6E1 with SAR red/grey coaches

[John Ashworth]

I never thought I'd see a passenger train on Transnet Freight Rail in 2009 in original SAR colours - and I don't mean a steam charter!

Take a look here and enjoy

[Chris Janisch]

Nice one Eugene, explains why you were not on the FOTR train on the same day?

Do you know what the stripes on 2 of the coaches signify?

[carldasnevesvieira]

Hi Chris

The coach 2 and 6 are a former "Lalla" 3rd class coaches which were introduced around the 80s---and I am surprised to see that they have survived after all these years.
I remember seeing one such coach once near Germiston whilst travelling on the Trans-Natal and then later saw others in JHB.

From what I recall not much differed in the interior from normal compartment 3rd class coaches. I felt and still do it was a marketing experiment which did not last long in service.

Cheers
Carlos

[Luca Lategan]

Thanks Carlos, but what made these "lalla" service different?

[carldasnevesvieira]

Hi Luca and all

Sorry for taking too long to came back to you but I was looking for that particular brochure so I could get more information for you and others on "Lalla" class.

I quote the following:

"This service populary known as "Lalla class" is offered on overnight journeys. Coaches are fitted with compartments accommodating six passengers. You are assured of a sleeping berth in this class and you also receive a refreshments pack."

Regards
Carlos

[Steve Appleton]

Looks like they took a third class sleeper (compartments, each with 6 berths of hard bunks) and simply placed add-on decals so as to blot out the third class "3" designation at each end. Then call it "lala class". The simple, egalitarian solution to the old 1st, 2nd and 3rd (and at one time in the old Rhodesia, 4th) class designation problem.

[carldasnevesvieira]

Hi Steve

Exactly! "Lalla" class coaches were not specially built for this service the same way DLS/Sitter coaches were former C-36 without the top bunk.

To quote part of my first comment on this subject of the Lalla class.


"...I felt and still do it was a marketing experiment which did not last long in service."

The only thing here is that to see two of the coaches today shows that they lasted more time out of service than in actual service.

Regards
Carlos