Sandstone's Steam and Cosmos Festival concluded on Sunday afternoon, 13th April, after a very successful and exciting four day event. Visitors were treated to a variety of attractions over the period. 20 different narrow gauge steam locomotives were in service during the event together with numerous vintage tractors, earth moving equipment and vintage vehicles. The highlight was the launch of the newly rebuilt Sherman Tank. Sandstone Heritage Trust restored the vehicle as part of their ongoing partnership with the SA School of Armour Museum in Bloemfontein. The museum also brought a number of other military exhibits for the event. A 34 vehicle military convoy preceded the launch after which the Sherman was put through its paces to the delight of the many spectators. Demonstrating its sheer power and strength, the Sherman demolished two old kombis as if they were matchwood! A specially assembled military train carrying various weapons and vehicles and double headed by Class NGG16 Garratts Nos: 113 & 153 accompanied the convoy to a dedication ceremony for the Sherman at Grootdraai.

To add to the excitement, eight vintage aircraft had flown in to Sandstone including two Harvard trainers who offered spectators stomach turning rides.

Over forty volunteers attended the event to enable the many activities to take place, from loco crews to tractor drivers and steam road vehicle drivers.

A special train, The Free State Explorer, steam hauled from Johannesburg, brought many visitors to Sandstone who were picked up by a narrow gauge train from Vailima Siding or by vintage bus from Ficksburg Station.

A number of specialist photographers attended the event and we will be featuring their images in the near future. Below are some images of the rail activities.