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In 1984 we made a month-long journey to the Republic of South Africa for an adventure shooting
regular service steam operations. This was our second trip to this photographers paradise the first
being in 1977. Steam in South Africa in 1984 was similar to late 1950's steam in America. It was
declining yet there were pockets of great activity and fabulous action. When we photographed these
images we had no intent on selling them, therefore there are some flaws, like rough pans, and camera
clicks with still camera sounds in the background. These early VHS cameras were not as good as
today's equipment of course, and things like color, and sharpness are 1984 technology not 2009. These
videos do look better than films, and they have robust natural train sounds that will make you fall in love
with South African Steam locomotives. This series was what started us into the railroad video business
in 1984, and originally there were 4 hour long videos, without narration, and limited editing. These have
not been for sale for several years, but in 2009, our 25th Anniversary, and 25th Anniversary of these videos
being made, we have given them a facelift, with proper professional narration, better editing, updated
information, and best of all there is more content. In 1984 when these were originally sold we were limited
to 60 minute 3/4 inch masters. Instead of 4 hours of content, today these DVD's total nearly 7 hours.
Check out the special savings on the set, which is priced nearly $50.00 off the single prices. In 1985 Railfan
and Railroad Magazine's editor Jim Boyd stated something to the effect that if you did not like these videos
you should not call yourself a steam fan. Remember this is not a fantrip, nor excursion, nor photo special,
or festival. This is real everyday steam operations that we captured with live video and audio. If you are
expecting state of the art quality, these may not be for you. But, if you love steam and great action, then
you may well find these to be your favorite steam videos.
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The lovely class 25NC 4-8-4's rule this rugged line in 1984, and we see lots of passenger and freight
action on this scenic line from Bethlehem toward Bloemfontein. Normal days we see 4 trains in the first
3 hours including the Overnight Passenger train at first sun, and a parade of 3 trains upgrade from
Bethlehem. More Details Here
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The George to Knysna Line in the southern portion of South Africa skirts the Indian Ocean in several places.
This line, once considered the Durango Line of South Africa operated until 2006, and now is
not expected to reopen according to recent reports from South Africa. We'll see trackside views of
mixed trains(freight trains with a passenger coach), as well as ride the line roundtrip, and see other
places besides this line. More Details Here
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Bloemfontein Steam has 4 main portions. First is a great place called Kloofeind Station where we see some super
freight action at dawn with several 4-8-4 powered trains, including a doubleheader and one train that stalls and needs
a pusher. Another segment includes a shed visit, and a rare look inside the steam rebuilding shop in Bloemfontein.
Then we chase the daily passenger train from the Bloemfontein area as it heads toward Bethlehem. Finally we get an
extended cab ride in 4-8-4 3405 which was the second engine of a doubleheaded freight which we ride from Fouriesburg
to Bethlehem. More Details Here
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This was the last doubletrack section in South Africa that was non-electrified with steam power on it. Loads of 4-8-4 action
including the daily passenger train each way, and of course lots of freight action. Also cameo appearances by 3450, the Red
Devil, and 3511 the Last Condensing engine in steam operation. A favorite segment is some neat pacing of 3436(Molly) on the
daily passenger train reaching speeds of 55 mph. More Details Here
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This is the final video in our South African Steam series, and includes all the Garratt Locomotives that we saw on this journey. They
were being phased out, and we only got a few in SAR regular service with a ballast train working from Waterval Boven to Breyten and
return. Later we see doubleheaded class 24 2-8-4's out of Breyten, and see more GMAM Garratts at Randfontein Estates Gold Mine,
an industrial railroad with steam power. More Details Here
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Set Special...Complete South Africa Steam Collection. 7 hours of steam action on 5 separate DVD's and save nearly $50.00.. $99.95
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Travel to Africa, noted for big game animals, and discover some of the largest steam locomotives
surviving on the continent. The unique articulated steam locomotives known as "Garratts" still thrive in
the country of Zimbabwe, which is now the worlds last stronghold of these interesting locomotives. More Details Here
Click Here to see the DVD format which has different packaging.
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| For more foreign steam see Tracks in the Sun |
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