Steam train celebration on Heritage Day
The long-awaited day arrived on Saturday, 24 September, when Transnet Engineering celebrated Heritage day 2022 with the community of Mossel Bay by providing a free locomotive ride on Amanda, a 72-yearold steam locomotive.
Amanda has not been functional for more than 15 years and it took four months to restore her to her former glory.
Early on Saturday morning the parking area in front of Hennies restaurant in Hartenbos was already packed with cars as VIP guests and members of the community queued to complete the register and indemnity form before their train ride.
Members of the public had a free ride on the steam train with four carts attached. It took 300 individuals per ride on four trips. A total of 1 200 could be accommodated.
The four round trips were scheduled for 10:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00 and started at the Hartenbos train station to Great Brak train station. Just after 09:00 the VIP guests were introduced to the role players and there were short speeches on the history of Amanda.
There was much excitement as Amanda arrived at the Hartenbos railway station.
Our beautiful coastline could be seen from a new perspective from the train.
At the Great Brak Station the train driver uncoupled the locomotive and coupled it on the other side of the train to take the carts back to Hartenbos.
During the break passengers had a brief educational guide by representatives from a Great Brak conservationist, who shared the history of the Great Brak train station gardens.
Transnet noted there was overwhelmingly positive feedback from the community. Its spokesperson Zodwa Mashishi said in a statement that it was beyond expectation. Transnet also thanked the entire community of Mossel Bay for the interest shown in the initiative.
Transnet has not indicated if it will organise these trips on a regular basis.
In his speech, the CEO of Transnet Engineering, Ralph Mills, said: “I have been asked, and I have seen several posts on social media, as to whether this event is the revival of steam in SA. Sadly I must reply that it isn’t, but who knows what may happen when a public-private partnership like today's, shows conceptually that it can be done.”