Hi all.
We left Welkom this morning for Bloemhof, no trains.
On arrival at Bloemhof we noticed the Northbound signals were green. The yard area and silos were full of goods wagons. On some of the mielie trucks we noticed stuck on signs: "Danger Poison Gas. It is unlawful to remove this sign. Phosphine Gas. Fumigated 15:00 18/09/2009, Do not open before 15:00 25/09/2009." As the station was "full" we decided to head out for a better view.
About two kilometres out of town we caught a glimpse of the Northbound train - the Trans Karoo Tourist, running quite late. This was behind orange E 1434 OFS, still with a steam car attached. We noticed the train was very empty.
Near Grasslands we noticed the signals were red. On further inspection we found the "Bobaan" guys working on the catenary on the main line. The Trans Karoo was looped and proceeded through the station very slowly. Soon after this we struggled to keep up, she was now going at quite a lick.
We headed to Makwassie, here she sped through very fast, the driver definitely trying to make up some time. A friendly wave and hoot and past she went. Here we also found orange E 1230 K, on pick-up duty, shunting at the silos.
We decided to give chase again towards Leeudoringstad. Here we noticed the signals were still green, so we hadn't missed the train. Plenty of mielie trucks standing at the silos. Soon we heard a hooter and E 1434 sped through at an incredible speed in a cloud of dust and weeds, again the crew giving us a hoot and wave. In a matter of seconds we watched the car carrier disappear down the line.
Our next stop was at Ancona / Rooiblom. Here we caught orange 34 036 coming in from Bultfontein. The points were changed and soon she roared beneath us on the road bridge. We caught up with her again later near Friedesheim.
The usual RRL ore traffic was also noticed.
Greetings.
John & Jacque.
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