Sandstone has agreed with South Africa's top model makers to host a special section on their web site which would concentrate on areas of interest for railway locomotive model makers worldwide. The idea was proposed by Andries Keyser, whose introduction features below.

One of our most steadfast supporters over the years and someone who has been of immense assistance to model makers around the world with respect to the provision of technical information is Hannes Paling. As a summary to the outstanding contributions that Hannes has made and continues to make he has prepared this introductory statement for us:

Since the start of the industrial revolution man has created many types of machines, the steam locomotive was one of these. The steam locomotive has held a special fascination to young and old for more than a century. With the withdrawal of the steam locomotive from active service a vacuum was formed which was ably filled by the Sandstone Heritage Trust's Unique collection in this country, especially narrow gauge locomotives and rolling stock. It has from the smallest locomotive, a Decauville type 1, which is the only working example in the world, two examples of Lawleys with a rich history spanning more than a hundred years each, again the only working examples in the world and narrow gauge super power in the form of the NG15 and various Garratt classes, which don't need a introduction, with a good spread in between from all major manufacturers world wide.

Sandstone narrow gauge railway and website has been a inspiration to many model builders around the world, examples of Sandstone engines are built in Australia, the UK, the States, Europe, Germany and of course South Africa, from small H0 gauge models to one third size working models are built. Many of the models built in other countries were inspired by photo's on the Sandstone website.

To all model builders around the world, please let us have pictures of your work, perhaps we could share some of our experiences.

Best regards,
Hannes Paling

Please direct all queries, contributions and questions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

SAR 19D - ¼ scale

 

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Not quite the "model" we are use to, this locomotive is in fact a ¼ full size version of the South African Class 19D. Built in the Bloemfontein railway workshops by the apprentices, she was used on numerous occasions for display only. Even though everything works, there is nowhere in South Africa with a track to run her and the cab was not really designed for a full size bloke to fit into. Again I know very little of the engine and her current whereabouts. Last time I saw her was in 2004 in Bloemfontein.

Andrew Giffen's 15F in 3 1/2” gge

By Andrew Giffen

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This loco has a long history.  Back in 1968 I think, Ron Etter visited the legendary Jimmy Scott in Rondebosch and spotted a 15F chassis and tender under the workbench.  The 15F was a running chassis and completed tender and had been exhibited - Derek Heydenrych knows more about this period. Jimmy said it was just too big for him to finish and after some haggling over the price, Ron ended up with the loco on the back seat of the car with the tender in the boot and took it back to Jo'burg, to join with his other already running 15F 3088, doing sterling service at the Rand track and attracting a lot of interest.

The Scottburgh Miniature Railway

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Sylvia Hedgecock on the locomotive in 1956 at the Scottbough Railway.

Another lost treasure to the Natal coast line was the demise of the Scotburgh Miniature Railway. Again I have very little info on it other than the few pictures I have in my collection. The one above is from one of our club members, Sylvia Hedgecock, also known as the lady in control of the signal box. We see now her interest in steam engines dates well back!

Basil Palmer's Natal II in 5"gge

By Andries Keyser

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Natal II took to the rails at the Durban Society of Model Engineers on Sunday to mark the 150th anniversary of her bigger sister's first run from the Point in Durban on the 26th of June 1960.

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