Re: SAR 25NC "Molly" (Greg)

Cool shot Kevin. Yep thats the same engine at the same overpass at Krankuil on the daily Passenger train from De Aar to Kimberly. She has just left the depot and will head downgrade about 10 miles to Orange River, which is the mid-point service stop for all engines. Loco will have the fire-cleaners tend to the fire, lube and water before departure.
Just out of view in the picture to the right is the motel we stayed at for 4 days and nights. As late as 1984 there were still about 50 steam moves a day on this line(about 60% steam).
Pacing Molly at 60 mph was a treat for a steam on 3 foot 6 inch rails. These engines had/have 60 inch drivers, and are some of the nicest looking non-American locos in my opinion. We caught this engine one morning at first light going the other direction under the overpass from ground level. She was handling a morning freight so she was set to handle the afternoon passenger duty back to Kimberly. After spending a month down here in 1984 it was hard to get excited about US excursion steam!
Greg
Thanks for the memory Kevin