International Railroad Discussion > South African industrial steam -- Enyati Railway

Since I'm bored with posting yet more old SP diesels and the like, I thought I'd start posting some industrial steam operations from South Africa.  Until the 1990s,  most mining operations were pretty much 100% steam powered.  The main centers were Witbank for coal,  Welkom and Randfontein for gold, Rustenberg for platinum.  Most all used second-hand former SAR engines, including many Garratts.   So, here are a few images of the Enyati Ry.  Located in the eastern province of Natal, near the city of Vryheid, it operated air-braked trains from the Natal Anthracite Colliery to the Coronation Colliery.  The coal seams were depleted and the line closed in the early 1990s.

1.  The early morning brew-up at Boomlager, the center of operations.   6/4/84.  The locos are former SAR class GF Garretts (4-6-2+2-6-4).    The one on the right shows the added air compressor needed for the brakes, as these engines were, like all SAR steam, vacuum brake equipped.

2.  GF 2378 on a train at Nek.   6/4/84

3.  GF 2398 coming down the mountain near Enyati.   6/5/84



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 01/09/16 10:59 by masterphots.

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4.  GF 2429 showing air compresor detail.  6/5/84  Note both the vacuum brake and air brake hoses on the pilot.

5.  GF 2398....."Hey, we're topped up already....."  6/5/84

6.  "I hate when this happens"   No more trains today,  on to the pub for the photter. 6/4/84



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 01/10/16 02:45 by masterphots.

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7.  By 1990, Boomlager base also included class GMAM Garratts (4-8-2+2-8-4),  again modified with air brake systems.  7/30/90

8-9,   GMAM 4088 at Coronation and leaving leaving town for Boomlager.  7/30/90

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Interesting stuff, Alan. Did any souvenirs come home with you?

Bring them on!!!  I love your 'old' SP postings, but I encourage you to mix these in with the old stuff.

David Potter
Other, CA

I never get tired of photos of Garratts!

 

Will MacKenzie
Dundas, ON

'Very nice series, Alan.  'Sure seems like "long ago and far away," doesn't it.

Best regards,

-- Greg