New drivers - congratulations!

[John Ashworth]

Four FOTR firemen (Nathan Berelowitz, Gabor Kovacs, Tony Attwell and Steve Smith) were amongst a group of six new steam drivers who passed their written examinations today, after months of classes with instructors Cliff Avis and Machiel Boshoff. They now face 30 trips each as "interns", driving a train under the supervision of a qualified driver, and then a final practical exam by inspector Coen Pretorius.

Congratulations!

Photos by John Ashworth, 28 August 2010

[John Ashworth]

Thank you John for recording this most wonderfull railway heritage occasion, the passing out on the theory section of six aspiring steam train drivers.

It is unbelievable to be sitting typing this, to realise what must be every boy’s dream of becoming a steam train driver.

This must surely rate as one of the highlights for the candidates, this year. 8 months of sacrificing Saturday afternoons and Tuesday evenings, getting 5 books of rules and regulations into the old heads and then still filling the remaining spaces with locomotive theory!!

This moment is a special one, not only in passing the theory so far, but to eventually end up amongst the hallowed few who have the opportunity of driving heritage steam train operations in this country.

A very special thanks to lecturers Clifford Avis and Michiel Boshoff for their enthusiasm and teeth gritting to teach old dogs new tricks. To Rovos Rail company who were kind enough to allow the FOTR members to make use of their lecture rooms and final examination room.

A great thanks to examiner Coen Pretorius for coming out and overseeing the examinations.

Lastly, to all the FOTR members who added their support, without which we would still be coach controllers!!

A proud moment indeed and for Steam, heritage and especially Friends Of The Rail.

Regards,

Nathan

[Chris Janisch]

Indeed a highly significant time in the club's history. Go guys, the roster office has you lined up!

Class of 2012?

[John Ashworth]

I'm expecting to fire to one of them on our Cullinan train on Sunday 5th September!

[Kevin Wilson-Smith]

Very well done to all of you!

And many happy miles in the future!!

[Steve Appleton]

To each and every one of you: very, very well done. Makes me chuffed (proud, to non-steamers) to be associated with you guys! I am looking forward to riding behind you in the wide open spaces of railwayland. May all your signals be green ones from now on!

[ch.janssen-schmidt]

Well done all of you! What a fantastic achievement, you each may feel justifiably proud!

Regards
Charles