Here we see a clip taken in 1990 of a class 25NC no 3488 struggling up the 1in80 Behrshoek Bank just north of De Aar in South Africa. The clip was taken by Ron Cousins who I unfortunately have lost contact with (Ron if you see the clip please contact me) We were booked to return back to Kimberley light engine but just as we were about to depart De Aar we heard that two diesels had failed and that we were to take their heavy load of grain. With the temp as low as -6 Celsius and us being the first train over the section that day meant we were in for a struggle. The line was simply just ice and our sand had iced up so it was simply up to us to do our best. I as fireman was running ahead placing sand onto the line for traction while the driver did his best to control the locomotive. Too much power and she would spin, too little and she would simply stall! As we headed onto the 1in100 the driver manages to get up some extra speed before hitting the 1in80 again near the summit where she is still struggling but going much faster. This wonderful locomotive is now preserved and is stationed in the old Germiston steam shed near Johannesburg in the careful hands of Reefsteamers.
- Күн бұрын
South African Railways 25NC 3488 struggles up Behrshoek bank 1990(Ron Cousins)
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