Railway Signage
Railways loved signs, instructions, and information of all kinds.
A new feature of our web site will include all that we can find in this regard. Visitors to our site are invited to send us what they have to share.
The first item is a reproduction of an official SAR instructions for guards we discovered in a guards van we are restoring. Here is the original and our repro which will be placed in all guards vans. Click here to see our repro (PDF 201KB)
NEW BOOK RELEASES FROM DENNIS MOORE
Dennis Moore has recently released some new book titles.
STEAM BYWAYS : WESTERN CAPE 120 pages from $41.95
SANDSTONE ESTATES / THE SANDSTONE HERITAGE TRUST from $29.95 120 pages
These drastically reduced costs , compared to his very large landscape (33cm x 28cm) format books, are possible due to their being produced in standard landscape 25cm x 21 cm ("Steam Byways") and square 18cm x 18cm (Sandstone Heritage) respectively.
At about R320 and R230 respectively, these may find greater appeal than the huge books he has offered until now. As always, a full preview function is available. The third book "Cape Western Steam" is another massive book, both in terms of pages and format.
His full catalogue of ten books can be accessed by simply going to www.blurb.com and entering Dennis Moore steam in the search engine.
A NEW BOOK ON SANDSTONE FROM DENNIS MOORE
"Sandstone Estates / The Sandstone Heritage Trust - a pictorial souvenir." Author : Dennis Moore
With the recent advances in print on demand technology, enabling books in limited numbers to be produced in a quality indistinguishable from traditional offset printed books, there is scope for many more specialist interest titles to see the light of day. A year ago, the same Author - one of South Africa's best known railway photographers - produced a very large format 'coffee table' type book 'The Sandstone Estates Railway' which was a traditional railway album. Focussing on the larger steam locomotives of the Sandstone collection and culled from some 50 days (mostly winter) photography spread over a decade, this well received book (still available), offers the ultimate photographic record of narrow gauge steam action on this remarkable railway. It is available in large landscape (33x28cm) and standard landscape (24x20cm) versions, each with different covers.
However, recognising the need for a smaller format 'souvenir' type book, that covered a more cosmopolitan range of railway and steam activities at Sandstone, the Author has now produced another memorable book that will please all those who have visited Sandstone Estates and those who wished they had! 120 all colour pages, 18cm square format, this book is available for secure on-line ordering , from around R250 (+ p/p) depending on cover type chosen.
Yes, the Garratts and Kalahari are well featured, but so are the many smaller steam locomotive gems, in the Sandstone collection. Also prominent in the book are the other working steam machines : traction engines, steam rollers, steam road cranes, a comprehensive Sandstone steam experience. Unusually for this Author, a few pictures of diesels and the B.S.A. railcar also get a look in, as do the celebrated oxen.
Other than an introduction, there is no text, the first rate pictures telling their own story. All of the photographs were obtained during a single week long event at Sandstone during 2011. As the Author readily concedes, even a 120 page book only scratches the surface at what Sandstone Estates has to offer the visitor to an event such as this.
Full details, preview, and ordering for this book, the previous Sandstone title, and of the Authors critically acclaimed railway series of Southern African steam (8 titles and many more to come) may be obtained by visiting www.blurb.com and entering Dennis Moore steam in the search engine. Obviously postal costs can be a litttle high for a single book (such costs for multiple book orders are dramatically reduced), so consider getting together with your friends to order multiple copies and/or different titles.
Kalahari Sunrise - DVD by Belhurst Productions
David Huntbatch recently attended Kalahari Sunrise and has since produced a DVD on the event which is now available to buy.
He describes the DVD as follows:
"There are 26.5 kms of 2-ft Narrow Gauge railway at Sandstone and the line includes steep gradients and tight curves, providing a stiff test for the wide range of steam locomotives based here. From humble 'Wren' Class 0-4-0ST locomotives to the mighty NGG16 Garratts, Sandstone provides a steam spectacular. There's a range of other steam powered machinery too, with traction engines and a Sentinel steam lorry. See eighteen different steam locomotives in action in some of South Africa's most stunning scenery."
Anyone wishing to purchase a copy please contact David at
Veteran Model Engineer, Angus Walker from Somerset West has decided to let his comprehensive Library go, not piecemeal but as a job lot, as part of his efforts to downscale.
For many years he was at the helm of the Rand Society of Model Engineers (RSME) at Len Rutter Park in Florida, Gauteng. During this time, the 'Lawley' now in steam at Sandstone Estates was plinthed at the Park, and Angus was one of the Model Engineers who built a Model of it.
Here he is pictured driving it:
Unfortunately, the locomotive is now in the UK, however, elsewhere on this site, Hannes Paling's Model can be seen: http://www.sandstone-estates.com/index.php/railway-heritage/model-engineering/2671-hannes-palings-magnificent-lawley
Here follows a list of the books of Angus' library. Please remember not to offer on individual books!
Angus is looking for offers in the region of R10 000 or equivalent for the collection; the autographed books are particularly valuable!
Click here to view the list - 1MB PDF (opens in new window).
Angus Walker can be contacted on 27721985354, or via this website.
Sandstone DVDs, book and videos.
We have a number of titles available which can be ordered through our SA and UK office.
The titles are as follows:
|
DVD's |
Price |
| Return of the Giants | R125.00 |
| Song of the Rails | R125.00 |
| Sandstone Chronicle | R125.00 |
| Apple Express | R125.00 |
| Steam in Action | R60.00 |
| David Morgan Speech | |
| The Great 100 Working DVD | R125.00 |
| The Great 400 Working DVD Vol 1 | R125.00 |
| The Great 400 Working DVD Vol 2 | R125.00 |
| Steam Week 2010 | |
|
Steam Gala 2011 DVD set |
R130.00 |
| BOOKS | Price |
|
The Sandstone Steam Rail Road Book |
R145.00 |
|
|
|
|
VIDEOS |
Price |
|
Return of the Giants |
R25.00 |
|
Song of the Rails |
R25.00 |
|
The Great 100 Working |
R25.00 |
|
The Great 400 Working Vol 1 |
R25.00 |
|
The Great 400 Working Viol 2 |
R25.00 |
|
Guinness Book of Records |
R25.00 |
|
African Harvest. |
R25.00 |
For all those wishing to place orders in SA please contact Babita Hira at
Steam Whistle for Lawley BR7 Returned!
On 21st April 2012, the original Steam Whistle of Falcon (Lawley) Locomotive BR7 was presented to Wilf Mole of Sandstone Heritage Trust by Angus Walker of Somerset West!
The thread of the story which led to this wonderful event was long and tenuous. For years, Angus Walker was at the helm of the Rand Society of Model Engineers where the locomotive was plinthed. He removed the whistle for safe-keeping before anybody else did, and has been looking after it ever since.
Keith Wetmore, a friend of his (pictured on the left), recently attended the Kalahari Sunrise event on Sandstone Estates and witnessed both Lawleys in action.
(Photo Aidan McCarthy)
On his next visit to Angus' workshop (he has two flats in the same block; one he lives in, the other is a fully equipped workshop!), Keith noticed this photo on the wall and instantly recognised it as a Lawley.
This is a picture of a scale working model of the same locomotive which was plinthed at RSME, which Angus built many years ago. Unfortunately it was sold and is now in the United Kingdom. Keith was able to tell Angus that he had seen the original in steam the previous week, along with its brother from James Hall Museum in Johannesburg. 'Oh!' says Angus, 'I have its steam Whistle!' He was easily persuaded to return it so that it can be reunited with its locomotive, wishing simply to be able to visit Sandstone Heritage Trust's collection in exchange!
In talking about the Lawley locomotives' notorious traction problems, he was able to say that the model has the very same tendency; there isn't enough weight on the rear Drivers. He has suggested to the current owner what to do, and hopefully something can be done in this line to the original when it comes in to Lukas Nel for a scheduled refit in the not-too-distant future!
The locomotive was taken from RSME on 23rd November 2001 and restored by Pat Ackerman for the Sandstone Heritage Trust. There is some doubt as to which of the 44 originals purchased by the Beira Railway this locomotive is. Thirteen of these were taken over by the Union Defence Force in 1915 to be used in place of those commandeered for use on the Narrow Gauge lines in South West Africa, during the First World War. Later they were put into service by SAR in 1921, as Class NG6. The consensus, allowing for cannibalisation, is that this one is No 106 of 1895. It was manufactured by the Falcon Engine & Car Works in Loughborough.
Many thanks must go to Angus Walker for his foresight in saving the whistle in the first place, and for the generous gesture of giving it back!
Andy Selfe
22nd April 2012
A photo journey through the assembly of an upgraded Wickham Rail Car
The History of SAR by Charlie Lewis and Les Pivnic
Charlie Lewis and Les Pivnic have been putting on record their own, copyright, version of the history of SAR, not just photos. This is an ongoing project as you will appreciate.
They have kindly shared the following web site address with us: https://sites.google.com/site/soulorailway/.
The Wickham Rail trolley continues to take shape.
Our workshops are continuing to completely rebuild the Wickham so that we end up with a much more sturdy working rail trolley than we had before.
It is very often the case with the Sandstone Heritage Trust that items are taken out of preservation and put into service. Inadvertently the Wickham evolved into a machine that only transported people, i.e. construction workers on the line etc., but it also performed a very important function of towing the custom built sprayer that deals with weeds along the line. For that reason we have decided to strengthen it considerably.
The work is far advanced.
Under the guidance of Keith Flint of Flint Construction, an accredited consultant to the Rail Safety Regulator, our team at Sandstone are progressing steadily with a major reconstruction of portions of the line. The floods last year revealed some significant weaknesses in the line construction. For example, in some cases there was an underlying layer of clay which responded to the high rainfall of 2011 by moving and causing the line to subside and shift.
The report below from Stephan du Preez who is in charge of the Civil Engineering work at Sandstone Estates clearly illustrates the problem. Stephan's report reads:
"Progress on rail works
Please find photos attached. The soil there is mainly clay which is why the rail was sinking into the ground. We are digging out the clay and will replace it with gravel. This will sort out the problem. Rod from Flint construction will be here on Thursday I will show him what we are doing. He will also mark out the curve at Pandora so we can start stripping the rail there as well. I will have to use a steam roller to compact the gravel at Pandora before we can relay the rail. The ballast also have to be cleaned there is a lot of soil in between it. As soon as the major earthworks are done I will plant cosmos on the banks which will probably be next week some time. We are making good progress so far.
Stephan du Preez"
This material is being removed and replaced with gravel. In line with our normal policy we are using a 1940's Foden Dump truck which can be seen in the background to bring in the material. So far the consultants are very impressed with the quality of the work being carried out by Sandstone. It is likely that this work will continue flat out until our event in late March.
On the subject of the event, if you are reading this story and if you want to see more than 20 locomotives in steam at one time then you need to consider attending. Remember this is a bespoke event not for the general public or for general entertainment but to allow people who really understand a lot about Narrow Gauge railways to experience the thrill of seeing some of the most iconic locomotives in the world actually working together under the African skies.
Rod Finlay from Flint Construction is coming to inspect the work this week. He also intends to mark out the curves at Pandora so that we can start stripping the rail to alter the curves. One of our steam rollers needs to be brought into service to compact the gravel in this area before we relay the line. The ballast also has to be lifted, cleaned, and placed back in position.
We would like to use this opportunity of expressing our appreciation to Keith Flint and his team for assisting us. They recognised that we were by and large a non-income generating heritage project and they have given us an immense amount of assistance and advice on a no charge basis. Considering the tough times in which we live this type of support and enthusiasm for what we are doing is most encouraging.
Our 1940's Foden Dump truck
New spray trolley built to protect the line.
Stephan du Preez of the Hoekfontein Running Shed had built a new spray trolley to protect the line. After the flooding of last year we have got a lot of problems with weed growth and vegetation on the line but this has now been tackled.
Progress on Arn Jung locomotive, No. 847, boiler
22 February 2012 update
Keith Stevens has just provided the following report. The Arn Jung Locomotive Boiler has now been completed and passed it's hydraulic test on Monday 20 February 2012. We have steamed this to 110 psi this was basically to seal up the leaks and small weeps in the boiler. As you well know a steam test can only be done when all the fittings are attached to the boiler and is mounted on the chassis of the locomotive.
Below are pictures of the final stages of restoration which depict boiler tubes being fitted, beading of the tubes and caulking of the firebox including boiler plate seams and boiler stays. Also firebox and smokebox doors fitted and the completed item.
19 January 2012 update
Boiler for Arn Jung, No. 847, nearly completed
Keith Stevens has sent us these excellent photos. It is plain to see that Keith is a master boiler maker who knows exactly what he is doing, and more importantly does things the traditional way.
The pictures depict tapping out the stay holes by hand (108 in all) followed by screwing in the stays and thereafter caulking the stays in the firebox and a view in the firebox having the stays being caulked. Also tubes are starting to be fitted.
16 December 2011 update
Keith Stevens has now completed the outer Boiler shell and is now at a point of completing the manufacture of the firebox. He has just received the tubes from Surtees and is in the process of machining the firebox stays along with the firebars, smokebox door and firebox door. He has been in contact with Lukas Nel and fitted feed water flanges as he has required.
The photographs enclosed depict assembly of the outer firebox, machining of feed water flanges, making rivets, firebox and boiler barrel fitted together, view inside external firebox, drilling rivet holes, manufacture of firebox, boiler construction from smokebox end, original dome re-fitted, view into external firebox after riveting, internal counter-sinking rig for tube plate flange joints.
Our Wickham Rail Car has done sterling service over the last 10-years on the Sandstone Steam Railroad. However, its workload which involved maintenance, the spraying of the line, and transportation of personnel has taken its toll and we have decided that it needs an upgrade and re-design. The chassis was too light for the task in hand. Its powerful Toyota diesel engine was probably putting more stress on it than would have been the case when it was new. In addition, the wheels were not only worn out but were too light for the task.
The Wickham will end up looking very much like it did before but it will have a significantly upgraded chassis, wheel sets, and other mechanical improvements. The photographs below show the engineering work that has been redone. Compared to what it looked like before this is now a very solid and robust under carriage and drive train. It probably will be ready for our March event.
Wouter Jubileus is doing an excellent job. The pictures clearly show the balcony section which is nearly complete. The lounge section is more enclosed and has now had three additional windows fitted to improve the lighting in that area.
