Rodgers Tour

[John Ashworth]

In June 2007 our 24 class 3664 and Reefsteamers' 15CA 2650 worked together to Cullinan and Zonderwater as part of the Rodgers Tour.

[John Ashworth]

More pictures of the Rodgers tour, this time by Trainman. All pictures and captions by Nathan Berelowitz, June 2007.


1. Class 24 number 3664 shunts at the site, and gives the newley restored clinker sided milk truck, its first movements after being painted. In the background is 19D 2650, ready to be hauled out .

2. Tight curves are a drag on a train, and the two locos up front find this out. Reduced to a snail's pace so as not to stop while waiting for the green flag from the yard shunter, 24 number 3664 and 15CA 2056 haul their load on its journey to Cullinan prior to the start of the Dave Rodgers steam safari operation.

3. Signal check at Panpoort gives the double header 24 and 15CA locos a chance to get fires ready for the stiff grades that lie ahead towards Rayton. The train was en route to Cullinan as part of the last two days of the Dave Rodgers tour in June 2007. The bright silver of a freshly painted clinker sided milk truck makes a harsh contrast to the rest of the train. FOTR have restored this vehicle to running order and this was her first road trip.

4. Step back in time. Rayton station yard and Reef Steamers sole running 15CA loco 2056, stand cleaning fire prior to heading a steam safari operation for Dave Rodgers. The old water column salutes the loco, of which this particular class was synonymous with this line.

5. Awaiting the vacuum reading while doing the brake test. FOTR Guard, Steve Appleton, holds the portable vacuum guage steady as he watches the needles with great intent.

6. Why do they love trains? Smoke and steam. Scenery, blue skies, open air? Group of overseas visitors, savour every movement of the steam hauled trains as they record a runpast at Cullinan.

7. The Molteno to Jamestown branch line was a rural line if ever there was one. Worked by class 24 locos but seldom photographed. However, this is not that line nor train, but the magnificent setting presented here, could be among any of the branch lines in steam days. The clinker sided milk truck with its load of fresh dairy products makes this a
timeless mixed train.

[John Ashworth]

More of Nathan's photos and text.

1. Cullinan comes to life. FOTR class 24 and Reefsteamers class 15CA preparing
their respective loads to return home after a successful weekend steam safari operation for Dave Rodgers tour group. This was the first time in many years that the two clubs had worked together sharing motive power, and the first time in many years since a 15CA has graced the Cullinan lines.

2. Approaching Rayton junction, the Dave Rodgers steam safari train powered by FOTR 24 class 3664, and Reefsteamers class 15CA 2056, make a fine sight on their long mixed load. The run was highly successful and certainly a nostalgic return for the class 15CA on this route.

3. Dick Gillatt recording the moment of history, as 24 and 15CA combination approach Rayton from Cullinan. The occasion was the return leg of the successful Dave Rodgers steam safari, which saw two days of activity at Zonderwater and Cullinan. The nostalgic moment was the return of the 15CA to these shores.