Rhodesian Railways Diesel at Reefsteamers

[Derek Walker]

As everybody should know, this diesel is sitting in Germiston awaiting possible preservation in the future. She is a very impressive machine but it will be a very costly excercise to get her running once again. A classic diesel if ever I saw one.

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[Jez Smith]

One of English Electric's finest - I hope she runs again!!

[Derek Walker]

She is really beautiful, I really want to get deep inside her and take a look around, but it will cost big $$ to fix though because all the parts are in Zimbabwe. I know lots of people want her running. She could be a huge assett to rail preservation in this country.

[Dylan Knott]

Easier to repair than you think. Would love to run this one.

Whats the axle loading?

[Stefan Andrzejewski]

There must be other Diesels that could be preserved that are in better condition. I know Belville have a Class 31 thats just sitting there.

[Barend Botha]

For those interested this locomotive is a RR Class DE2. Its got a 1258 kW V16 diesel, is 18.1m long, 4550l fuel tanks and has air and vacuum brakes.

From the photos I've have these locomotives were originally painted green with yellow stripe along the side and a white roof which looks great.

I have to agree with Stefan here, we have a Rhodesia diesel "preserved" and one SAR 31....

[Dylan Knott]

31's have no turbochargers and to replace these it will cost in excess of R450k!

Axle loading is a problem as they are rated at 18.9 tons and the SLP line limit is 18.5 tons.

[Barend Botha]

..to replace these it will cost in excess of R450k!

Ok, so how often will a "preserved" diesel need a new turbocharger?

[Dylan Knott]

Not often but comparable to a retube on a steam loco.

31-009 is in full working order at Waterval Boven and Sheltam have three 31's as well.

Is there a need for the two at Bellville? There used to be two at Germiston nos. 31025 + 31041 maybe they are still there.

[John Ashworth]

When I first saw those photos, and before I scrolled down and saw Jez's comment, I just knew she was English Electric - a very distinctive look which can be seen in other parts of Africa (including Sudan) and even in the prototype Deltic. An uncle who worked at the Vulcan works used to take me to climb on those locos in the late '50s and early '60s.

[Derek Walker]

More pics of the English Electric diesel at Reefsteamers.

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