Sandstone has agreed with South Africa's top model makers to host a special section on their web site which would concentrate on areas of interest for railway locomotive model makers worldwide. The idea was proposed by Andries Keyser, whose introduction features below.

One of our most steadfast supporters over the years and someone who has been of immense assistance to model makers around the world with respect to the provision of technical information is Hannes Paling. As a summary to the outstanding contributions that Hannes has made and continues to make he has prepared this introductory statement for us:

Since the start of the industrial revolution man has created many types of machines, the steam locomotive was one of these. The steam locomotive has held a special fascination to young and old for more than a century. With the withdrawal of the steam locomotive from active service a vacuum was formed which was ably filled by the Sandstone Heritage Trust's Unique collection in this country, especially narrow gauge locomotives and rolling stock. It has from the smallest locomotive, a Decauville type 1, which is the only working example in the world, two examples of Lawleys with a rich history spanning more than a hundred years each, again the only working examples in the world and narrow gauge super power in the form of the NG15 and various Garratt classes, which don't need a introduction, with a good spread in between from all major manufacturers world wide.

Sandstone narrow gauge railway and website has been a inspiration to many model builders around the world, examples of Sandstone engines are built in Australia, the UK, the States, Europe, Germany and of course South Africa, from small H0 gauge models to one third size working models are built. Many of the models built in other countries were inspired by photo's on the Sandstone website.

To all model builders around the world, please let us have pictures of your work, perhaps we could share some of our experiences.

Best regards,
Hannes Paling

Please direct all queries, contributions and questions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Nick Popich’s SAR 16DA in 3¼" gge

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I went to the annual Rand show in 1971 and found the Rand Society of Model Engineers inside the show grounds. I joined the Society immediately, a few hundred meters up the road there was the South African Railways pavilion.

Garry Barns's Bagnall Meyer in 7 1/14"gge

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I always wanted to build a GEA Garratt in 5" gauge but after seeing 2-foot gauge locomotives running on 7.25" inch gauge, I realised this was the answer to building chunky compact locomotives and more fun to drive. I then decided the GEA was a lot of work and two small in 5" gauge the 7.25" gauge being to big for practicality.

Albert Falls Miniature Railway

Rob Steiger owner of the Albert Falls miniature railway asked me to spread the word around that he will have an open weekend at his miniature railway from the 14th to the 15th November, the railway is almost a kilometre in length and caters for 5" and 7 1/4" gauge trains. All enthusiasts welcome with or without a engine, the station complex houses a bar and good braai facilities with plenty of camping space. Rob can be contacted at 082 343 9686.

Having visited the site myself previously, I can recommend a visit to Rob's place, see you there.

Attached a few pictures of previous events

Best regards
Hannes

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Port Elizabeth Model Locomotive Society

The P. E. track is situated in the residential suburb of Sunridge Park and is part of a sports complex. The main line consists of 3 1/2" and 5" gauges of which the main line is approx. 602m. The outer loop is only about 240m. We generally do not use the shorter line as it traverses the main roadway into grounds and then we also feel obliged to give the passengers a double circuit for their moneys worth. Using the longer ride they only get one circuit.

There is a carriage storage tunnel near the club house that we have just extended by 4.2m. These contain twin lines that can now hold 6 carriages and the diesel on each line. Due to an increase in passengers we are having to construct two more 2m long passenger trucks to cope with the loads. The 4 bogies have just about been completed between Gunter and myself. Gunter doing most of the work. The attached are some photos to give you an idea of what the grounds look like on a typical running day. Station, clubhouse and general.

Brian Simpson

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Station View