Friends of the Rail Forum

Last published in 2002, this book remains the standard guide to the locomotives of Southern Africa.

100 pages long, it is divided by region (South Africa, Namibia, Swaziland, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique), and is crammed full of information relating to the various locomotive types.

Each individual section starts with an introduction summarizing the operators, loco classes, operational information etc. This is then followed by the loco listings which make up the bulk of each section.

These listings are by class, and detail for each loco the builders details, status, province, location and ownership.

All the main line locomotive, in the various gauges, are covered, as well as preserved locomotives and private railways locos. The only type not covered are the numerous small industrial Loco's.

32 color plates also add color to a what is an essential book for any rail enthusiast with an interest in South African Railways. The fact that that it was published in 2002 need also not put put anyone off - updates are available - see the link at the Forum below for these -

http://www.friendsoftherail.com/phpBB2/ ... f=46&t=713

Do any of you know where I can still get a copy of the 2002 print?

Are there any plans to do a reprint in the new future as the Amendment lists are getting pretty long

In response to the question about whether the 2002 Loco Guide is still available - it is, Jean Dulez has copies locally in SA (Box 75169, gardenview 2047) and there are stocks in the UK and USA.

As for a new edition, I am giving this some consideration but it requires time to compile which is a commodity I don't have much of at the moment.

Cheers
John Middleton

It's an excellent book!

I am starting to thin out my book collection and have a number of foreign works that I will be wanting to sell off. I will compile a list . I have stuff on Japanese railways, all steam books of course. The Hedjaz Railway, East African etc , Eric Treacy etc.

Nathan, I'd be very interested in anything you've got on East African railways (although I already have most of the books that I know exist), but I'm sure I'll be in competition with Kevin there as he's also interested!

Yes - I am also interested. As John said East African stuff, but also Inidan Railways and UK memoirs/biographies.

Can we get together sometime?