Sandstone Estates commenced in its present form in 1996 and started with a fleet of modern equipment, mostly John Deere tractors and combine harvesters. Many of these are nearly 20-years old with our venerable 9400 tractor heading the list. However, many of our other fleet items are just as old. Our 7710 tractor which was purchased new on an auction in Holland after that particular model was discontinued has soldiered on through thick and thin for many years. Here it pulls a massive 20-ton Chaser Bin working alongside our combine harvesters. This process significantly speeds up the harvest turnaround time.

The bissel components have been returned from machining and the bissel reassembled. Work now continues on the frames and other components. As we have mentioned before this is probably the most difficult restoration done by Sandstone and so our updates tend to be about seemingly small items but which are key to the locomotive’ reconstruction, and yes in reality, given the deterioration of the NG10, the restoration probably will be classified as a reconstruction.

Our pictures show the bissel components and the bissel completed plus the brake shaft which needs further work.

Members of the MG Car Club from Johannesburg recently visited Sandstone while on a weekend tour to the Eastern Free State. You can read a report on their visit and thoughts on Sandstone by clicking on the link below to take you to their latest “Thumbs Up” magazine: Click here to view PDF
 
You can also visit the MG Car Club website on : WWW.MGCC.co.za.  

Sandstone’s David Shepherd celebrity 15F, 3052, has been moved from the Friends of the Rail base at Hermanstad to Reefsteamers (RS) in Germiston. This follows its derailment on the Cullinan branch in March. The loco was towed dead with its rods off. The loco will be inspected for any damage at RS although an initial inspection seems to indicate minimal issues.

RS’s 15F 3046 was used for the movement with Driver Peter Odell and Fireman Clive Holliday on the outward journey. On the return trip Shaun Ackerman took over 3046 with Peter Odell as fireman. The train left RS at 09h35 on the 19th May arriving at Hermanstad at 12h57. Departure from Hermanstad was at 14h41 and arrival in Germiston at 17h39. The train was restricted to 30kph to Pretoria as 3046 ran tender first and to the same speed on its return due to a dead engine in the load as per the Transnet regulations.

Our pictures from Peter Odell show the train being marshalled at Hermanstad and ready for departure and the train approaching Pretoria Station on the return to Germiston with the inspection stop at Pinedene.