Welcome to the Sandstone Estates website! Click on “About Us” to learn more about Sandstone and the Heritage collection.
Please note  we do not accept cash payments at Sandstone, only Debit Cards, Credit Cards, EFT payments & mobile application payments.

Clive Smith, from the UK, spotted a notable feature of our Sherman Tank. Click her to read more.

15E 2878 between Modderpoort & Kilmarnock 1996 Picture by Dennis Moore

The scenic railway line from Bloemfontein in the west, to Bethlehem in the east, has long been considered as one of the most spectacular railway lines for steam photography in South Africa and indeed, in the world. Steam haulage on the line ended in 1987 and since then the line has declined into a shadow of its former self with no through trains and limited traffic at each end. The busiest section these days is probably the line to Lesotho from Bloemfontein via Marseilles.

The last item of 3’6” gauge rolling stock, which had been stored at the old Germiston Steam Depot, the ex SAR Cowans and Sheldon 80 ton steam crane number 578, has finally arrived at Sandstone after weather delays at the Depot and a change required of the multi axle trailer to transport this 125 ton piece of South African railway history. Safely now at Sandstone, it will join the display of locomotives and other rolling stock recently moved from Bloemfontein and Germiston.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41TTVm1iXTE

James Attwell is a professional photographer who developed a love of steam from his father, Tony Attwell. James has produced a wonderful photo gallery from the recent steam festival at Sandstone as well as an excellent short video of the event. You can contact James on e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

After our story on 3 November, at the start of the locomotive moves from Germiston to Ficksburg, we have now completed this massive operation with the  3’6” gauge locomotives and rolling stock in position at Sandstone’s new display area. Click here to see the full story.

The Sandstone Grafton Steam Crane, dating from 1950, has arrived at Sandstone after being delayed by blocked track at Bloemfontein Depot. In June 2009, this crane in Bloemfontein was in danger of being scrapped with a number of other redundant units. Sandstone secured its future and had it moved into the Sandstone security area at Bloemfontein Depot.

A very busy day for the second day of our festival with  high visitor numbers who have missed their  visits to Sandstone. Our photo gallery shows some of the  highlights of the days activities.

Newly restored NGG16A number 155 made its debut today at Sandstone hauling the Cherry Festival train with her older sister, NGG16 number 88, “Joanne”. Our gallery shows number 155 posing for a beauty shot and then with 88 on her first train since the early 2000s.