International Railroad Discussion > South African industrial steam -- Lorraine Gold Mines

The Welkom gold mining district, located in the Orange Free State, was home to a number of steam operations, two of which used 4-6-2s among other power.  Here, the engines were kept in pristine condition which was much easier, given that the reef (South African term for gold ore) hauled was much cleaner than coal hauled to the collieries.  Here are photos  from July 3, 1984 at Lorraine Gold Mines,  located 30 km north of Welkom in Allanridge.

1.  LGM 4-8-2T #1.  Bought new

2-3,   Beautiful former SAR class 10CR Pacific #771.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/11/16 03:11 by masterphots.

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4.  No. 771 out on the line

5.  LGM No. 1407, a former SAR class 19B hauling empties back to the mine head.

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These are spectacular. 

They're amazingly clean for an industrial operation. Wonderful!