“The photographers wanted to recreate the past. They would certainly come on another tour, and hopefully both locomotives will be used.”
In this way, Peter Odell, director of Steamnet 2000, looks to the future.
He says the tour along two railway tracks in the Northern Cape and Free State last week, which required the crew to work tirelessly, was fulfilling.
“Besides the restoration we did the past months and years, we worked three weeks straight for the photographic tour. It involved administration, technical checks and tests, and operational and logistical challenges.”
The heavy 25 NC-class locomotives are considered historic work horses, and were specifically designed to haul heavy loads.
“If there is a niche for day trips for local tourists, we would need to restore a smaller locomotive to haul lighter passenger carriages.
“We would then buy more passenger coaches and restore it.”
Steamnet 2000 has expressed that the organisation needs more volunteers to help with the maintenance and restoration of the locomotives.
According to Odell, due to the arduous work and attention to detail these projects require, he and his team need people with mechanical experience and plenty of time on their hands.
“Most importantly, we need volunteers who are prepared to do paperwork, administration, and negotiate with the authorities to establish regular steam train trips.”
Those interested in donating money, or other steam locomotive enthusiasts who have the necessary skill and time to help with restorations, can contact Odell on WhatsApp on 082-856-2277.
