Classic Surbuban

[Stefan Andrzejewski]

This is a late 1970's classic afternoon shot at Rondebosch (Cape Town) where it was common for Surbuban's to cross. Note the "Whites Only" signs on the side of the coach. Also note how the coaches shined and no graffiti. CTC was already in operation.

[Barend Botha]

Looks Great! The station looks so clean and tidy.. no rubbish strewn around..

[Stefan Andrzejewski]

Its a pity it did not stay like that. Each station had a station Master and staff to look after the station.

[Dylan Knott]

If the stations are fitted with a local panel (Electrical Signal Control) then they are staffed by a Train Control Officer. Generally then the relevant stations are well cared for.

Somerset West has one TCO and two Yard Masters on duty daily except weekends. Hand thrown points protected by point indicators. Van Schoor operation between Firgrove and S/West, but paper order between there and Van der Stel until another Van Schoor is installed. Future plan is to convert the station to local panel with colour lights and install two fast crossovers and a second platform. Not sure if Van Schoor will be retained.

[Luca Lategan]

it was common for Surbuban's to cross.

As this is a double line, why did they need to cross? Is the train coming towards the camera? If it is the case, why doesn't it have its headlight on?

[Kevin Wilson-Smith]

Ah - thank you! Good memories! Used to use this station when I was at Varsity in the 70's.

Luca - the train is coming towards the camera I think, assuming this is from the mountain side, which oit looks like to me.

[Luca Lategan]

Thought so, but then why is the headlight switched off? I've noted the same thing with steam shots too, unlike today where all trains have their headlights on during the day too, those trains didn't seem to have burning headlights during the day. Why was this?

[Kevin Wilson-Smith]

Maybe - and I am guessing - because a lot of safety measures are a a recent feature............

E.g. a few years back there was no such thing as a safety jacket, or safety helmet or safety boots. Cars only used their lights at night etc. In the same era I used to rock climb - no safety helmets then, cable laid nylon rope (no kernmantle) etc.

I actually do not think that this really made things any more dangerous - the pace of life was slower, there were less people rushing around and attitudes were very different.

[Stefan Andrzejewski]

Kevin you are right. Trains did not have their lights on during the day. The train on the right is heading towards the camera and is going to Cape Town. The train on the left is heading out to Simonstown. Trains in non peak hours would run every ten minutes during the day. During Peak hour they would run every three to five minutes. They don't have those express trains any more. There were plenty then. Two in particular would leave Cape Town and only stop at Salt River, Wynberg, Plumstead, Diep River and then all stations to Simonstown. That train would take 15 minutes to Wynberg.

[Stefan Andrzejewski]

it was common for Surbuban's to cross.

As this is a double line, why did they need to cross? Is the train coming towards the camera? If it is the case, why doesn't it have its headlight on?

CTC made it easier for them to use any line. If maintenance was carried out in any particular sector, the opposite line would be used. The one express changed lines to overtake three trains. This was stopped as trains to Cape Town were always held up.

[Luca Lategan]

I see...

So how are they going to wangle a Premium Express to Simonstown then?

[Stefan Andrzejewski]

I don't think that they are planning one to Simonstown. The line is to short. I think one from Worcester or Wellington might be on the cards though. We have two already in the Cape. Khayletshia and Somerset West

[Luca Lategan]

I don't think that they are planning one to Simonstown.

BUSINESS EXPRESS FOR SIMON’S TOWN
According to South African Rail Commuter Corporation (SARCC) CEO Lucky Montana, speaking at the launch of the Soweto Business Express (SBE) on 3 July, similar trains are to be “rolled out” between Simon’s Town and Cape Town, and between Tshwane and Johannesburg, within 12 months.

This was some time ago, maybe they realised the problems involved. BTW It takes only 20mins longer to reach Strand than Simonstown (53 vs 36 kilometers)

[Stefan Andrzejewski]

You have me stumped like the English Cricket team

[Kevin Wilson-Smith]

Stephan - I remember the express! For some reason I used to get on it often by mistake. Wynberg was not a great place to wait!