First load Hermanstad

[John Ashworth]

History being made. Driver Frik Boshoff beds in the new track formation at
the FOTR new site Hermanstad. This first piece of track is the main approach
line from Transnet Freight Rail's yard, into the site. The line will
eventually split up, at various sets of points, into the future loco shed,
coal stage and storage areas. In the future, this section will see a lot of
train movements. Class 19D number 2650 is pictured here propelling in a load
consisting of one of their spare class 23 tenders, the Bar coach and caboose.
The tender has subsequently been left on this line.

Plans for the future, are to lay track on donated concrete sleepers to form
a storage line, so FOTR can move all their vehicles that are still stored at
Capital Park to the new Hermanstad site. Financial donations will help
speed up this process, as it is a very costly exercise, but if we want to
see more regular train operations and development of the site, we need
financial assistance.

[Nathan Berelowitz]

Unfortunately lots of shadows on the train at that time of day, so not the best photo. However have got video footage and we will definately repeat the process.

[John Ashworth]

But it's historic record, even if not the most artistic of photos.