Double Track Main

De Aar to Kimberley was the last stronghold of steam on a double track mainline in South Africa. This was the last all-steam line, with no electrified trackage. Loads of 4-8-4 action including the daily passenger train each way, and of course lots of freight action – including double-headed steam action. We see action at Witput, and Kraankuil, the tops of grades out of the Orange River Valley. In addition we see more than a day of action at Orange River, where all engines stopped for water and to clean out the fires. More time was spent south of Orange River toward De Aar as we spent several days on this line. There is a cameo appearance of 3450, the Red Devil on the Daily Passenger Train, as well as the Last Condensing engine (3511) on a local freight and a passenger train. In 1984, when this footage was shot, one of our favorite engines was 3436, a red-wheeled 4-8-4 that was seen several days on the daily passenger train, and one day we did some nice pacing scenes, plus you will see nice startups of this beauty. We also visited the De Aar shed where you see engines being filled with coal at the coal tower and much more. New for 2009, and part of the South Africa Steam series by Greg Scholl Video Productions.