PE_docks_16CR_790__Katinka___NBL_20430_1914__built_as_first_Class_16_24_10_1973.jpg (145767 bytes)

PE_docks_16CR_790. Steam in Southern Africa 1973 - 1999. In 1973 the intensive suburban service between Port Elizabeth, Swartkops and Uitenhage, was mainly in the care of the pretty Class 16CR Pacifics, some of which were kept in excellent condition by their dedicated crews. To gain maximum utilisation when not needed for suburban duties, the 16CR were employed on trip work and shunting around Port Elizabeth’s very busy docks. Built as the original Class 16 4-6-2 (NBL 20430/1914), No.790 was later re-boilered to become Class 16CR and a ‘star’ locomotive of Port Elizabeth’s Sydenham engine shed. Equipped with non-standard, small smoke deflectors and named ‘Katinka,’ 16CR 790 rests from dock side shunting duties on 24th October 1973. roger.griffiths@hotmail.com

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Steam in Southern Africa, 1973 – 1999 The fireman of 4-6-2 Class 16E 857 (Hen.22586.1935) gets in some early morning sunbathing as he waters his locomotive at Thaba Nchu on the line between Bloemfontein and Bethlehem. The date was 4 July 1999. Photo and scan Roger Griffiths; roger.griffiths@hotmail.com

S_Africa_-_Israelpoort_16DA_876_+_16E_857__Hen__21752_1930_+_Hen__22586_1935__4_7_99.jpg (156359 bytes)

Steam in Southern Africa, 1973 – 1999 Two South African Railways Pacifics make a fine sight as they roar through Israelpoort on the Bloemfontein to Bethlehem secondary main line. The locomotives are two products of Germany’s Henschel company: 16DA (wide firebox) No. 876 and rotary cam-valved 16E 857 (works numbers 21752/1930 and 22586/1935, respectively). Photo and scan Roger Griffiths; roger.griffiths@hotmail.com