Although Sandstone is well known for its locomotive restorations, the workshop at Hoekfontein has produced a number of coaches converted from goods wagons to the style originally used at the now defunct Ratanga Junction in Cape Town. A recent restoration of a V16 type guards van (No. 3181) has been completed but with the goods storage area towards the front of the van has been converted to a “Ratanga” style passenger compartment and the original guards area repanelled in the same style. The guards area has been retained internally. No. 3181 will be a unique vehicle on the Sandstone system.
The modified V16 ready for service
The guards seating area with the vacuum brake control at the top right
The handbrake is retained in its original position
Interestingly, the Railway History Group in Cape Town recently published an article on the 2ft gauge South Western Railway in Knysna which opened in 1907 and closed in 1949. Although mainly freight their passenger accommodation featured the composite guards van pictured below which bears a remarkable resemblance to Sandstone’s new vehicle!
