Description

Part  2 Modern Traction Era. 251 mins.

This epic two part DVD programme commences with a review of the ancient steam locomotives of the very first standard gauge railway companies in the Cape and Natal colonies, followed by the development of steam motive power under the various regional governments in South Africa. This followed the decision, taken in 1875, to continue railway construction according to a narrower track gauge, namely the so called “Cape” (1067mm). The main operations took place under the Cape, Natal and Transvaal government railway administrations (CGR, NGR and NZASM). The latter, together with the Orange Free State railway, were operated by the Central South African Railways or CSAR after the end of the Anglo-Boer War, in 1902.

Following amalgamation of the previous four regional governments into the Union of South Africa in 1910, all the regional railways were further consolidated into the South African Railways or SAR. This state transport organisation has recently been restructured, as detailed above. In addition, this review has a look at some private and provincial systems, such as the various mines and the recently opened Gautrain system.

The SAR and Transnet locomotives featured, both through static images and movie sequences wherever possible include:

Steam Classes: A to K, 1 to 26, S to S2, KM, MA to MJ, GA to GO, FD, FC, HF, U,  NG1 to NGG16 and also various unclassed locomotives prior to 1910.

Diesel Classes: DS, 31 to 43, 61 and 91.

Electric Classes: ES, 1E to 19E.

Electric Multiple Unit Classes: 1M to 10M EMU series.

The presentation also features many interesting archive movies, old training films and TV commercials of the era, as well as more recent general review of both steam and modern trains in operation around the country including the world’s longest train. This extensive presentation provides the best balanced and broadest coverage of the South African railway scene, both past and present.