Sandstone Steam Gala Wednesday 28 March 2012

This was the day for a trip to Bloemfontein to see the maintenance depot where Lukas Nel carries out restoration work on Sandstone locomotives.
Before departing, there was time for a quick look at the Andrew Barclay 0-4-2T that was to be used during the day.


Andrew Barclay rebuilt and lengthened by Sandstone

It took 2½ hours each way to Bloemfontein. The Sandstone depot is inside the Transnet complex and Lukas used to be in charge of the Transnet diesel depot.

Some interesting restoration projects were under way including the NG10 Baldwin Pacific, the NGG11 Garrett, and a German Arn Jung 0-4-2T rescued from Angola.


Baldwin Pacific in need of major boiler work

NG11 52



Arn Jung 0-4-2T. The boiler is at Sandstone ready to be fitted.

Outside is a collection of ex-South African Railways steam locomotives, many of which were reserved for the “national collection”.

Bloemfontein was once the largest steam depot in the world and is now a diesel depot with running locomotives on shed and some more decrepit ones too.