Steam by the Ocean - South African Steam Collection by Greg Scholl
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Click to enlargeNote: Cover image may differ from actual product

The George to Knysna branch skirts the Indian Ocean in the southern portion of South Africa. This 42 mile line featured class 24, 2-8-2's with Vanderbilt tenders. Most trains were mixed trains, with a coach on the rear. We will see the famous Kaimaans River Bridge, lakes region, and Knysna Lagoon, as well as the steep grades on this line. Several interesting meets of other trains occur, and we see a special passenger train doubleheaded, as well as a freight with a pusher engine on the rear. Due to washouts this line no longer is in service. In addition to this line we make a visit to Voorbai yard and see a 24 switching freight cars, and we visit the shed in Port Elizabeth, and make a morning visit to Grahamstown to see a some nice 19D's at work. Besides trackside photography we also ride the entire line from George to Knysna and back for different views of the trains and scenery. Informative narration and live audio from 1984.

South African Steam Collection

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.