More locomotives arrive at Sandstone
FURTHER locomotives were relocated to South Africa’s Sandstone Estates in November.
Three more steam locomotives, a Rhodesia Railways diesel and a crane, this time from Germiston shed, were moved 220 miles by road under police escort.
The 3ft 6in (Cape Gauge) steam locomotives are Beyer Garratt 4-8-2+2-8-4 GMAM No. 4079 of 1954, North British 25NC 4-8-4 No. 3488 of 1954, and North British 15F 4-8-2
No. 3052 of 1946 that was given to the late English artist David Shepherd in 1991 in exchange for a painting of the locomotive, and named after his wife, Avril. They were accompanied by English Electric diesel DE2 No. 1207, built at Dick Kerr Works in Preston in 1955 and Cowans Sheldon 60-ton crane No. 578, which dates from 1965.
Their arrival brings the collection at Sandstone of 3ft 6in gauge locomotives and stock to 15 ex-SAR steam locomotives and one diesel, nine industrial steam locomotives and one diesel, the newly-arrived diesel, 16 SAR coaches, 17 freight wagons, three mobile cranes, and one inspection trolley. Although Sandstone has nowhere to run them or any intention of doing so, they are now safe.
Due to worsening security regarding theft and vandalism at Gemiston shed (as reported in issue 285), where they have been for more than 20 years, the move was necessary as part of safeguarding their collection.
Leaving the site was extremely difficult due to having to depart through a tunnel built for rail only. The base had to be graded out, lowering it to enable the locomotives on their trailers to get through with only a 4in clearance.
Presently the remaining locomotives at Germiston are safe and secure within the depot, which has 24hour security provided by Transnet Engineering. There are plans to turn it into a heritage centre.