Trans Karoo Express September 1996 - video footage

[Gabor Kovacs]

Trans Karoo Express September 1996 - video footage by Trevor Staats

Most of the footage was taken by Trevor on the last weekend of operations of the Braamfontein based Class 25NC's, hauling the Fridays Trans Karoo (TK) "steam special" service, between Johannesburg to Klerksdorp and return on Saturdays.

This is a serious memory rush, for many who regularly followed the TK by car to photograph or travelled on the train, moreover, a few privileged folks who had regularly foot-plated these magnificent locos on this service, with than valid "footplate permits"!

FOTR also did in the past organize on many occasions, extra coaches that were added to the train, from either Pretoria or Johannesburg stations. The coaches travelled down with the TK, as far as Klerksdorp, where they were detached and place in the bay platform for the night. The coaches provided over night accommodation for the steam enthusiasts, while in Klerksdorp for the night, with dinner (very liquid at the time) being sought at local McGinties pub!

I can remember many a fun filled trips to Klerksdorp and back!

The following morning the coaches were reattached to the TK for a return working to JHB, or Pretoria as required!


To view video, CLICK HERE