The boiler section of number 113 has now been returned to Sandstone where new superheater elements will be fitted by Gert Jubileus and his team. The Bloemfontein team under Lukas Nel will now concentrate on completing the restoration of NG10 number 61. The retube of NGG!# number 49 will be held over till later in the year.
The recently retubed number 113 has undergone and passed its hydraulic test with the aid of a pump dating back to 1890. Originally steam driven, the pump saw service in Bloemfontein until the 1970’s when the depot literally ran out of steam and it was converted to air operation and, as our pictures show, is still giving sterling service.
It proves the old adage, “they don’t make ‘em like they used to”!
The boiler of 113 will soon be returned to Hoekfontein to be swapped with the similar boiler of NGG13 number 49 for its retubing.
The boiler of NGG16 number 113 is now also complete and the boiler will now be blanked off to receive its hydraulic test. Our picture shows the completed firebox tube plate.
News from Bloemfontein. The NG10 receives its new boiler.
The rebuilt boiler for NG10 number 61 has been re united with the loco frames after its extensive repairs by Keith Stevens. Our pictures show unloading the boiler from the Sandstone lowbed and placing the boiler into the waiting frames of number 61. A very exciting day for the restoration of the NG10!
The Rabies Rally is an annual motorcycle event for professional people. This year their base was the Fouriesburg Country Inn and the rallyists visited Sandstone as part of the event over the last weekend. A good time was definitely had by all! The visitors enjoyed a tour of the Sandstone Collection, a steam train ride behind NG4 number 16 and an excellent lunch. Our pictures tell the story.
Some of the comments in the Visitors Book
“Groot waardering vir puik instandhouding”
“Fantastic Michael is great”
“Brilliant as usual! Even better” (Jan Smit)
“Magnificent”
“Wonderful experience”
“Amazing beyond”
Jan Smit from the organisers sent us the following thankyou mail.
Dear Leigh and Management of Sandstone Estates
We want to make use of this opportunity to thank you sincerely for receiving us and spoiling us at your venue on 3 March 2018.
We have received numerous positive feedback from all the riders and wish to thank you for the way in which you promote our wonderful province and our history, especially in respect of the steam trains.
We wish you all the best in future.
Kind regards
Jan Smit
Why not visit Sandstone for your next event or weekend away? Contact Leigh Sanders on 051 933 2235 or e mail:
We would love to host you!
The small and large tubes for number 113 have been fitted and expanded into the firebox tube plate. Our pictures show the small tubes expanded and fitted and the setting up of the expanding machine for the large tubes. Not long to go now.
The hard work is paying off and the small tubes have now been placed in the boiler. The larger tubes have been swaged and will be fitted early next week. Not too long to go now!
The boiler tubes have now been swaged and annealed ready for fitment into the boiler of number 113. Our pictures show the tubes being swaged and then annealed and cooled by being covered with clean sand.
