Thursday 9 September 2010

Blue Train sightings.





Hi all,

Early on Saturday morning we got a call. The Blue Train over nighted in Kroonstad. Said to depart 07h24 or 08h24. Got dressed and off to Geneva to await arrival. Another call stated a RRL 33 class and another 34 Class diesel to proceed before Blue to Bloemfontein. Nog a call stated struggeling with vacuum on two diesels. Blue to depart 08h24.

At 08h50 took photographs at slight curve between Geneva and Holfontein of Blue. Friendly wave from crew, including Pilot. Quick run to Hennenman second road over rail bridge, a 15 km/h speed restriction still in force here due to lowering of tracks under bridge and poor condition of both lines. Again good photographs, this time a hoot. Then an even faster dash to the new large concrete viaduct over Sand River for more shots. On way back CTC advised Diesels just at Bosrand. Off to Hennenman again, good shots in speed restriction area. Spoornet Maroon 34 650 with blue "LOG" on side hauling RRL 33 01. Noticed vacuum problem. A long piece of domestic drain down pipe, running length of drivers side running board, connected to 2 NW wheel carrying trucks with a clamp to first truck. All sounding bad with flat wheels. Speed around 30 km/h to Bloemfontein. A quick dash to the Ventersburg road over rail bridge, more shots, waving and short toots from crew.

Returned through mine area to Sheltam. All Cabooses now gone except one still in Gulf Red and Quaker Grey in shed. Plus two small Diesel Hydraulics. Told other two hauling ore.

Greetings,
J and J.

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