Power cut off between Worcester and Cape Town 1975

[Andreas Umnus]

I found another report written by Rainer Schnell with very interesting pictures.
This is the link:
http://www.drehscheibe-foren.de/foren/r ... sg-4727118

I think you will enjoy these pictures because I think that wasn't often to see.

Rainer Schnell write in his report that there were works at the catenary and that there was a currentless part of 5 kilometers. Therefore the GMAM was lhauling the trains with the useless electric locomotives. The Garretts pushed the tank waggons in the one direction and pull in the other direction because they couldn't turn the steam locomotives.

[John Ashworth]

Thanks, Andreas. Those pictures of the Garratt hauling the electric units must be pretty unique.

The scene in picture number 6, however, is replicated regularly on the coal stage at Capital Park. Indeed I had to look twice to be sure that it wasn't a black and white version of one of Chris J's recent photos!

[Craig Duckham]

Great stuff! Hope he has more pictures to share.

[Dylan Knott]

I have seen a GMAM propelling one of its tankers, but never both! Anyone know if this is allowed today?

[Stefan Andrzejewski]

They stopped them pushing the heater cars back to Bellville so I should imagine that this practice is outlawed. Strange though it was not a long distance, why two water cars.

[Dylan Knott]

I am not so sure. In 2002 19D 3334 ran tender first back to Bellville hauling 5 s/d suburbans and propelling a converted class 23 water tanker. Always understood the water tanker on a GMAM was part of the loco so could be propelled. Why two, u ask? I reckon one is just a spare.

Its an absolute nightmare shunting water tankers for a GMAM!

[Stefan Andrzejewski]

The 3rd photo would not open at home. Just seen that it is a 4 E pulling that Orange Express. I thought that they had all but gone at that stage. This is a classic.