Santos Express Train Lodge

[AllanRobertson]

Here are some photos of the train lodge in Mossel Bay as requested









There are some more and some video at: http://www.santosexpress.co.za/

[Ian Roberts]

I stayed at the next hotel north of these coaches in September 1997.
At that time they were still painted red and gray and the sign outside, no building at the time, said "Backpackers Hostel"

[AllanRobertson]

I stayed at the next hotel north of these coaches in September 1997.
At that time they were still painted red and gray and the sign outside, no building at the time, said "Backpackers Hostel"

Thanks Ian-before my ownership wich started in 2002. I wouls love to see some photos of her then if you have some.

Here are some cast metal signs I just picked up from a foundry in Wolverhamton for our coaches. Should be installed this week, hopefully.

[Ian Roberts]

I am sorry to say that all my photos were lost in a computer crash about four years ago.

[Kevin Wilson-Smith]

Stunning!

Looks very good - thank you!

[Warren Beck]

I'm planning a trip to that part of the world in January, will be spending a night or two on the train.
I stayed at the Protea hotel just across the road when I was a kid (apparently the hotel has moved?), had lunch on the train a few times, always wanted to stay for the night.

[AllanRobertson]

Yes, the hotel got sold a number of years back and was turned into condos. Let me know what your dates are. Maybe we can hook up for a beverage. Would be nice to meet a fellow FOTR member.

[Warren Beck]

Hi Allan. Haven't made a booking yet, been waiting for things to settle down after the holidays. Going to try make a booking for sometime next week.

[AllanRobertson]

Hi Allan. Haven't made a booking yet, been waiting for things to settle down after the holidays. Going to try make a booking for sometime next week.

Hi Warren,

Sorry I will mis you unfortunately. Please give me your dates.

[Warren Beck]

Hi Allan, we ended up staying with friends, did pop past the train to have a look. Has changed a lot since I was last there, looking good.
The line that runs past to the harbor looks disused? Although I heard from one of the locals that there was a tram running between Mossel Bay and Voorbaai during December?
Will have to meet up next time I visit that part of the world.

[Dylan Knott]

Warren, it was a trolley running between Mossel Bay and Hartenbos. Very well supported as well.

[Warren Beck]

Interesting stuff Dylan. Is it similar to the Outeniqua Power Vans? I hope it runs again during the next holiday season. I would definitely make the trip up there to check it out.
Is there any other traffic on this part of the line? I remember watching the diesels doing their thing from the Protea hotel when I was a kid.

[Dylan Knott]

They used some of the power van trolleys. Yes I understand they do wish to run the service again.

The station is disused, but there is a spur running to one of the quays that certainly had tanker trucks parked there not so long ago. Probably operates on a "if needed" basis. Most sidings have closed on the section Voorbaai - Mossel Bay.