Campaign to boost Apple Express - E P Herald - October 6th, 1976

HERALD REPORTER

A CAMPAIGN to promote the Apple Express as a tourist attraction is. being planned by the Port Elizabeth Publicity Association.

The association is negotiating with the railways to launch a joint publicity campaign for the narrow-gauge line from Port Elizabeth to the Langkloof Valley.

Miss Cynthia van der Mescht, Director of Publicity, said that apart from the attraction the Apple Express held for steam railway enthusiasts, the scenery along .the route was unrivalled in South Africa.

To launch this new campaign the association is

running a return excursion on Monday to Loerie.

As well as invited local dignitaries, businessmen and journalists, 30 enthusiasts from the Railway Society of South Africa and a number of overseas visitors will join the trip.

"This is the only excursion of its kind in South Africa," said Miss Van der Mescht, "and it is famous throughout the world".

Railway enthusiasts from America, Britain and New Zealand planned to visit Port Elizabeth soon "just to ride on the Apple Express".

Impracticable

She said the railways appeared to be coming more "preservation conscious", but said that the little steam engines could not run forever and would not be replaced.

There has been suggestions to shorten the journey but these had been found impracticable, she said, because the locomotive could be turned only at Loerie.

The Apple Express runs at 9am every Saturday (numbers            permitting)

ONE OF the great experiences of the Apple Express ride to Loerie is the crossing of the famous steel trellis bridge over the Van Staden's River gorge. This is one of the highest railway bridges in the world.

between June and January, leaving from Humewood station. The adult fare is R5,20 and R2,60 for children. There are reduced rates for group bookings.

Inquiries can be made by telephoning Port Elizabeth 5202360.