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Quality Railway Videos and Documentaries
Return of the Giants
The Eastern Free State region of South Africa was once one of the world's greatest theatres of steam. Now in an exciting new initiative, the giant locomotives that once rode the rails are set to return - GMAM Garratts, 25NC's, 15F's and more. The prime mover behind this railway renaissance is the Sandstone Steam Railroad Company. In this outstanding video you will witness the development of the Company from small beginnings, the restoration of its locomotives, rollingstock and infrastructure, and the challenges that face steam preservation in South Africa today. You will be transported back in time to the glorious days of steam - days when powerful locomotives working daily trains were a common sight. A time when drivers and firemen were men of grit and when it seemed that the Golden Age of railways would never end.
The Sandstone Steam Railroad Company is committed to bringing back this glorious past, reviving a great scenic railway, and preserving a piece of South Africa's unique steam heritage.
Join us for an hour and a quarter and meet the engines, the people and enjoy the remote rugged mountainous country that the Bethlehem to Bloemfontein line traverses.
This section of line used by Sandstone Steam Railroad Co. (Pty) Limited provides the sights and sounds that any genuine steam enthusiast normally only dreams about. Imagine 300 kilometres of line traversed by some of the world's most powerful steam locomotives in preservation.
Develop an understanding of this exciting project, which involves the restoration of station buildings and track side facilities together with an ambitious locomotive, carriage and freight stock refurbishment programme. South Africa was one of the last countries to wind down its steam operations. The Eastern Free State branch line, small in relationship to the overall size of the national network, is nonetheless a giant project in its own right.
Included are scenes inside a signal box, exchanging the token (tablet) at speed by hand, inside views of loco depots, cab rides and much more. This video will appeal to dedicated enthusiasts and to the curious who probably have no idea where the Eastern Free State is or what it has to offer. The video is a delight to watch showing spectacular flashbacks of steam from the past, set amidst a backdrop of beautiful scenery.
Superb photography throughout, and extremely well produced. PQ A.