Memories Of The Bloemfontein-East London Line

August 26, 2009

Kobus has sent in his memories of railway operations in South Africa:

I grew up in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The town is situated on the Main Line between Bloemfontein and East London and had a steam locomitive depot. My father was a boiler maker with the then South African Railways and Harbours. The rail system operates on a 3’6″ gauge.

I have fond memories of visiting my dad at work during holidays, climbing on and in steam locomotives. These were of classes 19D, 14AR and 24AR. I was fascinated by these monsters and went on many rides on the footplate to turn the locomotives on the triangle. I also had the oportunity to use the regulator and stoke the fire even though I could hardly lift the showel with coal. (All done illegaly) My favourate reading was the magazine on trains published by the SAR&H.

I recall the time when the 4-6-4,4-6-4 garret locomotives were introduced. These monsters ran bunker first to East London due to the tunnels on the line. The families’ annual holiday was to travel to my grandparents farm at Welverdient in the Transvaal province.

From Queenstown to Burgersdorp the train was hauled by dubble header steam (2x19D.) I remember getting my face plastered with coal dust as I hung out of the window to get a veiw of the locomotives on curves.

From Burgersdorp to Kroonstad 23 or 15F steam classes were used and then 5E electric loco’s to Johannesburg. From there a motor coach to Welverdient. In this area I had the oportunity to observe many other locomotives of different types and classes. Using my magazines as reference, I learned all I could about them.

In 1960 diesel-electric locomotives were introduced on the Bloemfontein-East London line. These were class 33 General Electric and later General Motors locos. I remember the day I darted of to the station on my bike to have a look at them after I had heard the air-horn. I remember marveling at the powerful sound of these locos that made your insides vibrate.

These locomotives were later replaced by more powerful GM 34 class. Wow, four of these hauling a heavy grain train! The sound was magnificent!

Yes, you have guessed. I did join the Railway Operations department and retired in 2007. If you have the time, there is no better way to travel than by rail! Kobus, South Africa.