Reefsteamers to Magaliesburg

[Derek Walker]

Just got back from Magaliesburg with Reefsteamers at the back of Class 25NC No.3472 "Elize". This has been my first steam train trip since the army (1980) and I enjoyed it thoroughly. From my point of view behind the lens the loco behaved herself perfectly, making loud noises from in front and dropping soot all over me. I got lots of pics, and will eventually pop them on my webpage, also lots of video, and I may just have seen some of you guys alongside the rails with your cameras. We also saw lots of parafin burners but our steamer just snorted at them in disdain.

[Stefan Andrzejewski]

Your first photo is a gem. You don't know how lucky you "Vaalies" are to have these machines still running up there. Us "Capies" are useless at trying to get a "Reefsteamers" or "FOTR" up and running. Please post more of her.

[Derek Walker]

Ok Stefan, you twisted my arm :-) Here she has been turned around and is waiting to start the trip homewards.

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I think in Guateng we are just very fortunate that we have 2 very dedicated groups doing their bit for steam. I dont think its a case of Capies not getting anything done, I think its just that the right people havent clicked together and we hold out hope that things will change. Riding behind a steam engine again after all these years was excellent, just to hear her making a noise in the front is reason enough to be there, but to watch how she takes on the hills and how people stop to stare makes me hope that we can all stop the demise of the steam engine, but only if we have the dedication and the money and the people.

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[Stefan Andrzejewski]

Thank you

[Chris Janisch]

Thanks Derek.
Very clear pics- what equipment do you use?

[Derek Walker]

Glad you liked the pics guys,
Chris, I use a Kodak C613. It suits my purpose pretty well, but then I tend to photograph anything that I see. For every good pic there are 10 that aint so good. One day I will invest in a DSLR.

[Nathan Berelowitz]

Nice report and glad that the Reef chappies are providing plenty of local Gauteng thrills. Well done.