Talk:South African Class 5 4-6-2

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Trains: Locomotives Mid‑importance

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Content of email received from Les Pivnic, retired Assistant Curator of the SA Railway Museum/SATS Museum, on 5 Jul 2011

André: The class 5R no.781 was famous in the Cape for working the Strand Express for more than 30 years - only being replaced when she needed repairs in the Loco or a "Heavy Repair" in Shops. An individual loco working the same train for more than 30 years is probably a world record! She was sub-shedded at Sir Lowry's Pass and always had regular drivers. Amongst these well-known men was Sonny Best who had her as his regular loco for many years. In those times she regularly hit 60mph while on route into the City from Bellville. His fireman Frikkie Koneynenburg took 781 over when sonny was promoted to Beaufort West and drove the 25s. Frikkie then had 781 for several years as his regular engine.

When the Strand was electrified, 781 was transferred to the Eastern Transvaal System and there she suffered the indignation of being reduced to shunting at Nylstroom and then at Capital Park loco where she looked absolutely disgraceful - full of grime and muck! Then her fortunes changed for the better! She was transferred to the Western Transvaal System and was briefly stationed at Springs Loco and she worked amongst 16CRs on the Nigel service. She ended her active life as station pilot at Germiston where she was kept very clean again. Then she was withdrawn from service and ended up back in the Cape at Salt River Shops where she as used for the training of apprentice fitters who would remove and refit parts of her valve gear etc. Word reached me in the Museum that she was there and I arranged for her removal and preservation to De Aar under the care of Alec Watson. The photo of her at De Aar shows her at this time. My tip-off that she was at Salt River Shops came from outside the Service, from my friend Tony Elliott. So Tony can rightfully claim to have had a hand in her preservation.

To think that she now languishes in a derelict state in our old Museum Kraal at Krugersdorp Loco, tears me apart!

Regards

Oom Les

Included here by André Kritzinger (talk) 13:26, 5 July 2011 (UTC)[reply]