Rovos Rail Electric Progress by Trainman

[John Ashworth]

A selection of photos taken in the late evening of 9th March. The Rovos
depot is definitely getting more electrified and we see a number of the
class 5E1 locomotives being primed and prepped for painting in their
corporate livery. The first completed unit looks magnificent. A further on
is in green paint, not pictured here. The views from the cab show the staged
class 19D seen throught the electric's cab window, whilst the well worn
control panel shows the basics of this cab. From next week, four new
electric drivers will indergo driver training for use by the Rovos Rail.

Photos by Nathan Berelowitz, 9th March 2010

[Stefan Andrzejewski]

If Rovos are not going to use there steam they should let FOTR run the Loco's especially the 19D.

[Steve Appleton]

My understanding is that some of Rovos' steam locos need serious maintenance and repairs.

[John Ashworth]

Last time I fired any of the Rovos 19Ds they were all in a bad way.

[Stefan Andrzejewski]

Interesting. Do you think that getting these 5E's are cheaper and easier than maintaining Steam?

[Steve Appleton]

I cannot speak for Rovos, but acquiring the electrics is very likely strategic.
Besides having its own steam loco reliability issues, Rovos faces some other possible threats to its business continuity. One is that Rovos might be denied permission to use steam lock, stock and barrel by TFR and the other is that TFR might at some stage be unable or unwilling to provide locos for haulage and/or crew to continue Rovos' journey once the steam uncouples. By possessing its own electric units and drivers, Rovos can "insure" against both those scenarios as well as, to some extent, manage its own costs. The fact that the electrics were available for purchase was a lucky break and probably tipped the scales in their favour.

[Craig Duckham]

great bunch of pictures. Hopefully they will run steam and electric in the future. Wonder if they want diesels also?