A rare look at Garratts under steam

[n2mopac]

A few weeks ago someong posted a topic on the definition of articulated locomotives. The responses to that topic yielded some interesting information. member RedLeader poster a reply that gave a great explaination and illustration of a number of different articulated locomotives used around the world. One of those locomotives that I do not believe was ever used in the US but was popular in Eroupe and other places was the Garratt--an articulated steamer with the poiler slung between two sets of drivers with the fuel tendar on one end and the water tendar on the other. Here is a link to that thread if you are interested.

http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=-1&TOPIC_ID=32740&REPLY_ID=328574#328574

Well, this week on RFDTV the series Machines of Iron (listed as Trains & Locomitives on the DISH guide) the entire show is about Garratts under steam in bothe passenger and freight service in South Africa in the 1990's. These Garratts are running on both 3'6" gauge and 2' gauge lines. This show is on several more times today and tomorrow, but after that it is not on again this week I believe. Those of you with cable or a satelite dish with RFDTV will not want to miss this look at a rare (in the US) steamer under steam.

Ron

[n2mopac]

Just keeping this post near the front today so everyone has a chance to see this great episode who wants to.

Ron

[twhite]

Caught it last night--impressive. Especially the 2-footers hauling pulp logs in the South African hills. Interesting note--they somehow manage to look a little like Cab-Forwards when running with the tank car in the rear. About 20 years or so ago in Railroad Model Craftsman, someone showed how to take Mantua steamers and turn them into Beyer-Garratts. I almost tried one, just to have something different. They certainly didn't look like your typical British-inspired steamer, did they? Actually, I always thought they were quite a handsome locomotive.
Tom

[folkestonekeith]

Want to see the Garratts in steam - purchase your airline ticket and take a flight to the UK. Make your way up to North Wales and visit the Welsh Highland Railway - 2ft gauge line currently being reconstructed from Caernarfon to Porthmadog (where it will connect to the Festionig Railway - and there you will find an NGG16 Beyer Garratt in service.

Also being prepared for service is the first Beyer Garratt built known as K1. One of the NGG16's in service is the last such Beyer Garratt built in the UK so you will be able to see the first and last built narrow gauge Beyer Garratts.

Take a look at www.festrail.co.uk and follow the link to the Welsh Highland Railway. Enjoy!!

Keith

[fiatfan]

I just finished watching it about a half hour ago. For those who can't afford the plane ticket suggested by Keith, the show will be run again this Saturday morning at 8:00 AM Central time. Adjust your VCR accordingly.

Tom

PS Their web site is www.rfdtv.com and they have a link to the schedule on the home page.

[Train 284]

Interesting. I have a video on African Railways and it includes a lot of Garratts! Love those big engines!

Matt