TheTamshee's travels continued: catch the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe - the last remaining continually-operated passenger steam train in Africa, currently only operating between George and Mossel Bay as a result of mudslides which occurred in July 2006. The railway was completed in 1928, and links the towns of George and Knysna in the Western Cape, South Africa. The 3 hour journey also stops in the towns of Wilderness, Goukamma, and Sedgefield. The scenic 67-kilometre (42 mi) route hugs the rugged coastline of the Garden Route before ending by crossing a bridge over the lagoon in Knysna.
It was declared an officially preserved railway in 1992, carrying about 40,000 passengers per year at the time.
The trains are usually pulled by Class 19D steam locomotives, of 4-8-2 wheel arrangement with Vanderbilt-like "torpedo" tenders, although the task is occasionally handled by Class 24 steam engines. When dry conditions in the summer increase the risk of wildfires, diesel locomotives (Class 32s) are used instead. Unfortunately, due to recent heavy flooding in the area, the line has been damaged. It has been rescheduled to run between George and Mossel Bay (with a stop at Hartenbos)until further notice.
In 2008, the train and the Kaaiman's River Bridge were featured in a television advertisement for Stella Artois but TheTamshee says: give me Lion beer any day
It was declared an officially preserved railway in 1992, carrying about 40,000 passengers per year at the time.
The trains are usually pulled by Class 19D steam locomotives, of 4-8-2 wheel arrangement with Vanderbilt-like "torpedo" tenders, although the task is occasionally handled by Class 24 steam engines. When dry conditions in the summer increase the risk of wildfires, diesel locomotives (Class 32s) are used instead. Unfortunately, due to recent heavy flooding in the area, the line has been damaged. It has been rescheduled to run between George and Mossel Bay (with a stop at Hartenbos)until further notice.
In 2008, the train and the Kaaiman's River Bridge were featured in a television advertisement for Stella Artois but TheTamshee says: give me Lion beer any day
To be continued - the final leg to Mossel Bay "natural gas, offshore"
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