Sheltam Visit

Catching up on articles sent.

20 September 2009

Hi all.

Yesterday morning early while the pensioner was still fast asleep I left for the Sheltam sheds for a ride on the mine systems.

On arrival I was met by all the friendly staff and felt most welcome.

On shed were 31 class no.22 and 32 - 200 no. 2013. Soon we were heading off for our first load of the day. We were booked on the 32 class to work the old Saaiplaas 5#. I have never travelled on this lined before and so another line to mark on my list. We had a couple of trips up and down all day and not once was any Transnet traffic observed. We did almost 100Km's on the mine systems in a 12 hour shift. I was told that normally this is much more during the week or when the ore traffic is heavy. We travelled between the shafts and the "exchange yard" and even had a crossing with no. 22 near the old Saaiplaas 3# loop. Comparing the 32 to the previous flatnose diesels - the 32 makes light work of nine loaded hoppers, even up the steep gradient at 5# where the mine line crosses Transnet's line.

No. 2013 has been redone and looks smart with a shiny coat of paint inside and out. Me, being used to footplating on 34's & 35's took quite a while to get use to the long nose / hood. What struck me was how quiet it was inside 2013, much more quiet than other locos I've been on. On the assistant's side of the loco there still is a window marked "SAR - SAS Hardglass" and the original blue vinyl armrest, no showing it's age.

Again I was told that it seems likely that 2x34 classes will replace these locos soon.

Thanks to Dries, Gertjie and Thys for a most enjoyable day, much appreciated.

Jacque & John.