Rovos 5E1's 1114 1123 1127

[Barend Botha]

Rovos Rail's new 5E1 Electric Locomotives, 1114, 1123, 1127. UCW/AEI 5th Series built 1966-1969. All 3 are in working condition and made it to Capital Park on their own power. They were moved with steam locos into the yard.

[Jez Smith]

Great pics Barend - thanks for posting them! It's a shame they are of the later series, and not the rounded cab roofed examples, but hey - at least they're safe!!

[Luca Lategan]

Just a dumb question, why, if TFR has the motive shortage it seems to have, does it despose of seemingly usefull locos?

[Barend Botha]

Thanks Jez, I also thought they would be of the older rounded cab series locos, but still, it is excellent to a few of these in private use. They will apparently be painted Rovos green like the steam locos and coaches.

[James Attwell]

Wonder if they will also be putting wires up to the shed so they dont have to be pulled out by steam?

[Kevin Wilson-Smith]

Will these be the first electric locos to be operated (as oppossed to held) by a Preservation outfit?

[Nathan Berelowitz]

Very interesting shots here. I think the bodies of the units may be placed over the steam locomotives?
I did hear rumours that Rovos were looking at having the departure platform electrified.

[Chris Janisch]

Also that more electrics and perhaps diesels can be expected soon.
Rovos drivers all in for 5E1 classes as of this week.

[Luca Lategan]

Like Trainman said, bye bye steam...

Wonder what they will use the new 25NC for?

[Dylan Knott]

I like all types of motive power so think its great Rovos have 5E1's.

Diesels would also be good.

[Derek Walker]

Maybe with new locos Rovos will go into the more affordable train trips for South Africans. Its interesting to see how his littlle railroad is developing, I just hope he doesnt ditch steam.

[Jez Smith]

Steam will not end - It is too lucrative. However, Rohan Vos is not a stupid man, and has noticed that certain Diesel and Electric classes are disappearing, and that a new generation of SA railfan is wondering how their needs will be catered for. I fall into the latter category, as I do not remember SA steam, but I love the more modern facets of South African Railway infrastructure.
SA electric locomotives from Class 4E display a distinct parentage that was recognizable as a bespoke SAR design unique to the world, until the horrific (but strangely interesting) Class 18Es arrived.
The Diesels, however have been largely US-pattern single cabbed, long hood US derivatives (although the GE-built/designed units sound FAR better than the whiny EMD variants!), but they do possess a certain charm.
To sum up - thanks Mr. Vos for the 5E1s, now - let's get a 6E, or better still - what about a pair of 12Es, before they become scrap? I believe you have the number for Koedoespoort? I have heard there are a few still there.....

Jez Smith

[Chris Janisch]

All 12Es are being converted to 18Es, programme underway at Koedoespoort. So bye-bye Metroblitz locos.
Rovos still to use steam but expect less and less on the line- it will be mostly for depot use. The overhaul of the latest NC is on hold.....

[Kevin Wilson-Smith]

Well it is fantastic nesws at least that some electrics and (hopefully) diesels will be moving into the potential "preservation" arena!

Like others I like the whole range of engines!

[Steve Appleton]

Kevin,

Will these be the first electric locos to be operated (as oppossed to held) by a Preservation outfit?

Rovos Rail is a "Preservation" outfit?
It's not really. It's a very well run business that trades on nostalgia. It's not a museum but a museum-poseur. RV understands his market and, in my view, definately supports high-quality service over pure authenticity and preservation! The acquisition of the 5E's is not so much to preserve them but rather a necessary business continuity and expansion decision and they were available!