question of colour. We do our very best to research the archives and try to find out what the locomotive looked liked during its first operational outing. In other words, if it was a Natal Government Railway's loco what colour was it?
If it was an original South African Railways & Harbours loco what colour was it?
Lukas Nel was particularly grateful to Dennis Moore who commented on the colour of the NG4 and we thought we would share it with you.
-----Original Message-----
From: lucasn
Sent: 30 January 2007 06:55 PM
To: Wilfred Mole
Subject: Bloem. Re: NG4 Colour - More
Sir,
Reading all the stories regarding the colour of NG4 I would like to ask you to send a special word of thanks to Dennis Moore for his message on the locomotive as he seems to be the only person who look behind the issue of R200.00 of paint and is thankful to get the opportunity to get a photo of a locomotive that was scrapped for the last frothy years without any hope to see a new life although in the wrong colour.
May we should stop rebuilding locos and paint all the scrap black for wonderful photos in the correct colour
Regards,
Lukas.A.Nel.
From: Moore, Dennis D
Sent: 30 January 2007 12:41
To:
Subject: RE: NG4 Colour - More
I think the blue livery looks fabulous
........................................
but , to me , it's a minor consideration either way. What matters is that , thanks to you , Lucas & the team , here we are in 2007 , with a unique loco in steam , the likes of which I never envisaged as seeing in my lifetime.
South African Railways had a big splurge on locomotive restoration in the late 80s and early 90s. However , since the formation of the THF and with the new dispensation , the National Carrier's commitment to restoring its heritage has been modest ( albeit considerably more than many other railway administrations around the world.)
Fact remains that Sandstone has been the leading light in heritage restoration , especially on the steam locomotive side .................. and that is not to detract from the noble and well meaning efforts of some of the Groups ( eg Reefsteamers ) who certainly do what they can within resource constraints .
I am not an infrequent visitor to Sandstone as you know , and yet you now have a further four locos that you have restored that I haven't seen in action yet ! ( Peckett, Feldbahn , NG4 , O & K ) This surely is indicative of your tremendous commitment.
Bring it on , any colour you like ! :-)
Regards,
Dennis
