NG Express

THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE PORT ELIZABETH APPLE EXPRESS
Postnet Suite 124, Private Bag 13130, Humewood, Port Elizabeth

With a steam locomotive now being a regular sight on the narrow gauge line, local support for the train seems to be increasing. Previously when diesel was the main hauling power for the train, an average of two or three trips per month was the norm. For September and October there are ten trips scheduled. So it seems that steam power still draws the crowds.

All the old, rusted boiler tubes have been removed from NG 15 No. 124. An inspection of the inside walls of the boiler has revealed that the boiler is in pretty good condition with no sign of rust pitting on the inside walls.

Working on Loco No.124’s tender with a heap of her old boiler tubes lying nearby

The orders have gone out to the workshop crew that Locomotive No.124 has to be finished and running for the December holiday rush. Extra staff have been recruited and there is also talk of getting some of the railway workshop staff at the George steam depot to come and help. So if all goes well we could see, for the first time in many years, two working steam locomotives operating out of Port Elizabeth.

No. 124 in the workshop. Note the cut away sections of the fire box that will be repaired with new metal.

Working on the boiler end plate in the firebox of No.124.