert Jubileus, our Running Shed Foreman at Sandstone Estates in the Eastern Free State, is available to the right.  As always we invite comments from others who visit our web site.
The competence of an organisation like Reefsteamers comes through very clearly in their regular workshop reports which can be found elsewhere on this site.

Class 10Cr (Info from John Middleton)

What I can tell you about the locos earlier history is that when built as a 10C she worked lighter trains such as semi-fast passenger trains and for this for several years she worked on the Kimberley - Klerksdorp section.

She was first superheated at Salt River in April 1927 and then rebuilt as a 10CR, again at Salt River, in 1934 (boiler 8612). Once rebuilt the 10CR's, were transferred to Paarden Eiland Shed in Cape Town and stayed there for the rest of their lives working suburban and other lighter duties such as trains to places like Worcester, Malmesbury, Strand etc.

Loraine gold mine paid R15000 (!!) for 771 under LGM contract LGM985 dated 13.2.71, it arrived on the mine from Cape Town in June 1971 she was allocated Welkom Inspectors boiler number 33120.

Interestingly, she has one of the "extra" series of tenders number N25
although Loraine replaced the original bogies with wagon bogies at some point.

Class 10Cr Info by (Riebeeckstad Railway Museum)

In 1971 the mine acquired what must be one of the most photographed locomotives in the world, a class 10CR 4-6-2 pacific from the SAR no. 771. This locomotive has been in regular service on the mine, except for two periods of major disaster. One episode in 1974 and the other in 1977. On the first occasion it ran through the stop block at no. 1 shaft triangle and on the second derailment 1977-01-28 the locomotive was out of service for 4 years and six months – in fact she had been scrapped.

In October of 1979 the present steam section foreman, Roelf van Wyngaart, then a fitter in the loco shed, began the massive task of restoring a badly damaged engine. In July of 1981 the locomotive was again certified by Government test and brought back into service. It now has the distinction of being the only class 10CR in operation in the world today. This locomotive is very popular amongst the crews and is generally referred to as "Die 10 Klas".

Thanks to John Middleton and Riebeeckstad Railway Museum

Update 18th March 2008

We are making good progress with our 10CR.  Full reports of the weekly progress is contained in Gert Jubileus' weekly workshop report for Hoekfontein. 

Scottish Rail enthusiasts might be interested in the fact that the chassis of this locomotive definitely comes from Scotland. The picture has been inverted because actually it is mounted upside down but at least its country origin is not in dispute.

The fact that it was built for South African Railways is also not in dispute, nor is the date.  Please see stamped on the loco "1910 SAR".

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After a quiet period Avonside Sezela No. 3, 0-4-0T, 1936 / 1924 steams again

Sezela No. 3 was chosen to haul a senior citizens special train at Sandstone Estates within the last week. This was particularly timely in view of the fascinating information provided by Charlie Lewis, a doyen of the Narrow Gauge.  Charlie sent us an e-mail which featured some unique photographs of the identical locomotive working more than 50-years ago. Charlie comments as follows:
"These Kodachromes are almost 50 years old but they have kept their colours remarkably well.  As you can see, it seems a more dignified shade of green.  No 3 was identical to No 1, from the same batch of Avonsides built in 1915.  Note the original condition of these engines with Stephenson's link motion and no balloon stack.  This was the last season they ran before conversion to Walschaerts valve gear.  The drivers all complained that the conversions made the engines weaker."
We have studied these photographs and to return the locomotive to its original state certain modifications have to be made.  These will be attended to in due course.

C85 Sugar, Sezela, No1, crossing No8 on the Nil Desperandum line, October 1959 red

C91Sugar, Sezela No1, Nil Desperandum line, October 1959 red

 

Kerr Stuart No. 4063 update

The locomotives coming in to our Bloemfontein rebuild facility are becoming ever more decrepit and ever more difficult to rebuild. However this seems to act as an incentive to Lukas Nel and his fine team. The latest diminutive Sugar Cane loco, originally Illovo No. 3 from Natal, is now almost ready to leave the workshop. A phenomenal restoration job completed in little under six months from the time that the boiler was received from our associate facility in Howick, namely Stevens Engineering.

From Dave Richardson;

"The loco is ISE3. There is info on the Sandstone site on 4063 which I used for the book. The page also has a pic of it in derelict condition with side tanks (I think at Midmar). I have rewritten this piece to update it... 

Although there is still a lot of work to do we decided to steamtest her today. Some minor problems did arise but the steamtest was a success and we are satisfied with the parts we fabricated and obtained.

 

The Feldbahn

Steam News - 11th November 2007 STEAMING THE GIANTS

Slowly we were running out of time as the steam pressure rises slowly on the Giants return. We had a last hectic week to finalize the repair work needed to ensure a safe journey for the two Sandstone Giants.

A new blow down drum was fitted and the copper pipe leak was fixed.

Because of the demise of the infrastructure of water Stations on the mainlines, it was needed to fit two 2.5” water valves, one on the tender of the 25NC and another on the 23Class tender for extra water out of the 25Nc on the long journey to Johannesburg. A water pipe will be fitted between the two tenders.

Below: Derrick welded the nipples on both tenders and fitted the new brass water valves.

The Dairy produce wagon was roadworthy this week and the axle boxes were packed. This wagon will be shunted off at Vailima and will be taken by road to the storage line near the Hoekfontein station.

 

Another defective roll ring on the 25Nc tender vacuum cylinder was found on the last vacuum test. We removed the vacuum cylinder and took it to the workshop for overhaul.

Below: Derrick stripping the vacuum cylinder.

 

Below left: The defective roll ring can be seen, twisted and perished.

Below right. The space where we had to fit it back, under the 25Nc tender.

 

Because of the weight and the limited space, it was no easy task to get the cylinder back in under the tender. An unknown language was spoken before it finally was back in place. J

Below: Derrick and Henry struggling with the heavy vacuum cylinder.

 

It was not quite the end of our problems with the brakes, we had to fit eight new engine brake blocks on the 15F number 3052 and re adjusted the brakes thereafter.

Below: The old brake blocks were removed and the new heavy ones were fitted back.

Below: Henry removing split pins to remove the old brake block.

Three new brake blocks were fitted on the 23Class tender and the brakes were adjusted.

Below right. The narrow space to go through to adjust the engine brakes on the 15F. The adjusting nuts can be seen far down.

While I was down under the locomotive to adjust the brakes, it was a good opportunity to repack the driving wheel axle boxes. The old wool was full of water from the washout and all were replaced with new soaked wool.

The only way reaching all the boxes was to sail on top of the braking gears of the 15F. The axle box dust covers were removed to access the axle wool holders.

Below: The axle box dust covers being removed to access the wool.

THE GIANT BEING TESTED!

After all the repair work and preparations, it was time to steam and test Avril number 3052 together with a special technical team from Reef Steamers. We fired up Avril early on Saturday morning and the team arrived just as the needle on the gauge started to rise. This was the final test to test all the brakes and vacuum problems that we rectified over the last weeks.

Below: A cab view of Avril taken on Saturday just before we light up the spirit in her massive body.

We did load about 3 tons of coal for the use to test Avril.

Below right: Poney, just could not resist the temptation to feed her the coal. It was a battle to keep him from firing her to much.

 

The dedicated Reef Steamers Technical team immediately started inspecting all three locomotives with hammers, crawling under the Giants to make sure everything is right. After hours of inspections, Driver Shaun Ackerman took her out of the shed to test her. Andrew King, Chief Mechanical Engineer from Reef Steamers did the inspections and brake tests. With and experienced ear, he listened to every beat Avril blew out of the chimney, not missing one!

Below: The Reef Steamers Team!

  

Below: Driver Shaun Ackerman behind the regulator of 15F number 3052.

 

BACK HOME!

We headed back home to Hoekfontein and started with repair work on our Locomotives to be used next weekend on a two-day tour.

We first had to move the Douglas Locomotive over the 2” railway line to enable us to load her to Ratanga Junction in next week. She will join her sister engine Class NGG 16 number 112 in Cape Town.

Two 2” rail panels connecting to the lines down to the Wagon shed was removed and place aside to built a temporary 3’6” line for the Douglas. Finally she was moved to the place where she could easily be loaded and we build back the rail panels to re connect the lines to the Wagon Shed.

Below: The Douglas locomotive at her loading place with a threatening thunderstorm in the back.


Below: The two panels being fitted back.

 

 

Class NGG 15 Number 17

This week we fused out the old lead in the lead plugs and throw new lead into the lead plugs. Number 17 is one of the locomotives that we will be using on the two-day tour next weekend. She will be shunted to the Inspection pit for a full under frame inspection.

Below: Photos of the re lead process.

 

CLASS NG 4

Our NG 4 was shunted to the Inspection pit this week. All the wedges were adjusted and we found a broken compression bolt on the rear drag box.

Below right: The broken compression bolt.

 

Henry and Henk stripped out the Drag box and had to fit new compression bolts.

They fitted back the drag box and secured it with new bolts. She is now ready to use on the tour.

 

Below: The Hunslet pulling out a string of wagons to reach the XC wagon. Our XC wagon will be part of the interesting consist for this weekend and it will be the first time we use her on our trains since her erestoration.

 

THE CHERRY FESTIVAL TRAINS!

With the rain season in full swing, we had to spray the weeds on the Railway line to keep it clean for the coming Cherry Festival trains in next week. We will be running three trains daily for the festival period.

Below: The weed attack!

THE GIANTS ARE RETURNING!

Early this morning a tipper truck arrived in Ficksburg with coal for the Giants. The TLB was loaded on a low bed and was taken to town. Avril was steamed again and was moved to the old Goods Shed platform to enable the TLB to reach the Giants tender.

 

Below: Our Grunter hauled the low bed to town and made a beautifull picture, framed by Avril’s window.

Below: The TLB coaling the massive tender.

 

This morning we had a water crisis on the Ficksburg Station. It was difficult reaching someone who knows where the water was. Avril only had a little water in the tender and we knew that we did not have much time to get more water. With the Cherry Festival on hand, the municipality is fitting new fire hydrants at the show grounds and is the reason why the water was shut off. At last the water was opened and we used the opportunity to fill the 15F tender and the 25Nc tender on the loop line in the Station. We now have more than enough water if the water is shut of again tomorrow when the Reef Steamers takes over the locomotives. The Giants will depart 06H00 on Saturday morning on the journey to Johannesburg.

Below: Photos from above and photos of the Giants filling up their huge tenders.

 

 

 

Below: 3488 and Avril taking water.

 

Above: Henry and Derrick sharing a silhouette with Avril, joining hands to reach the same goal “to reach for steam in the future. They already breathe in the new Steam era about to start. A bond with a new future for the Giants!

In the next report! See the Giants leaving Ficksburg!

STEAM GREETINGS

THE

STEAM TEAM

Sandstone completes Century City Contract

Heritage - Rail - News

Sandstone completes Century City Contract

 
23rd November 2007

 
A contract was awarded to Sandstone some time ago to supply Rabie Properties Group who own Century City in Cape Town with two aesthetically refurbished locomotives for a new development at Century City called Central Park. The two locomotives are plinthed in Grand Central which is a part of the Central Park development which is the gateway to Intaka island.  The contract was recently completed with the delivery of a Douglas Colliery Tank Engine which travelled by road from Sandstone in the Free State and which now joins the first locomotive, a Narrow Gauge Garratt No.112 which was delivered at the beginning of October, on the specially designed plinth.
 
The two locomotives will have plaques erected on the plinth which provide the provenance of the locos and Century City have advised that further plaques describing the history of steam in the Cape will be erected so that the locomotives are not only for show but will be there for educational purposes. As a part of the development of Grand Central, and building on the steam educational theme, granite slabs depicting parts of locomotives on them will be laid into the paving and school children will be able to do rubbings of these. In this way children will not only learn about the old steam locomotives but this will hopefully help them to appreciate the wonderful steam heritage that South Africa has.
 
The project was originated by Greg Deans and was managed Mark Besancon of Rabie Property Group. In a call to Sandstone Mark Bezencon reported that Rabie property group were delighted with the finished product and that he had notice that the locomotives were already becoming a gathering point with adults and children alike having their photos taken with the locomotives.
 
As a follow up to the successful completion of the project Sandstone and Century City are in the process of negotiating a maintenance program to ensure that the locomotives are always kept in perfect condition.

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Selected editions of the Reefsteamers newsletters

REEFSTEAMERS DEPOT  DAY – 3rd AND 10th January 2009

A virtual toast to No.3052 ‘Avril’ who performed so well on the recent Cherry Festival 2009 trip with her owner Dave Shepherd on board – with 18 boiler tubes that were later discovered to need replacement. Instead of failing on the high profile tour, she failed on the last day trip of the year – and gave the good gent much pleasure during his time with us. 

These two weeks have been focussed on getting the Staff and Baggage van into habitable condition, the stripped out flooring being re-laid and the new panels forming a skin over the bare bones of the trusses. So apart from running repairs to the Sandstone GMAM Garratt, most the locomotive work has been diverted to the Class 12AR No.1535 ‘’Susan’’ to complete the valve and motion gear rebuild as we don’t have time to do the re-tubing of ‘Avril’ before the running season starts. The Sandstone GMAM No.4079 ‘Lyndie Lou’ will be the front runner for revenue earning work this quarter.

Click here to download the Depot Report in Adobe PDF Format (2.8Mb PDF)

Horse Era technology – shaping a reversing lever at an anvil.

REEFSTEAMERS DEPOT  DAY – 18th October 2008

In the midst of the stress of having several locomotives out of action before the oncoming Cherry Festival, we had some exciting moments bench-testing of the Hunslet Taylor diesel engine.   It ran great, apart from a very loose valve rocker, and them the water pump was found to have seized long ago and sheared its shaft.  The failed flue on the Class 15CA No.2056 has been withdrawn and the news isn’t good – all the flues should be replace – a R200 000 repair job.

Quite a few repairs were done to Dave Shepherd’s No.3052 ‘Avril’, including glanding, grate shaker condensate valve repairs, a new ash hopper and d a total rebuild for the reverser’s lever.  Meanwhile work continued on the Stoker Gearbox rebuild.

Click here to download the Depot Report in Adobe PDF Format (3Mb PDF)

1951 150HP Hunslet Taylor Shunter Engine Reassembly

REEFSTEAMERS DEPOT  DAY – 30th Aug - 6th Sep 2008

I share some thoughts to ponder about real steam preservationists enjoying vintage steam train movies and shortly to go out and work on the real thing.  Some of the real jobs included a preliminary boiler hydraulic test for the Class 12AR No.1535 ‘Susan’, which involved repairs and re-facing to the steam dome’s gasket.  The test was successful and the boiler was prepped for wash-out before the official inspection.  The Hunslet Taylor’s engine is being re-assembled and I have included many detail photos of the high quality refit  work being done on the Sandstone Type H-2 Day sitter Coach No.25163.  It looks like new inside!  Around the Depot, the massive project of replacing or repairing over 600 windows has begun.

Click here to download the Depot Report in Adobe PDF Format (2Mb PDF)

Looking through the fire-hole of the Class 12AR as the new boiler tubes undergo beading

REEFSTEAMERS DEPOT  DAY – 17th August 2008

This Depot Day was one of mixed emotions.  The remaining Transnet Class 15F’s were being cut up by Reklam right outside our 15m Workshop.  The work of destruction was going on outside while preservation and regeneration continuing within.  The main jobs were the complete reassembly of the Hunslet Taylor Shunter gearbox and the finishing off of the fire-box end beading of the 9 new tubes of the Class 12AR No.1535. ‘Susan.’  Outside the 15M Workshop, the Sandstone Bar Coach was undergoing the start of a 220v wiring conversion, and the work continued on fabricating new gates for the western tracks for the new SIA storage compound fencing.          

Click here to download the Depot report in Adobe PDF Format (2.6Mb PDF)
Steam Passion 22nd August 2008

Steam Passion Book Review by Lee Gates
2nd August 2008
Introduction
PROJECT – Hunslet Taylor Gear Box Assembly :  (2 August)
PROJECT : Hunslet Taylor Hood removal
PROJECT : Diesel Shunter crown wheel gear stripping
PROJECT – 12AR Boiler tubes
PROJECT : Perimeter fencing project – new gates
PROJECT : Catering
PROJECT -  Sandstone Coach Re-Wiring (220V)
PROJECT : Some Depot improvements
Pictures from around our Steam Depot
12th July 2008
Introduction
PROJECT – Booth Crane No.96 - Cleaning a Steam Crane’s Boiler
PROJECT : Class 15F No.3052 ‘Avril’ Stoker Motor Overhaul : (19 July)
PROJECT – Class 12AR No.1535 ‘Susan’ Boiler Tubes
PROJECT – 12AR Boiler Tube Ferrules
PROJECT : Hunslet Taylor Shunter engine removal
PROJECT : Sandstone Coach Repairs
PROJECT : SIA Storage Facility Project
MISCHIEF – Liewe Heksie and the Cake Fight! (19 July)
Pictures from around the shed : Some Depot improvements
6th July 2008
Introduction
PROJECT – Booth Crane No.96 - Removing a Steam Crane’s boiler : (6 July)
PROJECT : Class 15F No.3052 ‘Avril’ Stoker Motor Overhaul : (6 July)
PROJECT – Class 15F No.3052 ’Avril’ Tender Rebuild :  (Up to 6 July)
PROJECT – Electric Fence Extension : (6 July)
PROJECT : Last Day-Trip of the season - 15CA No.2056 Fire Lighting and Prep. :
PROJECT : The Chris Saayman ‘Cleanest Locomotive Cab’ Challenge: (25 June)
PROJECT : Depot Improvements : (6 July)
PROJECT : Rolling Stock Maintenance : (25 June)
PROJECT – Class 15CA No.2056 ‘Dorothy’ Window Repair : (25 June)
Pictures from around the shed : ESKOM’s Bane : (6 July)
Pictures from around the shed
End Piece
A GARRATT CALLED LYNDIE LOU
A Garratt called Lyndie Lou
South African Railways – 1956-1985
REGM – The Gold Mining Days – 1985-1996 : Randfontein Estates Gold Mine
The Rovos Rail Days – 2005 – 2007 :             (Rovos Rail Capital Park Depot)
Steam in Action – 2007 – Present : (Reefsteamers Germiston Depot)
Lyndie Lou – Back marker
WEEKEND 10th - 11th May 2008
Introduction
PROJECT : Disengaging the Hunslet Taylor gearbox
SIA TASK : GMAM Garratt No.4079 ‘Lyndie Lou’ – Bissel Axle bearings
SIA Project – Class 15F No.3052 ‘Avril’ Tender Inspection
SIA PROJECT : GMAM No.4079 ‘Lyndie Lou’ Stoker Motor Replacement
PROJECT : The Chairman climbs in
PROJECT : Club House
PROJECT : Yard and Workshop improvements
Pictures from around the shed
End Piece
FIREMANS REPORT
3052 Fireman’s Report
An ACTIVE Team Effort
COSMOS 2008
 9th April – Wed – Last prep and short haul to Boksburg East Station
10th April – Thurs – Electric Haul to Bethlehem
11th April – Friday – Commuter run to Vailima
12th April – Saturday – Festival Day
13th April – Sunday – Homeward Bound
28 APRIL 2008
Introduction
Task – Setting up a Steam Crane
TASK : Putting the DZ bits away
Project – Yard Clearance
OPERATION : Burning horse shoes in the Class 15CA
PROJECT : The Chris Saayman Clean Loco Challenge
PROJECT : Class 15CA No.2056 ‘Dorothy’ preparation
Pictures from around the shed
23 MARCH 2008
Introduction
SIA PROJECT : A 125 ton Beauty Salon session
IA TASK : Class 15F No.3052 ‘Avril’ Fire Lighting and Preparation
SIA Project – Class 15F No.3052 ‘Avril’ Brake Ejector Overhaul
SIA REPAIR : Class 15F No.3052 ‘Avril’ Vacuum Brake Line
PROJECT : Hydraulic Coal Grab painting
PROJECT : Hunslet Taylor Glass
SIA PROJECT : Simmer and Jack Locomotive Move
Pictures from around the shed
End Piece
8 MARCH 2008
Introduction
SIA PROJECT : Ejector Strip Down for Overhaul – Class 15F No.3052 ‘Avril’
SIA PROJECT : Grate Shaker repairs on Class 15F No.3052 ‘Avril’
PROJECT : Class 15F No.3016 ‘Gerda’ firebox Prep
PROJECT : Class 12AR No.1535 ‘Susan’ Front Tube Plate Prep
PROJECT : Housekeeping at the depot
Pictures from around the shed
23 FEBRUARY 2008
Introduction
PROJECT : Reassembling and Refitting the front bogie of Class 15CA No.2056
PROJECT : Conducting a boiler test on Class 15F No.3016 ‘Gerda’
SIA PROJECT : Class 15F No.3052 ‘Avril’ Reverser Repair
SIA PROJECT : GMAM Garratt No.4079 ‘Lyndie Lou’ Stoker rebuild : Tested!!
PROJECT : Coach Repairs
Pictures from around the shed
2 FEBRUARY 2008
SIA PROJECT : Class 15F No.3052 Tender Brace Welding
PROJECT : Class 15CA Bogie Bearing Casting
SIA PROJECT : Painting of Class 15F No.3052 ‘Avril’
PROJECT : Coach Maintenance
PROJECT : Coach Axle Greasing
SIA PROJECT : Class 15F No.3052 Tender Filler Hose
PROJECT : Groundwork for new Turning Shop
Pictures from around the shed
19 JANUARY 2008
Project : Salvaging 15CA Bogie Leaf Springs
SIA PROJECT : Moving a clunker (and some other locos)
Project : GMAM Garratt Stoker Motor Rebuild
PROJECT : Coach Steps
Pictures from around the shed
12 JANUARY 2008
SIA PROJECT : Class 15F No.3052 ‘Avril’ - Removing the Tender Side Braces
Project : Coach maintenance
PROJECT : Class 15CA No.2056 Front Bogie
Project : GMAM Garratt Stoker Motor Rebuild
PROJECT : Brass n’ Copper, Spit n’ Polish
Pictures from around the shed
5 JANUARY 2008
PROJECT – Dismantling the Class 15CA Bogie
PROJECT – Coach Maintenance
PROJECT : Coach Draft Gear Pin Check
Pictures from around the shed
8 DECEMBER 2007
PROJECT – Assembling the Trailing Bissel Truck
PROJECT – Stripping Axle Bearings
Project – Axle Pad Grease Press
Project – GMAM Garratt Stoker Motor overhaul
PROJECT – Class 15CA Locomotive Maintenance
PROJECTS – Other work around the Depot
Pictures from around the shed
2 DECEMBER 2007
PROJECT – Finishing up the GMAM Garratt Bissel Truck
PROJECT – Dropping an axle on a GMAM Bissel Truck
PROJECT – New Axle Pad Grease Press
PROJECT – Class 12AR Valve Gear Overhaul
Pictures from our Sunday Run to Swallows Inn
Pictures from around the shed
18 NOVEMBER 2007
PROJECT – Reassembly of the GMAM GARRATT Bissel Truck
Project – Reinstalling the GMAM Bissell Truck
Firing up the Class 15F No.2914 ‘Spikkels’
Pictures from around the shed
9-10 NOVEMBER 2007
Ficksburg Locomotive transfer run
3 NOVEMBER 2007
The Great Coal Caper
Lighting up an engine
Project – GMAM Garratt Parts
Other Work
Pictures from around the shed
End Piece
Steam in Action
27 OCTOBER 2007
Project - Garratt Bissel Truck Bolster Slides
Project – GMAM Garratt Stoker Motor Overhaul
Project – Class 25NC Seller’s Valve Grinding
Project – Class 15F Reverser Valve Chamber Service
Project – Other Locomotive Work
Project – Club House
Marketing
Pictures from around the Shed
13 OCTOBER 2007
The Garratt gives Birth!
Project - Bar Car Doors
Projects – 12AR Valve Gear Rebuild
Projects – Other Locomotives
Other Pics from the Depot
6 OCTOBER 2007
‘Steam in Action’ Kickoff Meeting
Celebratory Braai
Project - Shifting the GMAM Bissel truck
Project - Preparing the Class 25NC
Mixed Nuts…
15 SEPTEMBER 2007
Projects – Class 12AR 1535 Valve Gear Bushings
Projects - Work on some other locomotives
Projects – Coach Work
Photos from around the shed

Rand Water Board - Archive Photographs

We are indebted to Dick Manton for providing pictures of our Rand Water Board Hunslet locomotives working between the main South African Railways Siding and the Rand Water Board pumping station on the southern side of Johannesburg.

Thanks Dick, your interest and support for our activities is hugely appreciated.

 

..and some of our own...

STEAMING NEWS FROM SANDSTONE STEAM RAILWAY

Class NG 4 Number 16:

Our class NG 4 was shunted out of the Shed onto the inspection pit for repair work needed on the spring hangers. The threads on the hangers were corroded and it was not possible to adjust the weight on the driver wheels. Once the hangers are rectified, we can adjust the weight for maximum adhesion. The trick was to take the weight of from the driver wheels and simultaneously be on the inspection pit to access the spring hangers. We jacked the rear end of the locomotive and spaced it between the bissel and frame. The NG 4 then was moved forward onto the pit with the front buffer beam just of the pit. The front of the locomotive was jacked and all the weight was on the jacks and the bissel.

A Air tool was used to loosen the adjusting bolts on the spring hangers.

The damaged areas on the spring hanger threads can be seen in the photos below. Henk took the hangers over from Derrick and he welded the damaged areas and cut the threads again. We are almost finished with all the hangers and once they are fitted back, we shall adjust the weight on the driver wheels again. The front bogey and the bissel were carrying almost all the weight of the locomotive and caused the locomotive to slip very easily.

 

Our NG 4 will be in good shape with the rectified spring hangers and a few repairs that we will attend to in this week.

CLASS NG 15 NUMBER 17:
Our NG 15 broke her brake axle brackets and the brackets showed cracking all over after many years of service. Henk tackled this huge task with eager and machined two new brackets for the Kalahari. Solid steel shafts were used to machine out the brackets and Henk made them perfect.

Below is one of the broken brackets and on the right; Henk machining a new bush.

The Shaper was used to machine the surface to weld the new machined brackets on.

Henk de Bruin, very experienced on the laith.

Part of the new machined bracket to be welded onto the huge steel bush.

Henk welded the new brackets onto the bush and fitted it to the Kalahari’s brake axle.

 

He had to machine two similar brackets with two new steel bushes.

We will move the Kalahari onto the pit and will fit the brake axle back again once we are finished with the NG 4 spring hangers.

We removed both left side lubricator feed pipes and brazed the little cracks at the cones of the pipes.

All the choke valves were removed and cleaned.

Below left: The two left side choke valves. (The pipes were leaking oil at the cracks around the cones)

Below right: The leak at the injector steam pipe from the tarot was repaired.

Below: Removing the choke valves.

 

HUNSLET DIESEL LOCOMOTIVE:
back to top

The diameter of the new wheels of the Hunslet was too large to accommodate the original brake hangers and the Hunslet was fitted with smaller brake blocks with less effectiveness. We made new brake hangers to accommodate the original size brake blocks and fitted them. The brakes were adjusted and the Hunslet brakes are working like normal again.

Below: Derrick adjusting the brakes after the new brake hangers and brake blocks were fitted.

SANDSTONE STEAM RAILWAY WAGONS

All our passenger wagons came to the inspection pit for brake adjustments and under frame inspection. Both PE coaches were shunted aside for major under frame repairs. The braking gears were uncoupled and the bogeys were removed. All the play on the braking gear pins were rectified and new center pivot bolts were fitted. The play on the brake hangers were rectified and the brake blocks were aligned for 100% contact to the wheel when the brakes are applied.

One bogey at a time was removed and problems were rectified. The bogeys were then cleaned and painted with red oxide to protect them fro corrosion. The centers were greased and the coached were fitted back onto the bogeys.

The brake shoes of PE 52 was renewed with a type of shoe that can take the general used E type brake blocks. Below right is a photo of the new brake shoes capable to fit E blocks onto.

Henk did all the machine work needed to rectify the brake block alignment as well as the new brake shoes for PE 52.

Below left: Henry stripped the under frames of both PE coaches and removed the bogeys to rectify the play on the pins.

Below right: A CGR axle box on the bogey of the PE coach. Both PE coaches were build 1902 and 1907. The axle box in the photo is dated 1904.

The one PE coach was fitted with brake shoes to accommodate the E type brake blocks, but needed to be aligned to enable the brake block to touch the wheels with the complete brake block.

Both wagon brakes were adjusted and vacuum brake tested. The neck ring bushes and neck rings on both coaches were replaced with new ones. They were badly worn out and was responsible for vacuum leaks on the train.

Below left: One of the bogeys almost ready to be fitted in under the coach.

Below right: The aligned brake block in position for maximum brake efficiency.

Below right: The new brake shoes for the E type brake blocks.

Below left: The Ratanga wagons on the pit for brake adjustments and under frame inspections. The passenger consist was shunted into the wagon shed and was cleaned and ready to roll.

RATANGA NUMBER 4
back to top

The restoration of the fourth Ratanga coach is in full swing. Derrick will be restoring and converting this wagon. All the wooden side was removed as well as the doors. A new drag box was fitted and the under frame restoration is almost complete. An overhauled vacuum cylinder will be fitted just after the complete frame is painted with red oxide for protection. The play on the side barriers were rectified and we plan to fit shocks on the bogeys for a smoother ride. Some of the Guards vans were fitted with extra shocks and they surely rides much better than the normal coaches not fitted with shocks.

Below: Ratanga number 4 skeleton.

Below right: Derrick stripping the wagon.

Below: The drag box and coupler for the rear end of the wagon.

Below: Derrick fitted the new drag box and coupler into the wagon. It is much easier with no floor in the way.

Below: Derrick cutting all the unnecessary parts from the wagon. The wagon will be prepared for a undercoat in next week from where the assembly of the new Ratanga wagon will commence.

Below: The skeleton of number 4

FREIGHT STOCK:
back to top

We refurbished three new wooden crates this week. They were varnished and will be loaded on the Flat wagons. Petrus is repairing more cable drums to be loaded.

Below Henry and Henk fitted strips around the new crates.

Below right : Pony varnished all the crates.

TRACK MAINTENANCE:
back to top

Oupa and Pony lifted out all the slacks on the 200m storage line near the shed. They really did a great job and leveled the line as well.

Below right: Almost at the end of the line where all the slacks comes together. They will lift out the last 15m of track in next week.

GARDENS:
back to top

With the growing season in full swing, we thought to expand our gardens all the way down to the Wagons Shed. A small wooden bridge was build with tar poles and a tar pole fence was build around the small dam between the Locomotive shed and wagon shed. This is only a part time development and works on it just now and then when there is a spare moment for Oupa and Petrus.

Below : A small coco pan fitted on a short track for display.

Below: Garden developing in front of the Wagon shed.

SANDSTONE STEAMING TRAINS!

We steamed our 1916 Barclay for the OVK yearend function that was held at Sandstone Estates. Nothing can make the day more exciting than being on a train pulled by an ancient old Steam locomotive puffing her slow beats through the landscapes of the Eastern Free State.

Excited passengers each found a cozy seat on the Ratanga passenger wagons moments before the Barclay departed from Platform two. The whistle sounded and slowly the little beast starts rolling out of Hoekfontein Station onto the mainline heading towards the Lesotho border.

Driver Henk de Bruin and fireman Derrick van Zyl manned the little Barclay through the landscape to Grootdraai and back to Hoekfontein again.

Below left: Through the eyes of the Barclay!

Below right: Driver de Bruin behind the controls of the Barclay.

Below left: The Barclay slowly pulls away at Grootdraai with clouds hanging low over the Maluti mountains.

Below right: Approaching the Semaphore signal near Hoekfontein on the way back from Grootdraai.

It is very hard not to be touched by the majestic Giant Maluti Mountains while traveling on the Sandstone Steam Railway. The Mountains are always eminent in the backdrop and never looks the same. This makes the scenery very special and each moment is exquisite, never to see the same again. When traveling around the balloon at Grootdraai, the Caledon River can be seen with the most beautiful tree lines following the river contours as it curves out the border between Lesotho and South Africa.

Below left: The Maluti Mountains, a scene always to remember.

Below right: The tree lines following the Caledon river at Grootdraai.

OUR HUNSLET WORKING THE MAIN LINE

The Sebajeng pre school students held their annual year-end function and Christmas day here on Sandstone Estates. Our Hunslet was used to haul a short passenger train with 80 students, to Grootdraai and back to Hoekfontein. We departed at 11H00 and arrived back in Hoekfontein at 11 H30.

The children were just as excited about the train ride as for the Christmas presents under the Christmas tree in the Waenhuis. After the ride, they all gathered in the Waenhuis.

Below left: A busy Hoekfontein Station.

Below right: Little children that could not wait for the speeches to end. They wanted to get down to business, under the Christmas tree.

STEAM GREETINGS!

THE

STEAM TEAM!

inv_STEAMING NEWS FROM SANDSTONE STEAM RAILWAY

Class NG 4 Number 16:

Our class NG 4 was shunted out of the Shed onto the inspection pit for repair work needed on the spring hangers. The threads on the hangers were corroded and it was not possible to adjust the weight on the driver wheels. Once the hangers are rectified, we can adjust the weight for maximum adhesion. The trick was to take the weight of from the driver wheels and simultaneously be on the inspection pit to access the spring hangers. We jacked the rear end of the locomotive and spaced it between the bissel and frame. The NG 4 then was moved forward onto the pit with the front buffer beam just of the pit. The front of the locomotive was jacked and all the weight was on the jacks and the bissel.

A Air tool was used to loosen the adjusting bolts on the spring hangers.

The damaged areas on the spring hanger threads can be seen in the photos below. Henk took the hangers over from Derrick and he welded the damaged areas and cut the threads again. We are almost finished with all the hangers and once they are fitted back, we shall adjust the weight on the driver wheels again. The front bogey and the bissel were carrying almost all the weight of the locomotive and caused the locomotive to slip very easily.

 

Our NG 4 will be in good shape with the rectified spring hangers and a few repairs that we will attend to in this week.

CLASS NG 15 NUMBER 17:
Our NG 15 broke her brake axle brackets and the brackets showed cracking all over after many years of service. Henk tackled this huge task with eager and machined two new brackets for the Kalahari. Solid steel shafts were used to machine out the brackets and Henk made them perfect.

Below is one of the broken brackets and on the right; Henk machining a new bush.

The Shaper was used to machine the surface to weld the new machined brackets on.

Henk de Bruin, very experienced on the laith.

Part of the new machined bracket to be welded onto the huge steel bush.

Henk welded the new brackets onto the bush and fitted it to the Kalahari’s brake axle.

 

He had to machine two similar brackets with two new steel bushes.

We will move the Kalahari onto the pit and will fit the brake axle back again once we are finished with the NG 4 spring hangers.

We removed both left side lubricator feed pipes and brazed the little cracks at the cones of the pipes.

All the choke valves were removed and cleaned.

Below left: The two left side choke valves. (The pipes were leaking oil at the cracks around the cones)

Below right: The leak at the injector steam pipe from the tarot was repaired.

Below: Removing the choke valves.

 

HUNSLET DIESEL LOCOMOTIVE:
back to top

The diameter of the new wheels of the Hunslet was too large to accommodate the original brake hangers and the Hunslet was fitted with smaller brake blocks with less effectiveness. We made new brake hangers to accommodate the original size brake blocks and fitted them. The brakes were adjusted and the Hunslet brakes are working like normal again.

Below: Derrick adjusting the brakes after the new brake hangers and brake blocks were fitted.

SANDSTONE STEAM RAILWAY WAGONS

All our passenger wagons came to the inspection pit for brake adjustments and under frame inspection. Both PE coaches were shunted aside for major under frame repairs. The braking gears were uncoupled and the bogeys were removed. All the play on the braking gear pins were rectified and new center pivot bolts were fitted. The play on the brake hangers were rectified and the brake blocks were aligned for 100% contact to the wheel when the brakes are applied.

One bogey at a time was removed and problems were rectified. The bogeys were then cleaned and painted with red oxide to protect them fro corrosion. The centers were greased and the coached were fitted back onto the bogeys.

The brake shoes of PE 52 was renewed with a type of shoe that can take the general used E type brake blocks. Below right is a photo of the new brake shoes capable to fit E blocks onto.

Henk did all the machine work needed to rectify the brake block alignment as well as the new brake shoes for PE 52.

Below left: Henry stripped the under frames of both PE coaches and removed the bogeys to rectify the play on the pins.

Below right: A CGR axle box on the bogey of the PE coach. Both PE coaches were build 1902 and 1907. The axle box in the photo is dated 1904.

The one PE coach was fitted with brake shoes to accommodate the E type brake blocks, but needed to be aligned to enable the brake block to touch the wheels with the complete brake block.

Both wagon brakes were adjusted and vacuum brake tested. The neck ring bushes and neck rings on both coaches were replaced with new ones. They were badly worn out and was responsible for vacuum leaks on the train.

Below left: One of the bogeys almost ready to be fitted in under the coach.

Below right: The aligned brake block in position for maximum brake efficiency.

Below right: The new brake shoes for the E type brake blocks.

Below left: The Ratanga wagons on the pit for brake adjustments and under frame inspections. The passenger consist was shunted into the wagon shed and was cleaned and ready to roll.

RATANGA NUMBER 4
back to top

The restoration of the fourth Ratanga coach is in full swing. Derrick will be restoring and converting this wagon. All the wooden side was removed as well as the doors. A new drag box was fitted and the under frame restoration is almost complete. An overhauled vacuum cylinder will be fitted just after the complete frame is painted with red oxide for protection. The play on the side barriers were rectified and we plan to fit shocks on the bogeys for a smoother ride. Some of the Guards vans were fitted with extra shocks and they surely rides much better than the normal coaches not fitted with shocks.

Below: Ratanga number 4 skeleton.

Below right: Derrick stripping the wagon.

Below: The drag box and coupler for the rear end of the wagon.

Below: Derrick fitted the new drag box and coupler into the wagon. It is much easier with no floor in the way.

Below: Derrick cutting all the unnecessary parts from the wagon. The wagon will be prepared for a undercoat in next week from where the assembly of the new Ratanga wagon will commence.

Below: The skeleton of number 4

FREIGHT STOCK:
back to top

We refurbished three new wooden crates this week. They were varnished and will be loaded on the Flat wagons. Petrus is repairing more cable drums to be loaded.

Below Henry and Henk fitted strips around the new crates.

Below right : Pony varnished all the crates.

TRACK MAINTENANCE:
back to top

Oupa and Pony lifted out all the slacks on the 200m storage line near the shed. They really did a great job and leveled the line as well.

Below right: Almost at the end of the line where all the slacks comes together. They will lift out the last 15m of track in next week.

GARDENS:
back to top

With the growing season in full swing, we thought to expand our gardens all the way down to the Wagons Shed. A small wooden bridge was build with tar poles and a tar pole fence was build around the small dam between the Locomotive shed and wagon shed. This is only a part time development and works on it just now and then when there is a spare moment for Oupa and Petrus.

Below : A small coco pan fitted on a short track for display.

Below: Garden developing in front of the Wagon shed.

SANDSTONE STEAMING TRAINS!

We steamed our 1916 Barclay for the OVK yearend function that was held at Sandstone Estates. Nothing can make the day more exciting than being on a train pulled by an ancient old Steam locomotive puffing her slow beats through the landscapes of the Eastern Free State.

Excited passengers each found a cozy seat on the Ratanga passenger wagons moments before the Barclay departed from Platform two. The whistle sounded and slowly the little beast starts rolling out of Hoekfontein Station onto the mainline heading towards the Lesotho border.

Driver Henk de Bruin and fireman Derrick van Zyl manned the little Barclay through the landscape to Grootdraai and back to Hoekfontein again.

Below left: Through the eyes of the Barclay!

Below right: Driver de Bruin behind the controls of the Barclay.

Below left: The Barclay slowly pulls away at Grootdraai with clouds hanging low over the Maluti mountains.

Below right: Approaching the Semaphore signal near Hoekfontein on the way back from Grootdraai.

It is very hard not to be touched by the majestic Giant Maluti Mountains while traveling on the Sandstone Steam Railway. The Mountains are always eminent in the backdrop and never looks the same. This makes the scenery very special and each moment is exquisite, never to see the same again. When traveling around the balloon at Grootdraai, the Caledon River can be seen with the most beautiful tree lines following the river contours as it curves out the border between Lesotho and South Africa.

Below left: The Maluti Mountains, a scene always to remember.

Below right: The tree lines following the Caledon river at Grootdraai.

OUR HUNSLET WORKING THE MAIN LINE

The Sebajeng pre school students held their annual year-end function and Christmas day here on Sandstone Estates. Our Hunslet was used to haul a short passenger train with 80 students, to Grootdraai and back to Hoekfontein. We departed at 11H00 and arrived back in Hoekfontein at 11 H30.

The children were just as excited about the train ride as for the Christmas presents under the Christmas tree in the Waenhuis. After the ride, they all gathered in the Waenhuis.

Below left: A busy Hoekfontein Station.

Below right: Little children that could not wait for the speeches to end. They wanted to get down to business, under the Christmas tree.

STEAM GREETINGS!

THE

STEAM TEAM!