Zimbabwe - Cab Ride in a 1966 Built GE Diesel, July 2017

This interesting trip in the cab of a 1966 built Co-Co General Electric Class DE6 loco starts at Thomson Junction. The diesel was hauling passenger coaches plus a Class 15A Garratt with its freight train from there to an assortment of photo spots for steam run pasts. Part way through this sequence, we can see the Garratt from the diesel loco cab. The cab ride ends with the train stopping at the first steam run past location.

[@angelaweedon3193]

I am just reading some books about Zimbabwe history so I am looking forward to seeing the landscape from the train.

[@jameswilkinson9957]

Brought back some wonderful childhood memories as my father was the Shed Master at the Bulawayo diesel running shed. Many a ride on the DE2, plus recall all the other DE5, 6, 8 & 9 locomotives that operated out of Bulawayo.

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

Wonderful memories. I'm glad that I can help a little with them. Andy

[@samuelmudehwe2526]

Class DE6 No 1607 was originally based in Harare where it did shunt duties. I had privilege to ride I cab in December 2002. The GE manufactured Diesel locomotives were imported into Rhodesia and Zambia in 1966. A rare priceless photo collection of this GE locomotive is held by Geoff Cook (geofftrains) now based in the UK. This locomotive beautifully designed together with its cousin (Spoornet Class 33) has stood the test of time. Since then, it has been benchmark for diesel lomotive designs. Well done to the original Design Engineer at GE. Thanks Andy for video, brought memories of Rhodesia Railways famous diesel loco and time spent trainspotting at Bulwayo Station. Samuel now pursuing further studies overseas, apprenticed in Bulawayo and used to spent time at the Steam shed trainspotting.

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

Very interesting Samuel. Thank you for your comment. By the way, I know Geoff Cook very well !! ...... Andy

[@dieseldavetrains8988]

Nice old GE loco, still serving the railways. Single line section running, what was the authority? Staff and ticket, electric staff or SPA? Looked like he was filling out a SPA form at the start as I didn't see a staff being shown in lieu of ticket. Judging by the air applications the old GE must be void of dynamic braking (in working order). Always love the scenery in ZIM, great country.

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

I have to say that I don't know the methods in use for line control ...... Andy

[@dieseldavetrains8988]

@@AndyDandanFisherSteam Thanks Andy, looked like a SPA he was filling out in the cab.

[@NDVC.]

*GE Diesel, same Vietnam. Thank you!*

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

Maybe I should visit Vietnam soon? No steam locos though. Andy

[@volodymyrrhapon5666]

This is a old .but very good diesel. I lake it.

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

Well, it seems to still be doing its job after 51 years ! Andy

[@volodymyrrhapon5666]

Andy and Dandan Fisher Zimbabwe Railways These are living RR museum in action.

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

That's true! Andy

[@roymugambiwa9876]

Please clean those engines please

[@AndyDandanFisherSteam]

Cleaning is a low priority ..... keeping them working is the main challenge !!

[@sternjoace1657]

True. I don’t know what has happened to the standards we had while still there in the 80s and 90s?? All the the class 10 locos I came across on my recent visit after 20 years absence have lost their rich yellow colour to a pathetic rusty and fading orange brown! In some cases exhaust ports showed excessive fume sediments over splattered significantly on the loco bodies. What has happened to an organisation which at one time had the technical know how to build its own prototypes from scratch with all supportive structures under one cluster of workshops. Somebody please advise- Is the BLR MEs paint shop closed or still working?