The test train is pictured headed by a maroon 34-825 and 2 x 35s. The crossing is with an orange 35 class diesel on the way back from shunting the mills at Hammanskraal.
The 19E is still on test from Pyramid South, and will be for a while to come. At the moment she is testing between Hammanskraal and Pienaarsrivier. The consist is 3 diesel locos, 2 test cars and the electric. At the moment she is being tested against the braking power of the diesels. I managed to hop on board the loco today while halted at Petronella station, and was welcomed into the cab by the testing engineer. It is very comfortable and hi-tech inside. The loco produces 392kn of tractive effort, similar to a 7E. The second loco will be out next month, and will be followed by 130 more locos should tests be successful. All are destined for the coal line, running from the DC yards at Ogies/Broodsyersplaas deirect to Richards Bay AC, the locos being dual-voltage.
They are built by Union Carriage in Nigel. Toshiba supply electrical components, and some Japanese gentlemen are involved in the tests- known to Pyramid South staff as "the Chinese"!
So far the loco is very satisfactory. The same cannot be said for the 39 class diesel rebuilds, which have many problems. Apparently the newbuild contract for 39s has hit a snag.
Pics will follow.