RN 133 - The Feldbahn being restored by Sandstone Bloemfontein workshops is proceeding steadily


Weekly activities
LOCOMOTIVES FROM RATANGA JUNCTION New to the Sandstone collection of locomotives are the two NGG 16’ from Ratanga Junction, with the numbers 110 and 112. The four units came on two links while the boilers were loaded on the Sandstone lo-beds.

First of all we needed to offload the Units from the links before we could start with the offloading of the boilers. We again used the fully equipped Mobile Workshop to assist us with the offloading. No easy tasks at all, for the units were secured on wooden sleepers and we first had to jack the units to remove the sleepers underneath.

The rear unit on the back of the link was the easiest for we did not have to lay track except for the short rail panel that we usually use to load locomotives. This panel was re-gauged to a two feet panel again. We used the Hunslet diesel locomotive and slowly pulled the unit unto the rail connected to the existing line at Vailima.

To offload the front unit on the link, we had to build in another 10 metres of rail panel to link it to the existing line. Thunder clouds were threatening to ruin the offloading process, but luckily we made it in time.

The next day we moved the units to Hoekfontein where we wanted to offload the boilers. The Hunslet and 4 empty B wagons were used for adequate braking effect while going down the Pandora bank. Two units at a time were used and they were coupled with a bulbar between the units. Before we could move the Units, we had to oil the motion and the boxes. The cylinders were oiled threw the inspection holes in the stream chest.

The two units were shunted into the correct order and the one was turned on the tri-angle. The one unit then was uncoupled in front of the boiler, and the other at the rear. Leon Flint, Truck driver at Sandstone Estates, then had to reverse the lobed with the boiler over the railway line in such a way that the complete boiler was in line and that the centre of the boiler is in the centre of the Railway line.

The boiler then was lifted from the lobed with the help of air jacks and the Mobile Workshop. We then moved the two units in under the boiler and slowly jacked it into the centres on the units while we supported the boiler all time.

The same process was done the next day with the second boiler.

Both the locomotives then was shunted down into the wagon shed where they will be stored till the time brakes to restore them.

While we were busy with the offloading, Henk pulled out all the Vintage tractors and parked them on the grass. After individual photos were taken, they were moved back into the Vintage shed and were parked in a neat line up.

LOCOMOTIVE REPORT NGG16 Number 153: All the repairs on NGG 16 number 153 were done and all the locomotives were cleaned for the SABC broadcasting from the farm in next week. NGG 16 Number 88: We started fitting back all the spares on 88’s units and now needs to insert the wheels again. The units then will be moved out of the shed to clean up space to build a third line inside the Hoekfontein Shed.

LITTLE LOCOMOTIVE FROM RATANGA Also new to the Sandstone collection is this very special locomotive. She was placed on a steel bench for display inside the shed for now.

WAGON REPORT B WAGON CONVERSION: We are working full steam to have eight B wagons completed for the Harvest Festival on the First and the second of January 2005. B wagons are standing in a line in front of the shed, ready to be converted. The best is that it is just as easy to convert them back to normal B wagons when needed to.

Derrick is responsible for the steel structures that are fitted onto the wagons, while Henkie fits the wooden sides. Jacob is busy all the time, cutting the wooden sides and the steel structures to the correct sizes.

While they are busy with the construction works, I have time to adjust the brakes and do the vacuum brake tests on these wagons. The brakes need to be 100%, due to the heavy weight that they are going to handle. A special foam sealer is ordered to seal the doors of the B wagons. WAGONS FROM RATANGA JUNCTION: New to the Sandstone stock list are three wagons that arrived from Ratanga Junction. These wagons will be offloaded in next week.

GENERAL: WATER TANK FROM THE EASTERN CAPE: Petrus started with the de-scale work needed to the last pillars of the water tank. This tank will be finished and ready to be put together within the next week. BLACK WATER WAGON: Henry spray painted the water wagon that is standing outside the shed as well as the disposal water tank down at the wagon shed. He also stencilled hazardous/ dangerous disposals on the disposal tank.

SIGNS AND BOARDS Ben fitted the remaining signs and boards in front of the Vintage Shed and is still busy with the last ones.

From the Past
Class 25 NC number 3454 storming threw Petrusburg station westbound to Kimberley in 1985. The water column at the east side of the Station already was removed and the main water stations on the line were De Brug and Perdeberg.

PLANNING FOR NEXT WEEK: 1.) To offload wagons from Ratanga. 2.) To convert B wagons to FZ’s 3.) To fit all remaining signs 4.) To prepare locomotives for SABC broadcasting from the Farm 5.) To clean up railway line 6.) To repair weed eater 7.) To service 19D spares for Bloemfontein. 8.) To ballast storage line and new points at Hoekfontein. 9.) To de-scale water tank from the Eastern Cape. 10.) To pack freight stock on Flat wagons 11.) To assemble 88 12.) To adjust remaining B wagon brakes.

Steam Greetings, Gert