South African Garratts Working Steam in South Africa

Working Garratts – from the Monster GMAs to the diminutive 2-foot “Toy” Garratts – appear just as they were in the early seventies. Here is the GCA, cliff hanging from ocean shore at Mossel Bay and steaming up to the lofty summit of Montagu Pass. On the Greytown line, double-headed GMA’s thunder around the 3 1/2% grade on the balloon curve at City View. As they beat their way up Donnybrook, they are almost swallowed in the huge hidden horseshoe at Inglenook. We even see the blue Garratt. Just as it actually was. No promotional stuff, no fan trips, no talking heads. Just Garratts, dozen and dozens of Garratts, many double headed, with their sleeves rolled up, tending to real business in real mountains. And all gorgeously photographed in the South African winter. Double-headed two foot gauge Garratts climb from the shore of Umzinto to Ixopo, high in the Drakensberg mountains. In the crystal light of dawn a mixed train is followed over the mountains, length of the legendary Madonela Branch.

Narration. Sunday River Productions programs may feature Color film, B&W film, Music, Dubbed Sound and still photos.