Sandstone Heritage Trust announces locomotive restoration.

An extremely rare 1905 Arn Jung locomotive, No. 847, ex Angola, has entered the refurbishment programme at Sandstone Heritage Trust Bloemfontein workshops.  A new boiler has been commissioned and the rebuild will take place during 2012.

The Arn Jung (Arnold Jung, the Arn is  a short form for the surname to fit the whole name on the plates) locomotive is significant in terms of global 2-ft Narrow Gauge preservation.  847 is  special as it has – by German standards – a very rare wheelbase 0-2-1.

It is 30 HP – 600 mm gauge - outside frame half open driver’s cabin.

It was sold on 19.06.1905 via the dealer Arthur Koppel, Berlin (who also was loco manufacturer himself) to sugarcane plantation "Bom Jesus" in Angola. It was named "Cazengo". It was rescued in derelect condition by the Sandstone Heritage trust from the sugar mill site in Angola in Feb 2003.

Over the Easter Holidays a team from Sandstone proceeded to SANRASM with two trucks to load a NGG13 Garratt. 

The loco is NGG 13 no. 58, built by Hanomag in 1927, works no. 10549. Although not the lowest SAR number (that honour fell to No. 49) it was actually the first built of the class. It worked on the Estcourt Weenen line and was donated to SANRASM when that line closed. It sat at Estcourt for more than 20 years before finally going to SANRASM's site.

It will now join a host of similar locos and enjoy under cover secure storage pending a decision as to its future.

No. 49 is one of the fleet of four working NGG series locos at Sandstone.

2011 Steam Gala Photographic Gallery

Photographs are coming in steadily from participants who attended our Steam Gala which we thought we would share with a wider audience.

Photos by David Benn

Photos by Hannes Paling

Photos by Dennis Moore

Photos by Gary Barnes

Photos by Rod Hering

Rod Hering has sent us some wonderful pictures taken at the recent Steam Gala. The top picture of the Garratts in the Running Shed was taken a year or two back. Rod presented this picture, fully framed, to the Sandstone Heritage Trust during the Steam Gala and it is now hanging in our Waenhuis. It really does capture the mood of the Hoekfontein Running Shed. 

Thanks Rod, we appreciate your support and on-going interest in our activities.

Photos by Fokko Niesen

Our guests reflect...

Featured below are the photographs and comments received from those who attended our 2011 Steam Gala event.

Hannes Paling [mailto:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.]
Sent: 19 April 2011 12:33

A short note to thank you for the opportunity to visit Sandstone again, we had a fantastic time, as usual. Jon will send a separate mail to you.

I missed the second session of the four Garratt's at groot draai, had to leave just after the line up of the four Garratt's

Attached are a few images I took, have added some to a folder on flickr and will be adding more there over the next few day's, the link below

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alfav8/sets/72157626406445487/

Thanks again for a Superb time.

Best Regards,
Hannes

From Dennis Moore

First and foremost , thanks for a great time at Sandstone ................... it was really great to be back after an absence of nearly two years and I benefited greatly from the first real break away from home I've had since my illness.

As you know, I'm still a slide man (it's simply that a high quality scan of a slide gives a better resolution picture than a digital camera pic, albeit inconvenient, 'slow' and expensive).  However , I did carry around a little digital "snaps" camera in my pocket and I took a few pics of things I don't normally photograph. Attached are low resolution pics of odds and ends.

Regards, and many thanks
Dennis

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Brian Nixon [mailto:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.]
Sent: 13 April 2011 11:23
Subject: SATURDAY'S VISIT

Just wanted to confirm that myself and the family visited on Saturday as planned, and that everything went off perfectly – the weather turned out great, food and refreshments were laid on and were plentiful, and most importantly I enjoyed a ride being pulled by the NG15. So all in all, a most successful day from my perspective, and I want to thank you again for the opportunity of coming down as well as all the hard work you put in preparing for the event.  I hope that the balance of the week proves equally pleasant and is well supported.

Sincerest thanks to you.

Best regards,
Brian Nixon

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Ron Nell - Frameline [mailto:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.]
Sent: 18 April 2011 08:04

Thanks again for the great entertainment last week. Everyone enjoyed themselves, and your staff and volunteers alike did a wonderful job in keeping things on the boil, despite the vagaries of the weather.

I am very happy with the footage I got and I know there is a good quality DVD in the offing. For those who missed the event I am sure they will value this DVD presentation. Four Garrats working together is not to be missed.

Kind regards, 
Ron

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From: M.Bleckmann [mailto:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.]
Sent: 19 April 2011 08:49

Thank you very much for your hospitality during our visit to Sandstone.

We all enjoyed it very much.

Enclosed the first pictures from me.

Best regards from Berlin, Michael Bleckmann

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Carl Gootzen [mailto:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.]
Sent: 18 April 2011 22:18

Anne and I would like to thank you for this incredibly week, we had the opportunity and privilege to be part of!

Witnessing the 4 Garrat’s pulling as four-in-hand those coaches, the steam tractors in action, being a passenger in one of the military vehicles or on the train……having the opportunity to be with Bob and Paul on the footplate and receive from them already some lessons how to fire an engine. Feeling welcome on the Estate: it was all together an incredible experience and the week went by  too fast!

Also a big thank you for Leigh and her crew in the kitchen: marvellous!

I know one thing for sure: when I show the pictures at my friends at our museum railroad, they will be a “little” jealous!!

I hope, if you would organise a steam festival next year, we will be able to be part of it, if we will be still welcome off course!

I have checked the pictures we have taken and they seem to be rather good, if not maybe the quality like those of Aidan, David or Dennis.

As soon I have made a selection and solved the little problem to convert normal video into digital, I’ll try to send you a DVD within 2-3 weeks.

Best regards,
Anne & Carl

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From: Andrew Scott [mailto:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.]
Sent: 20 April 2011 06:30

Thanks for a wonderful day, and for the pictures.

Attached are my snaps of a cosmos-politan of photographers, and of the Big Four. Wouldn't it be nice to get a modern day giant such as your John Deere next to the Big Four? Or sandwiched between the Big Four and the Rumely Oil Pull to make the Big Six!

Regards,
Andrew Scott

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Ernst Pfeffer has sent us links to pictures he took at our recent Steam Gala:

Kalahari 1st series in Usakos, Namibia

http://ernstpfeffer.de/1642.jpg

NG 15 Kalaharis

http://ernstpfeffer.de/2321.jpg

http://ernstpfeffer.de/2213.jpg

Brigadeloco

http://ernstpfeffer.de/2447.jpg

http://ernstpfeffer.de/2316.jpg

Garrats

http://ernstpfeffer.de/1692.jpg

http://ernstpfeffer.de/1705.jpg

O&Ks

http://ernstpfeffer.de/2303.jpg

http://ernstpfeffer.de/2299.jpg

http://ernstpfeffer.de/2305.jpg

http://ernstpfeffer.de/2539.jpg

The Sandstone Estates Railway Hardback by Dennis Moore

Dennis Moore has produced a book on the Sandstone Steam Railroad.   This is a stunning high quality, large format photographic tribute (with excellent anecdotal text) on our railway  in South Africa.

Photographed by Dennis Moore, already the author of two highly acclaimed (and completely sold out) books on South African steam, this is a volume to treasure.

To purchase your copy click here: http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2063269.

Events at Sandstone.

As previously advised the 2011 Steam Gala was the last event that will be held at the Sandstone Heritage Trust.  The cost of maintaining our track in a useable condition and in compliance with the Rail Safety Regulator requirements, coupled with the constant flooding that we have experienced, means that to maintain the line in tip-top condition is simply not viable. 

There has been a steady decline in bookings for people wishing to charter the railway and as a result to keep trained personnel on standby is also not financially viable.

A timeless picture

A 1910 BSA Rail Car overtakes a team of oxen working along the line.
Mooihoek, Sandstone Estates, Eastern Free State.

Significant milestone achieved in the Rail Heritage sector in the Eastern Free State of South Africa.

On Sunday afternoon, 10^th April 2011, four 2-ft Narrow Gauge Garratt locomotives representing the products of four separate manufacturers were steamed together hauling a 35 truck freight train on the private 2-ft Narrow Gauge railway at Sandstone Estates, an agricultural enterprise close to the Lesotho border.

The Sandstone Heritage Trust which is based on the farm has the largest collection of operating Narrow Gauge locomotives in the world.  Amongst this collection are four Garratt locomotives manufactured by Cockerill of Belgium, Beyer Peacock of the United Kingdom, Hanomag of Germany, and Hunslet of South Africa.  Over 20-years these four locomotives have been painstakingly restored to full working order.  To coincide with an international Steam Gala which is currently taking place and which ends on 16^th April 2011 it was decided to coordinate this historic locomotive steaming.  There is nowhere in the world where four operating Garratts co-exist in the same Running Shed and therefore it seemed appropriate that it should come together for the benefit of an enthusiastic group of dedicated international railway photographers who had flown from many parts of the world to witness this particular spectacle.

Wilfred Mole, a spokesman for the Sandstone Heritage Trust, said “South Africa has always been a proven and popular destination for dedicated rail tourists.  South Africa’s legacy as a Steam Railway destination is highly respected around the world but in recent years there has been a rapid decline in the number of Heritage railways that still operate steam and which offer a tourist experience.  Although located in a remote area of South Africa, Sandstone’s engineering excellence is recognised worldwide and is proven by the spectacle of over 300-tons of locomotive power working together in perfect harmony on a beautiful Autumn afternoon in the Eastern Free State.”

Photos by David Benn

Photos by Wilfred Mole

2011 STEAM GALA

The Sandstone Heritage Trust 2011 Steam Gala is over and the photographs are starting to come in. A lot happened and although relatively few people attended they were treated to some spectacular photographic opportunities. The highlight was undoubtedly the 3 x NGG16's and one NGG13 working together. Undoubtedly a first in the world.

As is customary at the Sandstone Heritage Trust many other items complemented the 2-ft Narrow Gauge Rail activities on a daily basis.

In this picture a rare Marshall MP6 tractor waits at the level crossing towing a rare CAT R2 Dozer.

Another advantage of steaming four Garratts at one time is we were able to place them together on four adjacent lines for a photo opportunity.

For those fortunate enough to watch four Garratts thundering through the beautiful Eastern Free State on a sunny April afternoon was enough to give one Goosebumps.

You could chase the train with a 1901 B5 Traction engine, a 1951 F100 Ford, a Mk IV Sherman, a Saracen, a Caspir, or any one of dozens of other possibilities in the Agricultural, Military or Steam categories.

The magic of Model Engineering

Charles Viljoen brought his beautifully engineered 1904 Arnold Jung locomotive and placed it on display for the guests.

Thank you Charles, your efforts were much appreciated.

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Our two venerable old buses performed a great service transporting photographers ahead of the trains so they could always be in the right place at the right time. This is our lovely old Bristol bus which featured in the film "Cry the beloved country".

Our AEC, which has been on the farm for many years and which was donated to the Sandstone Heritage Trust by John Allen, was also pressed into service where required.

This line-up of old items waiting to cross the railway line include a 1927 Chev, a 1947 John Deere Model H, a 1953 Field Marshall Series III, and of course our Bristol in the foreground. A team of oxen can be seen in the distance.

A Bristol load of passengers is forced to take to the lands to overtake the majestic B5 Fowler Road Locomotive trundling back from a photo shoot.

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BSA Rail Car

Our BSA was a great attraction. It was very useful if one wanted to follow a train or just take a few guests on a ride.

Hans Hermann (sitting) was one of the guests who enjoyed a ride in the Rail Car with his sister and brother-in-law from Hamburg, Germany.

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Patrick Polo, a visitor from Switzerland, attended our Gala in 2010 and was at Sandstone throughout the 2011 Steam Gala.

Patrick has always been very generous in providing beautiful photographs taken at previous events.

This is a photo of Patrick posing with a few of the many framed photographs that he donated to the Sandstone Heritage Trust. These are hanging on the wall in the main office.

Sandstone Heritage Trust steams four Garratts for select group of international visitors

On Sunday afternoon, 10^th April 2011, a combined crew of South African and international drivers and firemen drove four Sandstone Garratts into the record books by operating a single train over sections of the Sandstone network. NGG16, No. 153, NGG16, No. 113, NGG16, No. 88, and NGG13, No. 49 operated together pulling a 35 wagon train through the Cosmos in the beautiful Eastern Free State.

The occasion was the 2011 Sandstone Heritage Trust Steam Gala which runs from 9^th to 16^th April 2011.

The weather has been impeccable throughout the event thus far but on Sunday afternoon big storm clouds came in over Lesotho and for a short while blocked out the sun – at exactly the same time that the photographers were lined up to record this momentous event. Nonetheless, the first pictures that have come in do justice to the occasion.

Ron Nell of Frameline Film & Television was on hand to record the event and a DVD of the entire week’s proceedings will be available in a few months time.  Should you be interested in receiving details of this top class DVD production please record your interest by e-mailing Joanne West at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Photo Gallery

Photo credit: David Benn

Photo credit: David Benn

Photo credit: Wilfred Mole

Photo credit: Wilfred Mole

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Dennis Moore has just sent us the following photographs which he took during the course of the event.

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David Benn, always the first to make his magnificent photographs available, has supplied the following photographs.

David is still out there taking photographs so expect more great pictures to follow.

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Photo credit: Wilfred Mole

Photo credit: Wilfred Mole

Photo credit: Wilfred Mole

Photo credit: Wilfred Mole

Photo credit: Ernst Pfeffer

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Hannes Paling has just supplied us with these exceptional photos which he took during the course of the event.

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Photos by Peter Randall

Weekly Report - By Stephen du Preez

Stephan du Preez has submitted a report which will be of particular interest to visitors of our April event.

We are making good progress on all fronts and providing there is no extraordinary weather conditions we should be on track.

We have enjoyed considerable support from our technical personnel who are normally based at the Bloemfontein Repair Depot, and we would like to thank both them and the Sandstone staff for their diligence over recent weeks.

Stephan’s report is below for your interest:

Rail Repairs

The repairs at Pandora and the length of rail from Pandora to Vailima have been repaired. Work has started at Vailima.

Below you can see some photos of the before and after the repairs have been done at Pandora.

Flood damage at Vailima

Below are some photos from the damage at Vailima. The holes have been filled with building rubble which will be bonded with soil crete to give it the required strength.

Postal wagon

Wouter is finished with all the damaged plates on the wagon and has started painting the frame and the roof of the wagon. I have given Peter the amount and colours of the paint needed for the body of the wagon he is busy getting quotes from some places.
 

Testing and repair of steam locomotives

Leon and Isack have been hard at work to get the locos ready for the event. They discover allot of work that will need attention due to lack of maintenance. I do my best to accommodate them in any way I can. They have steamed up NG17, Lawley 97(James Hall Lawley), NG4, and NGG16 (no.153 & no.49). Most of the locos have some valves and glands that are leaking. All the locos tubes are being washed out and problems fixed as they go on. They are concentrating on the biggest problems first. We are also making notes on all the problems on every loco. I am keeping book on the repairs and work that need to be done on every loco so we can know exactly what is wrong and no time has to be wasted to look for every problem.

The problems that have been fixed

NG4

• Regulator did not close

NGG16 (No. 49)

• Hole in supper heater fixed
• Regulator valve have been re-seated
• Lead plug replaced
• Safety valve seat replaced
• New copper dome gasket fitted

Lawley (BR)

• New pins fitted on brake gear

NG17

• Replaced broken water gauge glass

BSA Rail car

I have fitted all the bolts on the suspension with new bolts and lock nuts and washers. Some modifications have also been made to the sprocket on the rear axle. I test drove it and it did not give any problems.

Weekly report

We have received the following weekly report from Stephan du Preez on what his department got up to this week.

Click here to view the report - 3.9MB Word document (opens in new window)

Sandstone Bloemfontein workshops announce completion of O&K locomotive, No. 10311.

Locomotive O&K No. 10311 is now in the process of being painted.

Aidan McCarthy, Lee Gates and Philipp Maurer have sent us these excellent pictures of the successful passenger train that visited the Ficksburg area in November last year. One of the more interesting pictures is the agricultural tanker from Sandstone Estates supplying water to one of Reefsteamers locos.

The dysfunctional Ficksburg Municipality was unable to support the passenger train with water from the municipal supplier and so the locomotives had to relocate the 14-kms to Sandstone to receive water.

During the same trip all the locomotives and rolling stock previously housed in the large Sandstone locomotive shed at Ficksburg were relocated to Kommandonek Siding. The entire building was moved on site to the farm.

Our thanks go to Aidan, Lee and Philipp for the interesting and creative photographs.

Photos by Aidan McCarthy

Here are some photos from the Reefsteamers open day on Saturday. Pretty impressive line up with four locomotives in steam for the day.
Aidan McCarthy