Photos include (not necessarily in order) an area named Wakefield between Balmoral & Witbank, running through Clewer, entering Witbank, 15F 3094 at Witbank shed, early morning to Witbank station, crossing old Witbank / Middelburg road at speed and photos of both 19D 2650 and 15F 3094.
Hannes wrote:In the good old (steam) days, once a year, first Saturday in August any one that thought he or she was a good runner could enter the great train race between Witbank and Middelburg, roughly a distance of about 25km. Steam was still allowed on the main lines, the year 2003 Friends of the rail provided the motive power, 15F 3094 and 19D 2650. Attached a few pictures of engines at work before and during the event.
Nathan wrote:Nice memories Hannes. I was the fireman on the F. We ran steam for a few of those Marathon traions, with the last one being double header 19D and Reef Steamers 15CA. Thereafter it went to modern traction due to ban on steam on main lines. This last two years, RS have supplied coaches for the annual event.
3094 still exists but is withdrawn with boiler stay problems and the 19D is almost through her 3 year boiler certification.
Cheers,
stoke'em and smoke'emTrainman
