Zimbabwe - 15A Garratt on heavy freight charter (Pt.1), July 2017

Possibly our best charter of our recent visit to Zimbabwe was that of 14th July, when the Class 15A Garratt number 414 had a run out with every bit of spare rolling stock we could beg for!!
There were a few times when the powerful Garratt actually seemed to be having to work hard, although I doubt that the loco was really stretched very much, as most of the wagons were empty.
Anyway, with the help of some typical African scenery, we captured some really nice sequences. Here's Part One .... Part Two will follow very soon. Enjoy !
Part Two - • Zimbabwe - 15A Garratt...

[@kaiser9598]

Thanks for this. I love seeing Garratts do freight services.

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

That's my pleasure. Thanks for watching. Take a look at some of my other videos too ..... Andy

[@ronniescott5179]

Very good video showing the best shots of the loco and the country. The loco is very neglected with leaky drain cocks , clanking bearings, and no doubt worn wheels. However it still has some life left in it. I hope it is kept alive for the future generation to show how Africa was developed. Keep up the good work.

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

Thanks for your comment David. The future of these Garratts has to be in doubt, especially now with the new management in Zimbabwe. No doubt, there'll be an effort to modernise the country.

[@UlrichGronau]

"Management" ? You made my day. 😁@@AndyDandanFisherSteam

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

@@UlrichGronau I'm pleased yo enjoyed - Andy

[@trainknut]

Such fascinating and unique little workhorses, they may be no Big Boy, but that's still some serious steam. It's almost surreal to see one of these things running like nothing at all has changed since they were built for Rhodesia Railways, especially when you compare it to western railroads which often break the illusion with the presence of modern buildings, vehicles or equipment... Yet here you are out in southern Africa essentially watching a time capsule of the 1940s.

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

That sums it up nicely. Fabulous scenery. Sadly the covid problem has put the future of these Garratts in doubt .... Andy

[@RailyardProductions]

@@AndyDandanFisherSteam Are they running again? I hope one day to see an actually working Garratt.

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

@@RailyardProductions I'm not sure about the state of the Garratts in Zimbabwe. There's a recently restored Garratt working the mainline on enthusiast charters in Australia. In the UK we have quite a few narrow gauge Garratts working on different heritage lines. The best visit to make is definitely the Ffestiniog / Welsh Highland Railway which operates several Garratts and the very unusual "Double Fairlie" locos .... Andy (Contact me directly by Email if you'd like more info)

[@harrisonrawlinson5650]

A very powerful locomotive with very stunning scenery

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

I can only agree with that on both counts ...... Andy

[@warrengarratt8897]

this train we build thought out my family, i used to live in zimbabwe and now if western australia, its so good to see our family history

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

The Garratts in Zimbabwe were built in either the UK or in Belgium. Your family probably worked with them though. Best wishes to Australia. Andy

[@pressstart1490]

@Wyeil Arbukle C'mon dude, you just came into an Innocent Locomotive video to throw racist comments? Do you know how stupid that sounds?! You just came to fight with random people in Internet, just go away, weirdo. No one here spoke about Skin colours, right? Only you...

[@pressstart1490]

@Wyeil Arbukle Yep, you are Sick, get a Medic, You are having some sort of seizure or whateaver. You know, just live the present, be a good person, don't bother anyone, and turn off your phone/pc, we don't need people like you in the internet.

[@pressstart1490]

@Wyeil Arbukle Yeah good night mate

[@IndustrialParrot2816]

@@pressstart1490 who are you talking did they delete their comment

[@rossawood5075]

Having seen restored Garretts running in western Sydney NSW and when travelling in Bulawayo Rhodesia prior to the end of the Smith regime, there appears to be a definite unique rhythm to these great machines when working hard. There is an unrestored Beyer Garrett in Dorrigo northern NSW that I often stop to look at when travelling south from my home in SE rural Queensland, they are even larger than they appear at a distance when standing directly alongside one. I believe they were introduced in Australia to eliminate 'double heading' large freight trains however they were not very efficient and costly to maintain hense their demise in Australia and of course the introduction of large diesel and diesel electric locomotives. Great video, thanks !

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

Thank you for the compliment! You do, of course, have the recently restored Garratt 6029 working occasional mainline tours over there in Oz - Andy

[@anotherfreediver3639]

This is a stunning video, particularly the first sequences in the colder morning air. All steam locomotives are magnificent compared with modern vanilla technology, but a Beyer-Garratt with leaky steam valves is the tops!

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

Thank you for that comment. Sadly, there were rather too many steam leaks but it did make for excellent video! .... Andy

[@brucewilliams8714]

Memories! I well recall these locations. And, when I left Bulawayo on the overnight train to Johannesburg via Botswana, it was a blue-liveried 414 which hauled us to the border at Plumtree. 1992. Thanks for this, from Australia.

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

That's my pleasure. I'm so glad it brought back good memories for you. (So there really are people in Australia called Bruce?) .... Andy

[@brucewilliams8714]

@@AndyDandanFisherSteam Lol! Yep.

[@cliveart6213]

how good to see that reminds me just of my childhood in Zims,and riding up front on the victoria falls engines ,when they refilled with water ,thank you

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

That's my pleasure. Thank you for your comment. I have many more videos from Zimbabwe. Please take a look. Andy

[@svenfredriksson9213]

They still ran the Bulaway to Vic Falls PAX in 2000 when I took my sons, but it broke down somewhere near Dett and so we had to make our own way to the Falls and back. Love falling asleep in RR trains with the unwelded track. Ti-tick-de-tick, repeated endlessly

[@dirkbonne2070]

impressive film, i saw them in 1980. Nostalgic!❤

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

I'm pleased you enjoyed the video - Andy

[@andrewthacker114]

I use to live in Zimbabwe, they have got their money’s worth out of the Garret.

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

A small number of dedicated railwaymen work hard to keep these last locomotives working with very little money to spend ...... Andy

[@MrOlgrumpy]

Good to see the Garret again,these were being phased out when I was a young fella in Western Australia

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

There are one or two preserved in Australia, I believe, although I haven't seen them personally. These in Zimbabwe are really on the last legs though. Andy

[@yusu5344]

Andy and Dandan Fisher There is still one preserved in NSW train museum

[@trainfan-ks5hk]

why were the Garrets beings phased out?

[@tyehetherington7233]

@@yusu5344 Another at ipswich, though not on display, I believe because of asbestos under the lagging

[@Wb3110]

There are multiple Garrets preserved in Australia, including G42, NGG127 & 128 at the puffing billy railway in Victoria, and another (G33) being restored at the Bellarine Railway. Also the NSWGR AD6029 are some examples.

[@michaelricks1618]

Magnificent!

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

Thank you. Garratts are truly magnificent machines .... Andy

[@kensherwood4866]

Another video to your usual high standard. Yes at times it looked to be working hard given the amount of load, but it added to the visual impact. Great work by you both Thanks

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

Thank you very much for your kind comment Ken.

[@laurenceskinnerton73]

Excellent!

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

Thank you - Andy

[@brucemcdonald8529]

What a surprise to see a steamer in Zim. Thought they were all busted! Nice scenery shots guys. Zim still has beautiful bush!!

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

This was recorded three years ago, of course, Bruce. I believe there are still a couple of the Garratts which are capable of being steamed for charter work but with the travel situation being totally in lockdown at the moment, these Garratts may well never steam again. This would be a huge shame and a loss for the world of steam enthusiasts. We shall see. Please take a look at a few others of my Zimbabwe videos - kzbin.info/aero/PLNKEdhmODMJziDJwSvN7jzE_x4-Ucj859 ...... Andy

[@juancarlosgallero1368]

Impresionante y bello espectáculo

[@davidtshuma4084]

Love these Garret locomotives.Dete/Thompson junction route was a nightmare as a fireman.

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

The voice of experience? ..... Andy

[@ivorscruton5121]

My father was a driver, or engineer for Americans, of the Garretts in Zimbabwe. As a 12 year old, I would frequently accompany him to work. We lived in Thompson Junction near Hwange in the early 1970's, the marshalling yard was literally our backyard.

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

Very interesting. This video features Thomson Junction yard. You may find it worth watching - kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHm8h3-OrMyDpbc .... Andy

[@enriquescolari9881]

Gracias !!

[@user-mw1nd6lm4e]

I love steam locomotives，they are very beautiful

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

I agree Vladimir.. I believe there'll never be a machine created with as much character as a steam locomotive. They seem almost alive. Andy

[@johnsawyer2516]

Less smoke on this trip must have a different fireman not such a heavy hand on the mechanical stoker. Great video Andy,

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

Thanks John. I must say I agree with you. This trip looked so much more realistic ... steam out of the exhaust and sensible speeds !

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

PS> No mechanical stokers on these ! It was pure hard shovelling !!

[@johnsawyer2516]

Thanks for reply, nice to learn something every day. They must be fit to fire that boiler on a long shift.

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

I agree. Sadly there are no longer any long shifts !

[@simonf8902]

Compare this loco. to the Australian Class AD 60 Garratt. A giant. Nice movie.

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

They're big machines, aren't they? ... Andy

[@foraminuteforaminute4056]

Interesting how they use U. S. style couplers and wheelsets. I would have figured that they'd have British style infrastructure since much of their railways were built when they were subjects of the British Empire.

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

Most of the world now uses the US style of coupler, as it's "easier" to operate ..... Andy

[@deejaystump]

what a cool sound we got one in New Zealand but not going at the moment which is sad to see

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

Maybe it can be overhauled in the future .... Andy

[@nozyspy4967]

Built to last!

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

Maybe but, sadly, not operated now for over two years I believe 😟 ...... Andy

[@stanleyj.mitchell4851]

Actual train weight approx 480 ton plus 25% for wind age and drag, makes for roughly 600 tons.

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

Not a very "heavy freight" but still heavy for one of these badly maintained Garratts under the conditions they are kept in today ...... Andy

[@barry341]

Used to work on the WAGR many years ago as a guard...we allowed 10% for windage and flangdage on load of empty wagons.

[@stanleyj.mitchell4851]

@@barry341 interesting. I also was a guard for the WAGR from 1976-84. I thought it was 25% for windage and flange drag.

[@angeloschettini8426]

In state of Bahia in Brazil have one this

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

There are still a few left around the world - Andy

[@cliveart6213]

Ok thanks

[@roderernst9990]

There was a story of one fully loaded coal garratt getting up to 80 MPH east of Hwange one night.1980s

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

I'm not sure the track would be able to handle that - certainly not these days! - Andy

[@matthewhough5634]

I'm wondering why they have the cylinder cocks open all the time- it's particularly noticeable coming up the hill, at about 2:25. He seems to be wasting a lot of power and dry steam

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

Of course, steam cocks should be opened occasionally but in this case it's probably a valve that is stuck or inoperative. These Garratts are maintained on almost no money! - Andy

[@gabrielacostescu1364]

The real Kwaku is here

[@rizon72]

Interesting locomotive, is there wheel slippage going on, couldn't really tell.

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

Take a look at this one - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oH_Tg3yYZa9nnJo Andy

[@MkandaGnarlyyy]

Do these still run today? Haven't seen any recent footage of them.

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

They only run if someone pays for it. Of course, at the moment, nobody is travelling there. It's possible they may never run again ....... Andy

[@spartangoku7610]

Here’s to hoping it runs again!

[@robertnewell7220]

I use to fire these steam engines from Dete to Vic falls 1970

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

You might be interested in another video of mine ... kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqq9dqmPlt5jp8k ..... Andy

[@haroldpearson6025]

Look at the state of it😢

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

It's a poor country. This was 6 years ago. They're probably much worse now ... Andy

[@RailwayManiaNet]

Hello Andy and Dandan, I am making a podcast episode about Garratt locomotives and wanted to ask if it would be possible to feature some of your footage in it? I would credit you and link back to your channel, of course. All the best, Corwin

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

I need more details of your intentions Corwin. Please email to the address shown in "About". Thanks, Andy

[@RailwayManiaNet]

@@AndyDandanFisherSteam Thanks Andy, I have sent an email over.

[@P3rduixOnRoblox]

I like garrats :D

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

They are really interesting locomotives for sure ....... Andy

[@DuEHobbyfilmer]

Very nice Video

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

Thank you !

[@yvesmontesinos8614]

SUPER CONVOI !!

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

The Garratts certainly are fabulous and powerful machines .... Andy

[@foxyfnaf6190]

Is it still active to this day?

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

I believe this particular loco is still steamable (in theory) but hasn't actually steamed for a while. Whether it steams again depends on the demand from steam enthusiasts visiting the country ... Andy

[@patrickmeyer2802]

oh god, that wheel slip at 6:30. That can't be good for the wheels

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

At least it wears the wheels down around the whole perimeter .... it'll leave the track with a low point though !! ..... Andy

[@spartangoku7610]

We should’ve built them like that here in the States.

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

The concept is very similar in principle to the big articulated locomotives of the USA but, of course, the Garratts use the weight of coal and water to aid traction ..... Andy

[@raymondleggs5508]

I love Articulated locomotives, too bad the only garratt in the US is on a private railroad not open to the public along with a ex SAR 2-8-2 both in 2 foot gauge!

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

A private railway? Really? They must have plenty of money! There are a few of those South African Garratts working on the Welsh Highland Railway in the UK. They're great little locomotives ..... Andy

[@IndustrialParrot2816]

@@AndyDandanFisherSteam i would love to visit the welsh highland railway they are currently restoring an SAR NG15 kalahari 2-8-2

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

@@IndustrialParrot2816 They have a number of the Garratts already in operation. Here's a short video I made in 2018 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHq4q52Eqc6dl6c ..... Andy

[@IndustrialParrot2816]

@@AndyDandanFisherSteam well i was talking about the kalahari loco its not a garratt its tender engine though its getting its tender rebuilt with an enclosed cab

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

@@IndustrialParrot2816 OK. My mistake! .... Andy

[@randoburr5201]

I wonder if trainz 2019 have this train?

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

I have no idea. I prefer the real thing rather than a simulation!! ..... Andy

[@randoburr5201]

@@AndyDandanFisherSteam i mean... I i like the trainz games honestly but i understand

[@yawstrichgaming2010]

I Like Trains

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

And so do I, Capitan!! Я тоже ...... Andy

[@arunbhoopathyt6503]

Classsy end rools on 🎉 2 gpood vaporish tonish good luk on u 🤍

[@tomharrington1393]

👍👍

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

I take it that you enjoyed that !! Please take a look at some more of my videos. You might like some more of them ........ Andy

[@AndyProper]

Is this Garrett still in service andy ?

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

None have been in regular mainline service for some years. This was a private charter for us. A very few are kept serviceable at Bulawayo although, with the collapse of tourism in 2020, their survival is on a knife edge ....... Andy

[@AndyProper]

@@AndyDandanFisherSteam that sucks. They’re interesting locomotives. What class locomotive is the flying Scotsman ?

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

@@AndyProper When it was built by the Great Northern Railway it was classified as A1. Then the GNR became part of the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) and it became Class A3. That's what it's known as now .... Andy

[@AndyProper]

@@AndyDandanFisherSteam oh sweet !

[@JamesEllison69]

16 cars, I'm surprised it dosen't have a caboose.

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

This is Zimbabwe. Very few rules ---- there were two trains in the same section too !! We had a diesel hauled passenger train to carry us to each location. Andy

[@fernandmilesi2218]

Promis il n’est pas en excès de vitesse

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

Il s'agit d'une vitesse normale pour un train de marchandises à vapeur. This is normal speed for a steam freight train ........ Andy

[@mipamat5804]

"Big Boy" is more like a "Big Girl" (well she's very pretty?) when compared to a Garratt

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

haha. I'm not sure all my subscribers would agree with you there - Andy

[@exilfromsanity]

Is this bastard gauge (42")?

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

This is Cape Gauge as it is (correctly) known - 42" / 3'6". It's standard in southern Africa and many other parts of the former British Commonwealth ...... Andy

[@exilfromsanity]

@@AndyDandanFisherSteam 42" is known as bastard gauge in the United States.

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

@@exilfromsanity Charming!! ..... Andy