With a number of new acquisitions the stock list for the Military Collection has been updated. This now includes a Dodge Ambulance, Whyte Half Track, Land Rover Wolf, Bedford Desert truck and a Diamond T tank tractor. We shall be featuring stories on the new acquisitions shortly. Click here to see complete list
Businesses have to make tough decisions during this pandemic era. At Sandstone Estates we have tried to maintain a level of normality. None of our African staff have been retrenched and we are in fact working hard to create a positive job environment for as many people as possible. Obviously this is always subject to financial constraints. One of the initiatives that we have taken is to equip all of our staff with proper work wear which includes full overalls and work boots. We have colour differentiated the different divisions which includes livestock, arable, workshops and security. Our staff asked if they could have a group photograph which they have proudly sent to us this week.
Stationary Engines are often overlooked compared with more impressive exhibits.
The smaller examples at Sandstone have their own dedicated Museum situated in the main complex and set up from scratch by volunteer Curator, Danie Pretorius and his energetic team. They have brought together all the stationary engines previously stored in various locations at Sandstone. Pride of the collection however is the National Engine, situated away from the main Stationary Engine Museum, at the Waenhuis. It drives the original generator system that supplied electricity to Hoekfontein Farm. Few visitors fail to notice the distinctive thump-thump from its exhaust when it is running.
Stationary engines have been the backbone of rural existence since the early 1900s, powering water pumps, generators and numerous other pieces of equipment and machinery requiring an independent power source, prior to the general availability of electricity.
The preservation and restoration of stationary engines is a worldwide activity and leads to much exchange of information between enthusiasts, the Sandstone team is no exception.
Click here to view : The Stationary Engine CollectionThe Stationary Engine Collection
The current COVID 19 legislation published after our February and Easter events were advertised prohibits all indoor and outdoor events as of 28th December 2020 and was subsequently extended on January 15th. This legislation will be reviewed on February 15th 2021. If the restrictions are not lifted and extended over a period that covers the end of February, the event scheduled for February 26 to 28 will be cancelled.
This will be advised on our web site and Facebook page.
Depending on whether such legislation is lifted prior to Easter will determine as to whether the scheduled Easter weekend event (April 2-5) will be held.
January has seen good rainfall at Sandstone and the mealies are growing. At the same time the 1915 built NG10 locomotive stretched its legs for a private charter. The muddy road is indicative of the rainfall.
The rain had another positive in that staff were generally confined inside and were able to do a huge tidy up of the exhibits in the Heritage sheds. Also trapped by the rain our 60 year old Fordson Major was repaired and was soon out cutting the newly grown grass! Sandstone is looking good!
Our Caterpillar collection has for too long been a quiet and fairly modest part of our overall Heritage programme.
We do not like to prioritise any one category of machinery as being better than another. Our Steam Heritage department is obviously well organised and well equipped. The same applies to the Agricultural machinery side, and of course we have an excellent cross-section of Military vehicles.
One of the unsung heroes though is our growing collection of Caterpillar machinery which comprises a very good cross-section of working Caterpillar tractors from the D2 right through to the D9 of various vintages. We will be featuring an article on the complete collection quite soon.
As many of our readers know, NGG13 number 59 is at the Hempstead and Northern Rail Road in Texas where Robert Bucher set up the railway after visiting South Africa many times in the 1980s and documenting the narrow gauge, particularly Estcourt to Weenen.
Number 59 has been fitted with a most impressive USA style whistle, Garratt Bucher says it is a Chinese 6" 5 chime and is 99% sure it is a copy of an American whistle made by the Star Brass Company.
It certainly makes a glorious sound as this short video of number 59 is steam shows. Enjoy!
