On certain trips, we use a diesel locomotive along with our steam locomotive. Due to the high overhead costs of running our trips, and the costs related to the use of the railway network, we have included the use of a diesel locomotive to ensure we can take a longer train with more passengers, and thus are able to keep the ticket prices within reasonable limits. On trips where we do not need to climb major gradients, we are able to operate with our steam locomotives on their own.

Locomotives were traditionally named by the regular driver of the locomotive. This tradition continues today, with a bit more input from the company to ensure that names are aligned to the company values and image.

Oil burning locomotives, especially those that are well maintained, do less damage to the surrounding environment by lowering the amount of sparks emitted from the chimney, thus causing less veld fires. It is key to ensure that the clay floor of the firebox is check often and replaced every few years. Oil burning locomotives are able to be used comfortable all year round, whilst with coal locomotives, special care needs to be taken to prevent fires.

The personnel who control the firing of the locomotives, aptly named “Firemen,” are trained to ensure the lowest possible amount of unburnt fuel (black smoke) is released from the locomotive. During the light-up of the locomotive, when the boiler is still cold, the amount of black smoke may be more. We also mix in a variety of synthetic fuels to increase the combustibility and complete burning of our recycled oil fuel.

Different locomotives have different weights, our locomotives are as follows:

1. South African Railways Class 19B #1412, “Bailey” (Coal burning) – 147 000 kg
2. South African Railways Class 19D #3321 (Oil burning) – 149 700 kg
3. South African Railways Class 19D #3322, “Clare” (Oil burning) – 155 400 kg
4. South African Railways Class 24 #3655, “Jenny” (Coal burning) – 131 500 kg
5. South African Railways Class 26 #3450, “The Red Devil” (Coal burning) – 235 700 kg