Riding the Reverses - 19D 3323 on the Barkly East Branch

Ride with 19D 3323 and her mixed train as we travel from Lady Grey towards Barkly East on this magnificent scenic line. These scenes were shot on 26th May 2001 during a Steam & Safaris tour of the line. This was the last steam-hauled train to operate on this line. The following day, a diesel ran along the line to collect water tank cars and the line slipped quietly into history.

[@mikebingle2140]

Yes it brings back many menories i am part of this world my parents stayed in aliwal north was there 2 years ago there is not even a station in aliwal north any more same in lady grey so sad

[@steamfreak]

Wow, and what beautiful railway lines they were!

[@alastairgray5648]

Thank you for sharing this... such great footage!!

[@steamfreak]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@grobbelm]

brings back happy memories from many decades ago..

[@steamfreak]

Yes that's a spectacular line!

[@hennef53]

One of the first-class steampages, worth to be watched.

[@steamfreak]

Thank you!

[@gordonrichardson2972]

Thanks for filming and uploading this historic line, and the awesome audio quality! The engineering of this line is remarkable, but sadly one can see why it is no longer viable to run...

[@steamfreak]

It was truly an amazing line

[@Retaud21]

What an amazingly good video of this incredibly engineered line. Many thanks for sharing it.

[@steamfreak]

Thank you! Yes an incredible line b

[@danella9]

I've been on track in December 2007 and what a pleasant experience. Would loved to be on this train as well. Great video, Thank you.

[@steamfreak]

It was a great experience. A pity this line is now no longer... 😔

[@chromehill2]

Superb! And a great bit of filming 10/10

[@steamfreak]

Thanks! Spectacular country there...

[@TrainLordJC]

Awesome! Thank you so much for sharing. Brilliantly filmed. In 2011 I took Rovos Rail's Pride of Africa from Cape Town. Unfortunately it was not pulled by a steam engine. In 1984 I took a weekend train to and from Joburg to Durban, also no steam locomotives, so I missed out. Wonderful to see so many South African steam train videos on KZbin.

[@steamfreak]

+Train Lord at least you got to see done of the magnificent South African scenery! Yes I spent a lot of time and effort finding steam trains in South Africa!

[@Deontjie]

Thanx for sharing this.

[@steamfreak]

Plesier!

[@Spalterbockl]

What a magnificent line, pity I never was there!

[@steamfreak]

Yes sadly we may never see a train run there again...

[@fernando93540]

excelente VIDEO!!!

[@steamfreak]

Thanks!

[@asd36f]

Awesome video - the engine was really working to climb the incline after the 5th reverse.

[@steamfreak]

Yes, it had a bit of trouble there

[@astridvallati4762]

GREAT video and line. Like the Zig-zags in the Andes. Good firing ( grey smoke) but cut-off control could be better... lots of steam wasted. The 19s were very good engines. We should have had them on QGR during steam era ( same gauge).

[@steamfreak]

Yes they were a powerful beast, would have done well in Australia

[@rwhb1]

What engineering ... and driving!

[@peterjoseph7741]

Surely someone can make this work again?

[@steamfreak]

I wish...

[@steamfreak]

An incredible line!

[@stephensmith799]

Lovely branch line.

[@steamfreak]

It's beautiful. A pity it is abandoned now...

[@stephensmith799]

That’s sad. The railways will rise again🤞Is this one mothballed or lifted?

[@crewkerne40]

Amazing video,thanks very much for uploading it.I had three holidays in SA,in 1976,1980 and 1985,sadly I missed out on a trip on this line,it s all history now,what a a great shame.Any idea who the crew were on 3323,they certainly earned their wages on this day. Al.

[@steamfreak]

Can't remember the crew names but they were amazing!

[@Crosshead1]

Amazing video. What sort of grades are we looking at here? That’s hardly a heavy load but the engine really was struggling for traction quite a lot.

[@steamfreak]

1 in 30 down there. There hadn't been regular trains on the line for a while, I think the grass growing on the line caused the traction issues.

[@4501trainman]

Thanks for sharing this great H/D Video. Did these 4-8-2 Locomotives use sand for traction? Because I don't think I see a sand-dome on the engine,just what looks like a steam-dome. Thanks again.

[@steamfreak]

+4501trainman these locos have sand boxes under the running boards, so definitely use sand for extra grip!

[@danella9]

For more information on the reverses and how they were designed and build you can contact Dalene at Mountain View Country Inn. Her details are on the ladygrey.co.za website.

[@steamfreak]

Thanks. A spectacular line.

[@albegrobbelaar7942]

Does anyone know who made this video?

[@steamfreak]

+Albe Grobbelaar it was me, Trevor Staats...

[@albegrobbelaar7942]

Dear Trevor, I would like to make contact with you. Is it possible to send me your email address? My email is [e-mail] Regards, Albe

[@brucewilliams8714]

@@steamfreak Hi, Trevor. We've crossed paths in Australia: Chiltern, 3801. I was linesiding with Ashcat, up into NSW. I made this trip in 1992, starting at and returning to Lady Grey. I was staying in Aliwal North, and at the station I met the Afrikaans chap operating the Barkly East line, and whose name, sadly, I can't recall. He invited me to his home for dinner, which was fascinating. Other lines visited at that time were Port Shepstone-Harding; the Alfred County Railway. My visits to SA steam started with the Trans-Limpopo Steam Safari, in 1991. Ashcat led the Australian contingent. No more journeys for me. Too old.