A steam fantrip was derailed near Culliunan, South Africa yesterday. The locomotive, an SAR 15F class 4-8-2, laid over on its side. No crew or passengers were injured. First indications are someone removed about 50 ties from the track!

Here's the link: http://www.friendsoftherail.com/phpBB2/ ... .php?f=106 and http://www.friendsoftherail.com/phpBB2/ ... m.php?f=35

Several other articles linked at the bottom of the first article warrant attention from this forum's readers as well:

1. Wanna buy a steam train? You’d better have deep pockets.
2. Rail tourism: South Africa’s slow-motion train wreck
3. South African steam train tours under threat
4. Train wreck: Tourist train hits the buffers
5. The sad and bitter end of a dining car

Aftermath video was posted on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPhao-Is31Q

Wayne,

Couple this event with the recent major event with Rovos rail, its two major accidents in very recent times. Not a good situation.

I have recently read about minor incidents like theft on (2) SAR locomotives in storage....First, the 3511 condenser, I believe, at Beaconsfield. Here is a link to a fairly recent photo of the 3511.

http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1823860

Second, in the June issue of "The Railway Magazine", there was a brief report of cab fitting theft out of the 3450 Red Devil in Capetown's Monument Station. To my understanding, the 3450 is parked deep in the station, under-roof beside a high level platform....allowing very easy cab access. Apparently some local enthusiasts attached doorway plates to restrict access.

The 3511 and 3450 may be nationally owned or owned by the national railway either which may not have the funds for preservation. It would be good if these locomotives would get in the hands of FOTR, Reef Steamers or Sandstone as a better shot of survival.

Regards,

Randy

Hello,

3117 is back on her feet.

http://www.friendsoftherail.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=263&Itemid=124

Regards,

Randy