(I owe the ‘Everybunny’ version to the active imagination of 8-year-old granddaughter R.)
Today we went into training for an Easter-Egg-Eating marathon. This is what we did it with, on a trip from Kloof up the hill from Durban to Botha’s Hill even further up the hill, and on to Inchanga:
And this is a sample of the views, through a rather dirty window. Note the Springbok emblem on the glass, though, as the symbol of South African Railways:
Colonialist's Blog 
What a cool locomotive! When I was a kid I lived sort of near several restored steam trains and my dad was a huge train enthusiast. Seeing a steam locomotive brings back lots of fun childhood memories!
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I used to travel in them a lot in my childhood, so they bring me a lot of nostalgia too.
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I’m puzzled by the locomotive. I’d have thought that during the steam era Südafrika’s connection with THE EMPIRE , XD would have had English loco’s. The one in your picture, has a USA look about some parts, English about others and who knows what about the rest.
I’ve checked my British Steam loco book and can only find one 4. 8. 0. configuration this one of yours maybe 4.8.2. hard to see.
As a bit of a steam loco nutter, would you please enlighten me, as to the make/history of your loco.
Thank you Col. XD
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It is described as Class 19D 2685 Wesley.
Although there is no information regarding the restoration, I would not be surprised if parts were pirated from a wide selection of locomotives to get it in working order.
There is also a Maureen Class 3BR 4386.
See http://umgenisteamrailway.com/ for more pictures, including ones of the whole train en route.
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Seems the 19D is an S.A. design, original built by Krupps & Borsig Lokomotiv in Germany, then several builders in Czechoslovakia and finally Robert Stephenson and Company,in England.
I knew it wasn’t an English design, though it does have some of the English characteristics it doesn’t have the style of the English/British designed locomotives; which to my mind have always been creatures of great beauty. Locos were bursting with life and energy.
Best part of my boyhood was growing up with the steam engines of England.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_African_Class_19D_4-8-2
And now to follow yor link.
Thank you Leslie.
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Interesting extra info! I still think Wesley is pretty good-looking!
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I agree entirely, I’d love a ride on it’s footplate. It’s a picture of raw power, love it!
Now that’s a great experience, riding the footplate,; one which I got to enjoy on a loco in Western Australia many years ago; when they were still using steam locos for shunting purposes. Great fun never to be forgotten.
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As long as you don’t have to do the stoking! 🙂
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There does not appear to be anyway I can get to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_African_Class_19D_4-8-2
all there sites are blocked by my security systems. 😦
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all their sites says he holding his head down in shame!
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Pity, because there is stacks of interesting information in that article. Apparently this class was the commonest in South Africa over the period it ran.
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I’ve managed to get in using Bing, first time for everything. Love the pics, wouldn’t mind going for a ride on that train,I don’t suppose the bar is opened these days
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Good! Bing-O!
A refreshment carriage is laid on, as well as facilities at both stations.
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the perfect way to travel
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Exposure to temptation!
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We had an Easter Egg hunt with little Emryn in their big garden. She had a lovely time, too.
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Our littlies are still not to old to enjoy those thoroughly, in house and garden.
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Looks like a lovely day in South Africa. Have a good Easter Sunday.
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It was good weather, if a bit chilly at first, and we did. Hope you did, too!
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Rabbits! Oh, darn, it’s not the first of the month …
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Change that to Bunnies, and you’re still spot-on!
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Thank you for that steam engine shot, it will always be the most beautiful transport shot ever taken.
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Isn’t it gorgeous? Totally steals the show.
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The Umgeni Steam Railway do a beautiful job of restoring and maintaining them — credit goes to them!
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Have a great Easter! 🙂
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Have done, and hope you did likewise!
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