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NG Express
THE
OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE PORT ELIZABETH APPLE EXPRESS
Postnet Suite 124, Private Bag 13130, Humewood, Port
Elizabeth |
October 2008
THE APPLE EXPRESS STEAMS AHEAD AGAIN
Wednesday 29 October 2008 at 12.58pm
locomotive NG 15 No.119 took her first tentative steps
under her own (steam) power.
It was a momentous occasion for the few spectators and
proud staff of the Apple Express when Hennie Van Rooyen
carefully opened the regulator valve and steam surged
into 119’s cylinders and she moved under her own power
for the first time in many years. It had been a long
time with plenty of sweat and tears to get her going
again and what a joyous occasion it was.
The previous week, she was fired for the first time but
understandably steam started escaping from every
conceivable corner and loose joint there was and it was
decided to drop the fire once the problem areas had been
noted.
A week later her fire was lit once again and this time
around she held her steam better, much to the relief of
everyone watching. After setting her safety valves and
tightening a few joints she was let loose on her first
run. It was brief but majestic. The loco staff were by
now so fired up with enthusiasm, they swarmed over her
with renewed energy like worker bees attending their
queen. It was a grand occasion and the smell of coal
smoke and steam added to the excitement of the day.
It is a pity that there was not a bottle of bubbly to
hand as breaking this across the smoke box would have
been the ultimate to the re-launch of a rejuvenated
lady.
In a few weeks when the steam fitter is satisfied that
she is capable, she will be taken out on a lengthy test
run to Chelsea Junction.
Then once again the long awaited sound of a steam
whistle will resound around the suburbs of Port
Elizabeth.
Once No.119 is complete and has been roadworthied, it is
expected that work will commence on repairing the
Garratt NGG 16 no 131 which has been patiently waiting
for attention.
150psi and slowly climbing
Date - Wednesday 29 October 2008. Time - 12.58pm |
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STATION NEWS
As of the end of August Transnet Rail Freight have
seen fit to close the Humewood Diesel Depot and
transfer all their staff to the Swartkops Diesel
Depot. When the Apple Express Company first heard of
this move they were very concerned because it was
then not known how the move would affect their
access to the secured area of the depot. It was with
relief that the Company heard that the move would
not affect the Apple Express in any way and that
restoration and maintenance work could still carry
on as normal at the depot workshops.
The Diesel depot staff move was probably due to the
lack of work at the depot because of the minimal
freight working on the line. If any of the NG diesel
locomotives need repairs, staff will be brought in
from Swartkops.
Official security measures will remain in place
which is also good news for the Apple Express.
One possible advantage of this move is that it may
become possible for the train passengers to begin
their trip from the diesel depot. The depot would be
an ideal embarkation point with its secure parking
and better toilet facilities.
It is hoped that the railway authorities will give
their permission for the depot to be used as a
station.
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COACH NEWS
The intrepid team of coachbuilders
have over the past couple of months, been busy
restoring the long neglected passenger coach No. 50.
This coach had been standing in the open air at the
steam depot for many years. It had been stripped for
refurbishment but funds had run out before the job
could be completed. The skeletal shell was recently
brought down to the workshops and inspected. After
some deliberation it was decided to try something
new with this coach and rebuild it as a lounge car
with chairs and tables and a bar counter. This is
something the AE Company has not previously
attempted and if successful it will be unique to the
coach consist. Everyone is eagerly waiting to see
what the coach builders can achieve with this
project.
Coach 50 before work commenced
Photo Clive Nell
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Coach
No.50 starting to take shape |
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WEEKEND GETAWAYS
The recent introduction of the three day weekend
trip into the Langkloof has received a mixed
response from the general public. Some trips have
been fairly well supported, specially the trips to
Assegaaibos but two others have had to be cancelled
due to a lack of support. It is hoped, though, that
once the word spreads and customer satisfaction is
assured, the trips will become a sort after item by
the tourist.
The whole initiative has Government backing as well
as that of the local Langkloof tourism industry
which conceived the idea of a Route 62 tourism route
as inspired by the famous Route 66 in the USA. With
all this muscle behind the idea, it will be
interesting to see if it will take off in the
future. Maybe with the reintroduction of steam power
for the train, interest in this pricy excursion will
be revived. |
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