It is nice to see steam locomotives in active use. But it is also sobering in this case. After all, in this case they are not used as a tourist attraction, but because the operator cannot afford anything more modern. This ultimately means that their active use as working equipment is a testament of their poverty. Just like the run-down condition of the locomotive itself, the trailers and the tracks. Or is there another reason of which I am unaware?
In fact at this time (6 years ago) they only operated the steam locos if you paid for them. They were and still are a curiosity. Sadly, since Covid there have been few visitors to Zimbabwe and the steam locos have become largely inoperative .... Andy
The last of the dinosaurs, soon they will all be extinct. Those of us that have seen the steam giants in everyday action are indeed honoured. Thanks for posting this last glimpse.
How right you are. These next few months are genuinely the very end of the history of steam power as an industrial force. For us British enthusiasts, it's another 1968 but one that's passing unnoticed.
The steam was a far better sight in 1995 - very little hanging on now. I think it'll only have a short while more as steamable. Fascinating country still though !
The dedicated staff at Bulawayo shed keep one or two in workable condition for anyone who hires them. However Covid has put a stop to tourism so their condition is expected to be deteriorating ...... Andy
Great videos of steam locomotives active in this country coal mines in 2017! for how many time, you know? how many steam locomotives on this site? thanks for charring yours steam travels
Thanks again for your comment. Up until recently they had 2 locos working here but there appeared to be only one able to raise steam, on this trip. It's impossible to say how long this last one will continue its work.
GREAT VIDEO. So sad to see the derelict ones though. I hope they can keep it going for a while, then save it, not cut it up, like the green 19D (or class 12) I saw on another video there. I couldn't tell. Thanks for sharing
Another great video catch lads, shame they will soon disappear. I wonder if any will be preserved, or indeed repatriated to the country of their birth, I assume such costs would be high
I'd REALLY love to see one of these Garratts back in the UK. They'd need a lot of work to adapt for our track and loading gauge but I think it'd be possible. Unfortunately, they've recently started cutting up their stock of locos.
Beautiful. I saw these garratts working at Victoria Falls Railway Station back in 1984. Classic Rhodesian countryside. Well done. Most enjoyable.
Thank you very much for that comment. The scenery there is very distinctive.
It is nice to see steam locomotives in active use. But it is also sobering in this case. After all, in this case they are not used as a tourist attraction, but because the operator cannot afford anything more modern. This ultimately means that their active use as working equipment is a testament of their poverty. Just like the run-down condition of the locomotive itself, the trailers and the tracks. Or is there another reason of which I am unaware?
In fact at this time (6 years ago) they only operated the steam locos if you paid for them. They were and still are a curiosity. Sadly, since Covid there have been few visitors to Zimbabwe and the steam locos have become largely inoperative .... Andy
Great footage! Love the weathered appearance of the loco and rolling stock. A bit sad seeing the rusting hulks in the grass though.
Yes, there are dozens of great steam locos lying around here and in Bulawayo. They'll be cut up, I'm afraid.
The last of the dinosaurs, soon they will all be extinct. Those of us that have seen the steam giants in everyday action are indeed honoured. Thanks for posting this last glimpse.
How right you are. These next few months are genuinely the very end of the history of steam power as an industrial force. For us British enthusiasts, it's another 1968 but one that's passing unnoticed.
I was fortunate to visit in 1991. 19D's working here though with Garrets on the NRZ mainline.
Great country, great spectacle.
The steam was a far better sight in 1995 - very little hanging on now. I think it'll only have a short while more as steamable. Fascinating country still though !
Sad to see these fine machines in such dilaidated state after remembering them in RR days clean and shining
The dedicated staff at Bulawayo shed keep one or two in workable condition for anyone who hires them. However Covid has put a stop to tourism so their condition is expected to be deteriorating ...... Andy
Preserve these adorable machines .We have plenty coal reserve in Zimbabwe to run special trains.Z
That's for Zimbabweans to organise. If you are in Zimbabwe - please do your best! ..... Andy
Great videos of steam locomotives active in this country coal mines in 2017! for how many time, you know? how many steam locomotives on this site? thanks for charring yours steam travels
Thanks again for your comment. Up until recently they had 2 locos working here but there appeared to be only one able to raise steam, on this trip. It's impossible to say how long this last one will continue its work.
Thank you for your informations! really a good movie! i hope that these 2 steam locos would be active in 2018!
GREAT VIDEO. So sad to see the derelict ones though. I hope they can keep it going for a while, then save it, not cut it up, like the green 19D (or class 12) I saw on another video there. I couldn't tell. Thanks for sharing
There are derelict steam locos lying around all over southern African countries. Such a huge shame! Andy
Another great video catch lads, shame they will soon disappear. I wonder if any will be preserved, or indeed repatriated to the country of their birth, I assume such costs would be high
I'd REALLY love to see one of these Garratts back in the UK. They'd need a lot of work to adapt for our track and loading gauge but I think it'd be possible. Unfortunately, they've recently started cutting up their stock of locos.
There is a Garret ex South African rail in the Industry and Science Museum in Manchester where the Garrets where built at Gorton Works.
John