As part of the moves of our 3’6” gauge locomotives and rolling stock to Sandstone, we committed to placing all the assets under cover. This has now been completed as our pictures show with the two GMAM locomotives, 4114 and 4079, 25NC 3488 and 15F 3052 now safely under cover.
As part of our preparations for our Easter event, the track gang has been hard at work preparing our railway for a busy show. Persistent inclement weather has made quite a mess of various area of track which are being methodically cleaned and checked to bring up to our working standard. Sadly the rain continues and has slowed down our efforts but we will be ready for the expected large number of visitors over the Easter weekend. Our pictures show the extent of the work required and the results being achieved. See you all at Easter!
Mark Ruddy is a regular visiting driver to Sandstone and at the Stars of Sandstone event, in 2019, he was rostered for the first run of the newly restored NG10, number 61. Here is his story and, as you will read, it did not go exactly to plan! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9fWQeZx44g
English enthusiast, David Bott, visited South Africa in 1977 and captured this picture of number 155 at Izingolweni on the 1st April 1997. David also sent us a short story to accompany the picture.
Here is the picture of 155 hauling a train from Harding to Port Shepstone,
taken near Izingolweni on 1st April 1977. I remember that day very well indeed; we waited in the pub
at Harding until the shed master arrived for his lunch, then bunked the shed! Such happy days in
your beautiful country - 6 visits in all, travelling mostly by camper mobile. I was last there in 1999 & 2000
for the festivals of steam at George. It's so sad that the Knysna line has not been repaired; I'm now 75,
and my best days are now on film. I wish you well with your ongoing restorations, for the enjoyment of the next generation.
Thank you David for the picture and the kind wishes! Number 155 will be one of the featured locos at the upcoming Easter Steam event at Sandstone.
Derek Rayner, one of the foremost authorities on road steam and a good friend of Sandstone, has sent us the latest edition of Rolling, the UK Road Roller Association Journal. This edition includes an article by Derek on some of Sandstone’s rollers after he visited us at the last Stars of Sandstone event. Enjoy the read, click here.
Sadly we must announce that Sandstone’s world famous mountain section from Vailima to Vailima Siding and back to Pandora Junction is being lifted for safety and security reasons.
Click here to read the full story.
In July 2021 we featured the 1939 Dennis Trailer Pump as we acquired it, see The Dennis Fire Pump Trailer. (sandstone-estates.com)
It has now been totally restored by Janki Palmer and his team at Sandstone and is now ready for display. Have a look at our photo gallery to see the pump in all its splendour.
We could do with some help if any of our readers have information as to what decals would have been on the pump, other than the brass “Dennis” badge, as we have no reference for this. If you can help, contact Dave Richardson on
