The railway line between
We will travel the line with locomotives that were no longer in use at the end of the steam era, but which hauled heavy trains up the steep gradients every day until the early1960s. We start with the well-known Class 15F. This impressive machine has a 5.9 m² grate area, between 295 and 320 m² of total heating surface, and with 255 locomotives built, the most numerous type on the South African State Railways. These locomotives were found on many lines across the country, and over three dozen still exist today – but only two of them are operational, one with a crack in the left-hand valve, the other – the one we will be using – is in perfect technical condition. Most of the engines were painted black, but a handful carried a green livery.
The Class 15CA is known as the loudest locomotive on the South African State Railways. Our engine, 15CA 2850, comes from the last North British production batch of 1929, which was delivered with the cylinder diameter increased to 610 mm. Eighty-four of these very powerful 4-8-2 engines were put into service between 1926 and 1929. The grate area of these 175-tonne engines is 4.5 m². This class of a Cape gauge locomotive is significantly larger than the standard gauge British 2-10-0 class 9 F, designed in the 1950’s, with a grate area of 3,73 m², a cylinder diameter of 508 mm and a 6 % less tractive effort.
As with all other tours, steam charter trains involve a degree of risk. Steam locomotives that are over 80 or almost 100 years old are machines that carry an inherent risk of failure. This risk cannot be ruled out or downplayed, no matter how much effort is put into preventing it. The risk of railway operation also includes derailment, which can cause a breakdown. Official orders can also lead to the cancellation of planned services. And if we are unlucky, then it just won't work, but – and please take this seriously – the money will still have been spent. It will not be returned and cannot be claimed back. If you are averse to this risk, please do not book any tours where steam charter trains are involved. Because even though we do everything we can to ensure that everything runs smoothly, we – that is, everyone involved, from the metalworkers, welders and firemen to the loco drivers and all the other organisers and contributors – are not gods and cannot perform miracles.
We will have both long-distance passenger coaches and freight wagons at our disposal and can use them to form various train consists.
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Datum |
Itinerary |
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12.9. |
Departure on Saturday: Individual flight to |
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13.9. |
Arrival in |
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14.9. |
Before sunrise, we will take our chartered bus to Slabberts. The locomotive is to be 15CA 2850, probably the loudest of all SAR locomotives. We want to start with a run past out of the station as soon as the sun reaches the tracks, and then make lots of photo stops on the way to Ficksburg, where we should arrive around sunset. Upon arrival, our locomotive will be turned around on the triangle. Hotel in Ficksburg. |
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15.9. |
Well before sunrise, we will go by charter bus to Fouriesburg, where a passenger train, hauled by 15F 3117, should be waiting for us. At sunrise, we want to take our first photo on a gradient about 2.5 km beyond Fouriesburg and then continue to Ficksburg. Hotel in Ficksburg. |
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16.9. |
At sunrise, our 15CA should travel about 11 km north from Ficksburg to just past Sekonyela. From there, 15F 3117 will probably take us back to Ficksburg – and about 8 km further towards Owanty, to just past the river bridge. From there, we will climb the steep gradient to Ficksburg, again with 15CA 2850 as our locomotive. In the afternoon, we plan to travel with our 15F from Ficksburg to Gumtree, where our train will also spend the night. Hotel in Ficksburg. |
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17.9. |
Early in the morning, we set off again so that we can stage our charter train with the rising sun about 3.5 km west of Gumtree, in time for sunrise. We then want to continue our journey to Modderpoort, where we should arrive in the evening. Overnight stay in Ladybrand and, depending on the size of the group, also in Modderpoort. |
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18.9. |
At sunrise, our train will depart from Modderpoort and return to Ficksburg, where we plan to arrive around sunset. Our loco will again be 15F 3117. Hotel in Ficksburg. |
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19.9. |
Today we plan to travel with both locomotives from Ficksburg to |
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20.9. |
If our programme has been plagued by delays or set-back, we will set aside one day as a reserve day. However, if we have been travelling according to plan, we will take our charter train to |
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21.9. |
Bus transfer to |
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22.9. |
Arrival at home in the morning. |
If there is sufficient demand, we will plan a short trip to
The Modderpoort–Ficksburg–Bethlehem line is characterised by many curves, inclines some with mountains in the background, and offers a wide variety of backdrops. Some sections of the line also run east-west, so we should also be able to take pictures where the sun is reflected by the train (‘glint shots’). The line offers some outstanding photo opportunities, many of which are, fortunately, suitable for larger groups.
Describing
Our man on the ground, Derick, has made a breakthrough. He has entered into a partnership with a private railway company. This private company has a number of diesel locomotives in its fleet. This means:
1) Planning security for the transfer of the vehicles from Hermanstad to
2) Predictable costs well in advance of the trip.
3) As this is a private company, we are not affected by political disputes.
In addition, we can
4) Completely bypass
5) We have access to a sufficient number of freight and long-distance passenger carriages to replicate all types of trains
6) We’ll have access to three water tankers
7) A team that will restore two water towers to working order so that we can draw large quantities of water in a short time.
15CA on this line? Yes, but before most photographers showed up there. 15CA and 15CB from
After we had the line refurbished at our own expense in 2024, a few diverted trains ran on this line in 2025. As a result, it is now in better condition than before.
These tours can never be risk free (see above) however, anyone who would like to come along to capture some great steam photos taken against the backdrop of simply stunning scenery and is willing to accept the risk that an 80-year-old and a 96-year-old locomotive may occasionally have a problem, is hereby cordially invited.
The most important times of the tour are:
Some of our trains will not carry passenger carriages, and we will travel to the photo locations by bus and on foot. It is definitely advisable to dress appropriately for railway work, i.e., no white clothing or bright colours. Muted, dark colours are appropriate, because if you happen to be in someone else's picture, dark brown or black will cause hardly any photographic headaches, but a bright red jacket or even an orange safety vest will. When packing, make sure your luggage is light. We will not be hiring porters, so you will have to be able to carry your luggage to the bus yourself.
We are particularly interested in the early morning light and the late afternoon light photography. That's why we will usually get up well before sunrise. Half board is included in the tour price, but that doesn't mean that meals are served at fixed times. We are travelling to
Our hotels have varying standards, mostly in the three-star range. In smaller towns, we have to split the group between different accommodations, but all accommodations are clean and have hot showers. The number of single rooms is limited.
The temperature can be just above freezing in the morning, while in the afternoon it can exceed 20 degrees. Although we hope for sunny weather, of course, it can also rain and, in extreme cases, even snow. Therefore, in addition to sturdy shoes, you should also pack a rain jacket, a jumper, a hat (or cap) and sun cream.
Most of the photo spots we visit haven't seen photographers for decades. That's why vegetation can be a problem in some places – but only temporarily. With everyone pitching in, even tall grass can be cut back in a matter of minutes. However, if everyone rushes to the supposedly ‘only optimal’ photo spot and stays there until the only person clearing the grass in front of the tracks is finished, it can easily take 20 minutes – time that we then simply don't have for other photo spots.
The 230 volt/50 Hz power supply is reliable, but in many cases, you will need an adapter. In addition to two/three-pin type N plugs,
The regions we travel through are considered malaria-free. No special vaccinations are required (except for yellow fever if you have previously visited a yellow fever area). Proof of vaccination against Covid-19 is also no longer required. If you want to visit one of the national parks after your train journey (highly recommended!), including
Most nationalities do not require a visa. However, this does not apply to everyone, so you should check with the embassy.
You will need some local currency (
In rural areas,
We will depart from
Please note that although
| South Africa | ||
| Cape Gauge Steam to Bethlehem | 35 to 60 participants | £3,670 |
| 12.09.2026 – 22.09.2026 | Single room surcharge | £375 |
| Registration Deadline: 01.05.2026 | ||
Included in the price
Not included
