Crowds of people stood in awe along the railway line from Kimberley to Bloemfontein for the rare sight of an operational steam locomotive thundering across the Free State landscape on Saturday, 22 June.
In Petrusburg, enthusiasts pitched tents at the station where more than a hundred excited steam train fans awaited the rare sight. The crew made a quick stop to meet and greet everyone. Children stood with mouths wide open whilst their parents tried to remember when last they saw a working locomotive.
Some photographers raced alongside the train in their vehicles to take pictures from different angles of the last operational class 25NC locomotive #3437 and its six cement freight wagons.
On the footplate was Coen Pretorius, inspector, who certified Ian Mandy and his son, also Ian, as firemen. Mick Jarvis, a Brit and keen steam locomotive enthusiast, was also certified. The driver was the well-known locomotive restorer, Peter Odell, who managed to suppress his smile until reaching Olienhoutplaat, when he could not keep it hidden anymore. His last trip on a class 25NC locomotive was in 2006.
The rest of the crew members were Toelie Jacobs, a boilermaker who helps to keep the locomotive in working order, and Bakang Seinelo, a volunteer who loves trains, helping where he can.
They are all volunteers of Steamnet2000, who restores locomotives in Kimberley. For this trip, they were contracted as individuals by New Cape Central Railway (NCCR) to take the locomotive to Bloemfontein in preparation of an international photographic tour in July.
Odell said he was not working, just “enjoying myself”.
Jarvis, a volunteer at a heritage railway company in the United Kingdom (UK), is also a member of Steamnet2000. He arrived three days prior to help with preparations, saying the trip was the experience of a lifetime.
Mandy Jr says it was a fantastic experience for him and his dad.
“It was a great experience with great people. What Peter knows of a locomotive is as true as the gospel. He filled me with confidence whilst stretching the locomotive’s legs.”
He says the crowd at Petrusburg was inspiring.
“Near Bloemfontein there was a guy in a Mercedes racing alongside the locomotive so that his daughter could take pictures.”
Jacobs says it was a pleasure working with the crew.
“I am glad the locomotive performed so well. There were no problems.”
‘Dedication to preserve steam heritage’
Chris Brooks, operational manager of New Cape Central Railway (NCCR), was in awe of the volunteers’ dedication to preserve steam heritage.
On Facebook, he wrote the locomotive “carved a triumphant path through the South African landscape. This preserved relic of mechanical prowess stood tall and proud, its sturdy frame and gleaming surfaces a testament to a bygone era’s enduring spirit.
“Mr Peter Odell, a seasoned veteran of the rails, guided it with seasoned expertise; every lever-pull and whistle-blast echoing a celebration of its heritage. As he guided the locomotive along the familiar rails, he felt a swell of pride knowing that its journey was not an end but a continuation – a living testament to the perseverance of those who had built and operated such marvels.
“As the locomotive approached Bloemfontein, his heart swelled with a sense of triumph. The cheers and applause from the onlookers resonated as a chorus of appreciation for this enduring symbol of industrial heritage.” – Charné Kemp
- Steamnet2000, a nonprofit organisation (NPO), depends on donations to restore locomotives. Write to s2000@vodamail.co.za.
