A 25NC 4-8-4 going full bore is a grand sight. No. 3472 accelerates hard after crossing the bridge at Brandlaagte, making a run for the 2% grade to Sheridan.
To maintain a 2% maximum grade the Bethlehem line is a constant series of S curves. A double header, lead by 15F 3016 works hard into yet another curve before Sterkfontein, on the climb to Slabbe... (more)
Until the end of steam in 1987, 25NC's handled both freight and passenger trains on the Bethlehem line. No. 3472 climbs away from Slabberts with a train load of coal, water and liquid fertilizer ... (more)
Before the 25NC's took over, 15CA 4-8-2's ruled the Bethlehem line. ALCO built No. 2056 turns back the clock nearly 50 years as it climbs away from Slabberts.
The sun is setting as the two standard mainline engines of South Africa, a 15F 4-8-2 and a 25NC 4-8-4 team up to haul our heavy tour train towards Bethlehem, on the old Bloemfontein to Bethlehem m... (more)