Steam in South Africa 1980 DVD
 4.5 of 5 (2)

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Photographer Randy Scholl (Greg's Brother) made several trips to South Africa in the 70's and 80's. This was the first with a sound movie camera and is perhaps some of the earliest sound movies available on DVD video. The film has been expertly transferred to video, and is all new material being released on this DVD. We begin with 25NC 4-8-4's on the Bethlehem to Bloemfontein line with freight and passenger train action. Enjoy some great early morning scenes. Then we move to the Bloemfontein to Kimberley line to see doubleheaded 4-8-4's in action, plus other freights. Enjoy a dawn and early morning chase of doubleheaded 15AR class 4-8-2's on a passenger train on the Stormburg to Rosmead line. There is a brief look at class 19D 4-8-2's on the Sterkstrom to Maclear line, and lots of action in the Port Elizabeth area with fast moving commuter trains powered by class 15AR 4-8-2's, plus other freights and mixed trains hauled by 15AR and 19D's with torpedo tenders. There are a couple of "killer" reflection shots in this segment as well. The Port Elizabeth commuter steam was all gone by the time Greg was there again in 1984(he had seen it in 1977). Then we visit the famous De Aar to Kimberley line and see solid action of class 25NC 4-8-4's, and make a visit to the De Aar Shed to see a group of engines, and one being coaled. This was all regular service steam action on their mainline trackage. This is Cape Gauge 3 foot 6 inches(Their standard Gauge). The 4-8-4's look very American with knuckle couplers, and cow catchers, as well as 60 inch main drivers, and a good barking exhaust. Like I said earlier this is like a "Best of" with a really fast-paced steam show that will surely please the true steam fans everywhere.