Interlude at Faure

[Chris Janisch]

Faure station lies between Eersterivier and Firgrove on the Somerset West branch. It is fully manned and semaphore controlled. On an evening visit in early January at rush hour, I observed a train departing to CT under the roadbridge before stepping onto the platform. After a visit to the signal box where the levers were scrutinized, I photted another CT bound train entering the station. The train then reversed back, and entered the loop to await the arrival of a SWest bound train. This train soon pulled in and was given the token to proceed westwards, while the opposite train was also on its way.
This slick operation still goes on day and night on the single-track lines to Strand and Stellenbosch, and is extremely interesting. I recommend anyone who cares about semaphores to go out and see this, because it will not last for much longer.

[Nathan Berelowitz]

Aaah! The changing face of railways in Africa. Graffiti covered Metro sets, vest wearing Train Contr0l Officer, albeit he has the safety vest on over it. Metro hustle bustle. Old and new. Semaphores and signals new!

[John Ashworth]

Not just Africa, Nathan - the world! There's surprisingly little graffiti in Africa, actually, compared to railways in many other parts of the world.