More coaches for scrap

[Dylan Knott]

[color=#0000BF]This was copied from the sarlist.[/color]

Hi to everyone

As this year is about to close, it will be remembered for the events
of Millsite and for the power and determination of many who made
sure this chapter did not turn into another scrap cemetry and a
shame for our railway history.

It was also a year that saw steam returned to Cape Town through the
hands of Ian Pretorius and other victories were conquered through
the hard work of many.

We did see the dissapearence of the coaches at Lootsberg----a loss
of great value as there were two coaches --one from the NGR and the
other from CGR.

Christmas is upon us and yet again the face of stupidity or/and
malice has risen with the intention to destroy our heritage.

As someone whose interest is with coaches,I have been given
Information that a "request for proposals" on tender RFP number
190/2/126/2008 was issued for the following 12 coaches and 2 cranes

4668 type L-13 A former CSAR suburban --unique--only one of its
kind---
4900 type L-44
4908 type L-44
5288 type L-6 originally a M-40, one of two built in Salt
River Oct 1938.
5917 type 0-38
5918 type 0-38
5920 type 0-38
6215 type U-7
6475 type S-36
7206 type N-28
7927 NRE for type C-16 NUMBER 571 built by Metro-Cammell in 1912.
8146 NRE for type C-16 NUMBER 567 built by Metro-Cammell in 1912

I do not know any info regarding the cranes.

All these coaches are on a list of THF stock that I got a couple of
years ago and only 5288,6215,6475,7206 are on their disposal list.

It is possible that the two L-44s were used on the last special
train that left the old Durban station behind the 14R 1740.

It is clear that Spoornet are not respecting the fact that there are groups out there who would be
interested in such coaches---here are suburbans some with steel
bodies that could be used in future trips thus helping the groups
not only recover their cost but also contribute financially.

These coaches could be recovered and used in 2010 if the groups are
to do special trips for the 150th celebrations.

What amazes me is that I found a South African 1915 built coach in
Mozambique --a country which had a civil war that destroyed a lot
there ( and one of the poorest in Africa) and have this coach in
brilliant condition and we in South Africa --with no civil war
can not even preserve 1912 built coaches , the same that were built
when South African Railways was two years old.

A unique CSAR coach could be sent to the scrappers just because
someone has no brains to see its historic value.

Two unique balcony coaches with the same fate.

It was said at the time that steam locos were being turned into
razor but tell me what can you turn from a wooden balcony coach?

Toothpicks!!

After Millsite ,I think there should be some kind of
awareness of future cases where someone would slip
another one past us like they did with Lootsberg and wanted to do
with Millsite.

I think here is a great opportunity for the groups ---I have a
feeling not one of them know about this---to obtain these coaches
since there seems no use for them --- and a great chance if in need
for the SIA and HRASA to get involved and save them the same way the
Millsite collection was saved.

I would not be suprised if SIA and HRASA were once again kept in the
dark!

I have mentioned this before and will do again---it is about time
that a kitty was set up for these times ----either through the
public or through South African Heritage Resources Agency --SAHRA---
to save our heritage for our generation and for our childrens
generation.

It is in our hands to save our past and preserve for our future.

Thanking you all for listening to me

Carlos

[Geoff Pethick]

Does anyone have recent photos of any of these? The steel suburbans were well past it when I last saw them about 4 years ago.

Regards
Geoff Pethick