Class 24 vs Class 43

[Chris Janisch]

3 of the new Class 43 AC diesel locos were in action on limestone trains today to Hercules. I caught them powering south of Bon Accord on my way to Hermanstad.
We thus had the first ever meeting of these new beasts of the rail, with one of yesteryear, our little Class 24. The two trains were lined up at the exit of Hercules yard, with the diesel of course getting the first run at the Pretoria bank. Steve Smith thought he would like to become a driver of these high-tech babies, and we had a look in the cab. Even though the front unit was shut down, it was still in use as the driving cab. 3 of these buggers can take 104 loads- about 6000 tonnes! This train was only 54.
There are currently 10 in service, with Koedoespoort starting to build the rest of the order.

[ch.janssen-schmidt]

Interesting encounter. Good looking diesels too... did I just say that ... someone please shoot me.