RAND WATER BOARD LOCOMOTIVES BUILT BY HUNSLET

RAND WATER BOARD LOCOMOTIVES BUILT BY HUNSLET

_{The Rand Water Board owned two 0-8-0 Tank locomotives built by Hunslet Engine  Co. of Leeds to a similar design built for Nigeria. The two locomotives were mainly used to serve a Pump Station at Zwartkoppies, about 20 km south of Johannesburg.}

_{RWB No:1 was  Hunslet 60510/1938 and was originally named “Irene”, RWB No: 2 was built in 1946 as Hunslet works no:61035.}

_{The pumping Station was connected by a 5km branch line to the SAR at Randwater on the mainline between Germiston and Vereeniging.}

_{Below: One of the Rand Water locomotives working her heart out!}

_{Coal and stores were railed from the SAR exchange yard into the pumping Station. They were used from Monday to Sunday except Saturdays. The locomotives were withdrawn from service and a diesel locomotive was used from 1992. Recently the Pumping Station was converted to electric power and the rail system was uplifted.}

_{Both locomotives were recently moved to Sandstone Estates in the Eastern Free State. These locomotives are now in a safe environment where they will be protected and preserved for the Future}

_{Below: One of the RWB locomotives arrives safely at the Hoekfontein Steam Shed.}

_{After a long journey and the end of an  important day in their lives, they are safe from the cutters, and a new day will announce a new era of life for these two locomotives.}

Photos by :Dick Manton.