| GARRATT TO VICTORIA FALLS Strictly speaking this page should not be on the site but it does compliment the other pages on genuine working steam in Zimbabwe and the motive power was a working locomotive used for the occasion rather than an engine used exclusively for tourists operations. In 1999 the 'Train De Luxe' operated a weekly service from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls and return with an overnight stop at Dett to allow travellers to visit the Hwange National Park. As we wanted to spend some time at Wankie Colliery (see separate page) we decided to catch the train before and after Dett and then on its way to Victoria Falls rather than chasing it all the way from Bulawayo. This plan worked out well and below are a selection of shots on the Bulawayo - Victoria Falls main line together with the steam operation actually at Victoria Falls. The steam train onto the Victoria Falls Bridge still appears to be operational but there is no regular steam between Bulawayo and Victoria Falls. |
| The idea of a passenger train on the main line was very appealing and certainly recaptured a bygone era. Unfortunately the coaches were not in Rhodesian Railways livery but nevertheless No.421 and train looked splendid in the African bush |
| No.421 is serviced at Dett having arrived from Bulawayo. The coal loading plant was still maintained in working order - presumably just for this service. Note the additional water bowsers behind the engine. |
| Having stayed overnight in Hwange we went to Thopson Junction and waited in the signal box until we were sure the train was on its way from Dett before heading to 404 Curve. This is the spot where No.404 (later No.424) overturned and the crew killed. The numberplate from 404 was originally mounted on two sleepers at the spot where the accident occured but disgracefully it was later stolen |
| Class 15A No.406 at Thomson Junction with the 'Train De Luxe' |
| A personal favourite - No.406 just beyond Deka Bridge between Thomson Junction and Victoria Falls |
| I'm not sure that high speed chases down roads like the one on the left of the picture would have greatly impressed the car rental company but it did get us another shot of No.406 at Deka Sidings |
| Prior to going to Zimbabwe we were given a great deal of help and advice from fellow enthusiasts together with lists and maps of the best photographic positions. One of the top recommendations was Zanguja Bank - but on arrival we found newly erected fences for a game reserve and a locked access gate. After pleading with the local landowner we were granted reluctant permission to visit the spot but shortly afterwards new signs appeared suggesting our visit might be the last! |
| Journey's end for No.406 as it stands in the platform at Victoria Falls station. For reasons not totally clear the locomotive could not be serviced here and eventually had to return to Thomson Junction to take on more coal. The return journey was eventually cancelled due to lack of passengers. |
| In the yard at Victoria Falls was North British built 4-8-2 12th Class No.204. Now bearing the ZR of Zambia Railways this engine was originally part of Rhodesian Railways but is now owned by the Livingstone Railway Museum and is one of four operable memebers of the class. At Vic Falls its job is to haul tourist trains across the bridge. |
| Pure tourist traffic - Class 14A No.512 stands on Victoria Falls Bridge with the afternoon tourist train from Livingstone to Victoria Falls |