Zimbabwe blues
Posted: 11 Aug 2010, 12:49
Hi everyone,
I had a chuckle at this below report found on the website mentioned.
We have problems yes, but this is just rediculous!
I think this report was made during April/May 2010...?
http://www.internationalsteam.co.uk/trains/zim11.htm
Previously Mike Taylor reported on progress behind the scenes:
"On Monday May 3rd 2010 16A 611 was in steam and being prepared for test run to Plumtree and return on Tuesday 4 May (200km).
395 replacement superheater tubes completed.
525 is the third loco designated for safari tours in July and August 2010.
On Tuesday 4th May 611 departed with a load of South African loaded freight wagons. [color=#FF0000]Unfortunately an inexperienced fireman killed the fire at Plumtree and the locos return was delayed by eight hours. (Fireman are being trained for the safari tours - come back all ex Rhodesian Railways firemen!!!)[/color]
There were no major mechanical problems. The consist planned for Sunday 9th May was thirteen coaches, including two refurbished dining cars, museum coaches and observation car - a load of approximately 600 tonnes, a major test for 611.
[color=#FF0000]Cash flow problems continue making the supply of cotton waste and superheated steam valve oil problematic. Motor vehicle gear oil is being used for general lubrication.[/color] Much interest has been generated locally in steam hauled trains and a planned 3 day trip to Vic falls later this month will be oversubscribed. [color=#FF0000]Problems with the supply of coal have eased[/color]."
I had a chuckle at this below report found on the website mentioned.
We have problems yes, but this is just rediculous!
I think this report was made during April/May 2010...?
http://www.internationalsteam.co.uk/trains/zim11.htm
Previously Mike Taylor reported on progress behind the scenes:
"On Monday May 3rd 2010 16A 611 was in steam and being prepared for test run to Plumtree and return on Tuesday 4 May (200km).
395 replacement superheater tubes completed.
525 is the third loco designated for safari tours in July and August 2010.
On Tuesday 4th May 611 departed with a load of South African loaded freight wagons. [color=#FF0000]Unfortunately an inexperienced fireman killed the fire at Plumtree and the locos return was delayed by eight hours. (Fireman are being trained for the safari tours - come back all ex Rhodesian Railways firemen!!!)[/color]
There were no major mechanical problems. The consist planned for Sunday 9th May was thirteen coaches, including two refurbished dining cars, museum coaches and observation car - a load of approximately 600 tonnes, a major test for 611.
[color=#FF0000]Cash flow problems continue making the supply of cotton waste and superheated steam valve oil problematic. Motor vehicle gear oil is being used for general lubrication.[/color] Much interest has been generated locally in steam hauled trains and a planned 3 day trip to Vic falls later this month will be oversubscribed. [color=#FF0000]Problems with the supply of coal have eased[/color]."