The latest edition of Heritage Railway Magazine in the UK has given us great coverage of the restoration of NGG16A number 155 and the 3’6” loco moves from Germiston to Sandstone. Both articles are by correspondent , John Titlow, who visited Sandstone at our Stars of Sandstone event in 2019. Click here to view the stories.
Sandstone features in the first episode of a YouTube channel called “What makes the Eastern Free State lekker?”
This episode is 30 minutes long, so we suggest you pour your favourite drink while enjoying the stunning beauty of the region.
Sandstone’s latest restored locomotive, NGG16A number 155 will be hauling Easter trains. Picture by James Attwell.
Our first event for 2022 will be our Easter Steam Festival from Friday 15th April until Monday 18th April. The full Sandstone Heritage collection will be on display together with rides on military vehicles and on a vintage Ox wagon hauled by our team of Oxen. Food and refreshments will be on sale. Steam Trains will run daily at 10h00, 12h00, 14h00 and 16h00.
Self-catering accommodation will be available in our Railway and Victorian Cottages as well as our fully equipped camp site. The entrance fee is R250 for adults and R140 for children under 12. Please note that this fee does apply to visitors accommodated on site on a daily basis. Covid protocols as applied at the time of the event must be adhered to.
For bookings and enquiries contact Mariette Palmer on 064 752 3852.
Click here to read more
15E 2878 between Modderpoort & Kilmarnock 1996 Picture by Dennis Moore
The scenic railway line from Bloemfontein in the west, to Bethlehem in the east, has long been considered as one of the most spectacular railway lines for steam photography in South Africa and indeed, in the world. Steam haulage on the line ended in 1987 and since then the line has declined into a shadow of its former self with no through trains and limited traffic at each end. The busiest section these days is probably the line to Lesotho from Bloemfontein via Marseilles.
The last item of 3’6” gauge rolling stock, which had been stored at the old Germiston Steam Depot, the ex SAR Cowans and Sheldon 80 ton steam crane number 578, has finally arrived at Sandstone after weather delays at the Depot and a change required of the multi axle trailer to transport this 125 ton piece of South African railway history. Safely now at Sandstone, it will join the display of locomotives and other rolling stock recently moved from Bloemfontein and Germiston.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41TTVm1iXTE
James Attwell is a professional photographer who developed a love of steam from his father, Tony Attwell. James has produced a wonderful photo gallery from the recent steam festival at Sandstone as well as an excellent short video of the event. You can contact James on e-mail:
After our story on 3 November, at the start of the locomotive moves from Germiston to Ficksburg, we have now completed this massive operation with the 3’6” gauge locomotives and rolling stock in position at Sandstone’s new display area. Click here to see the full story.
