RRL new arrivals Welkom

This is a great scoop J&J. Class 91's working in Welkom on Cape Gauge, gotta love SA rail scene.

Hi all,

Today we got RRL at the Jan Hofmeyer crossing, heading towards the exchange yards near the showgrounds. The locomotive looked and sounded different. What a surprise we got when RRL 91 01 came past on a load of ore hoppers !!!! In passing the drivers told us they have been around for two weeks. We have not been here for two weeks... Off to the station we went to enquire more. Lo and behold - another train came in from Friedesheim and behind 91 02 !!!! Never ever did we think we would see 91 classes in Welkom. According to the fitter they were TFR 91 012 - RRL 91 01 & TFR 91 011 RRL 91 02. They told us that they are not running on 36 class bogies. Also comparing the bogies to their own 36 01 they do indeed look different.

Their DH 01 has been repaired and is ready for use. 36 01 is receiving some attention to the engine and should be running again next week. Also noticed was 35 02 on a load of ore. We were also told that RRL have purchased several more 35 classes and they are at work in the Congo somewhere. All we need now is for their 39 class to make an appearance in Welkom. She is currently somewhere in the Sishen area.

RRL's traffic looks good and is picking up. A while back we heard a rumour that they might even be taking over from Sheltam ??

All know that the good old OFS is known for surprises but NG Diesels in Welkom, takes a lot of beating !

We just need a 39 class to have had all the diesel classes in our area.

Surprised greetings,
John & Jacque.

Some further information about the new RRL arrivals from Ashley Peter.

I understand that two class 35's from Mason's Mill have been purchased by RRL Grindrod and that the first one (35-658) is due to be hauled dead from Pietermaritzburg today en route to Cor Delfos in Pretoria. There is also a loaded DZ wagon on the train - presumably spares. The other one (35-616, I think - but subject to confirmation) is still to follow. Presumably these are either accident damaged locos, or in need of major mechanical overhaul.

Regards

Ashley