Last of the South African class 7E's Part One

These are the ones that will survive AND a few of the ones that might be scrapped by next year (owned by Transnet Freight Rail). The 7E's and their sub-classes are of Chinese design, German, English and the majority are South African design and built (the 7E's and 7E1's). The 7E's are rated at 4000 hp continuous, but have a tremendously high torque output. They operate between Beaufort West, De Aar, PE and Kimberley, and some other isolated regions under 25 000 volt Alternating Current. Watch the video for more info.

[@jarrietfair6497]

I enjoy watching train's in Africa. Just like in the USA

[@brucepiekunexpectedbutexpected]

I worked on 7068 when she was in Richards Bay back in the early 80's

[@videophotography2794]

Awesome video my friend! I enjoyed it so much!! That is such a beautiful, colorful train!! Amazing!! Thank you so much for sharing! :)

[@reeselourens1459]

Thank you! Enjoy the weekend...

[@brucepiekunexpectedbutexpected]

The 7E and 7E1 used to run between Richards Bay and Vryheid doing longhaul coal. 2km long trains pulled by 6 x 7E locomotives. From Richards Bay Main line 2 x 37 000 class GM's or the 34 600 Class GM's would complete the last haul to the Richards Bay harbour. These were known as "trekker'. Good old days

[@spovagame1512]

I'm glad because I witnessed everything. TRAIN WAS MY FAVOURITE DAILY TRANSPORT , SAFE , COMFORTABLE AND DRIVEN BY HOURNEST PEOPLE WHO ALWAYS PUT PASSENGERS LIFE FIRST, PEOPLE WHO WERE ALWAYS PUNTUAL ,SOBER AND POSITIVE

[@reeselourens1459]

I'm glad the video brought good memories.

[@vanar1984]

Great video

[@reeselourens1459]

Thank you ☀️

[@discusobscurum2194]

So much lavender...

[@andrelandman5308]

I worked a lot of trains with that loco in pyramid south

[@WAL_DC-6B]

When the driver made the coupling at 2:50 did he "stretch the joint" to ensure the coupler pins dropped? Do train crew persons get anything like "three-point protection" when they go between cars and/or engines to couple air brake hoses?

[@charliesadv8493]

I wonder when the mainline passenger services are going to resume, after it was stopped by the RSR in February 2020. I love travelling to Cape Town by train.

[@reeselourens1459]

Would love to see it back in action too.

[@brucepiekunexpectedbutexpected]

The 5E and the 6E were horrible units to work on, particularly as an assistant. The dreaded pantograph greased pole should the pantograph air take not have enough pressure to raise the pantograph, then one would need to raise the pantograph manually. The last 6E1 I worked on was E1525

[@theonetheonlyjj7445]

Interesting video, as always! One question: Why are there so many locomotives pulling that freighter at 7:05?

[@reeselourens1459]

Heeeyyyyy Andrew... I will only be on youtube on weekends from now on... probably for the next 3 months... (I am not at home)... the train was a loaded... and very long train. Two extra locomotives, the two dead ones in the consist, were also needed in PE (where the train was heading to). Hope it helps...

[@theonetheonlyjj7445]

Yes, sure! Thank you! I'm very bizzy too... No more new videos 'till spring I think...

[@christoffelkotze9968]

Andrei George Jur

[@andrelandman5308]

The one with the noisy blowers

[@andrelandman5308]

We called that one's the 7e botterkoppe

[@sydneymartin6941]

Yep Greetings to you I know and worked on those botterkoppe but cannot for the love of me tell you why they were called botterkoppe

[@Peter-bg1ku]

Put on your high vis man in blue!!!!

[@Isochest]

So the 25kv ac section of the Cape Town to Johannesburg main line is Beaufort West to Kimberley?

[@reeselourens1459]

Hey there Isochest. Sorry for kate reply, yes the 25Kv section stretches from Beaufort to, I think Klerksdorp, or maybe Kimberley but I know in Klerksdorp there is also a switch. Hope it helps.

[@Isochest]

Thanks Reese. I'll look up Klersdorp. Hopefully someone will have made a video there

[@Isochest]

Sorry, Klerksdorp.

[@digitalmoviedv]

Awesome video and great camera work! If you want see my videos and review or subscribe. Greetings from Italy. Ciao, Stefano :-)