Steam in Southern Africa, 1973 – 1999

The double-track main line between De Aar and Kimberley was THE magnet for steam enthusiasts from all over the world. Frequent, heavy freights, interspersed with some passenger workings, were hauled by a few Class 25 4-8-4 condensing locomotives, but mostly by Class 25NC 4-8-4, in single and often, double-harness. The locomotive depots at De Aar and Beaconsfield, Kimberley were the centres of operation for the line, with most emphasis upon De Aar. These photos show the sheds and trains on the main line, nicknamed the “Steel Kyalami” after the South African Gran Prix circuit. This was simply because trains were worked with maximum effort and although the formal line speed limit was 55 mph (88kph), that speed was frequently exceeded, sometimes by a considerable margin!

The west end of Beaconsfield, Kimberley locomotive depot on 19 October 1973. In those days all Class 25 condensing locomotives were still in use; even so, Kimberley’s allocation was under-employed on shunting duties and working a few freights east, on the route to Bloemfontein.

Photo and scan Roger Griffiths; roger.griffiths@hotmail.com