South African locomotive history

File:Class GMAM 4079 (4-8-2+2-8-4) ID.JPG

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In South Africa, as elsewhere in the world, the railways played a huge part in development and growth on nearly all terrains in the country. Conversely, events in South Africa and its neighbours over the years had a huge influence on the development of railways.

When the articles on the locomotives of South Africa are read sequentially in the order of their years of entering railway service, much of the history of the country becomes apparent between the lines. At the same time the development of steam locomotives can be followed from the basic 0-4-0 to the mighty 4-8-4 wheel arrangements and articulated steam locomotives from the Fairlies and the Kitson-Meyer to the Mallets and ultimately to the Garratts. Likewise with the development of modern traction such as electric, diesel-hydraulic, electro-diesel and diesel-electric locomotives.

This article consists of links to articles on South African locomotives arranged in the order of their years of entering service, with the links embedded in the pictures. In addition, the opening dates of new railway lines are shown.

Railway construction

In South Africa and South West Africa all early mainline railway construction took place working inland from harbours and ports. Construction on these lines began in the years from 1859 to 1887 in South Africa and from 1897 to 1908 in South West Africa.

• Cape Western – The Cape Town–Wellington line in 1859.
• Namaqualand – The Port Nolloth–O'okiep line in 1869.
• Cape Midland – The Port Elizabeth–Uitenhage line in 1872.
• Cape Midland – The Swartkops–Alicedale line in 1875.
• Natal – The Durban–Pietermaritzburg line in 1876.
• Cape Eastern – The East London–King William's Town line in 1876.
• Kowie – The Port Alfred–Grahamstown line in 1881.
• Transvaal – The Delagoa Bay–Pretoria line in 1887.
• South West Africa Central – The Swakopmund–Windhoek line in 1897.
• South West Africa Northern – The Swakopmund–Otavi line in 1903.
• South West Africa Southern – The Lüderitz–Keetmanshoop line in 1908.

The 1850s

1859

See also: 1859 in South Africa and 1859 in rail transport

• On 8 September the first railway locomotive arrives in South Africa.

• 

  Cape Town Railway & Dock 0-4-2T "Blackie"

The 1860s

1860

See also: 1860 in South Africa and 1860 in rail transport

• New lines opened:
  • Natal – Durban to Point on 26 June.

• CGR ex CTR&D no. 4 Wellington 0-4-2.jpg

  Cape Town Railway & Dock 0-4-2

• Natal locomotive.JPG

  Natal Railway 0-4-0WT "Natal"

1862

See also: 1862 in South Africa and 1862 in rail transport

• New lines opened:
  • Cape Western – Cape Town to Stellenbosch on 1 May.
• The first 7 ft (2,134 mm) gauge locomotive arrives in South Africa when the Table Bay Harbour Board acquires a single broad gauge locomotive, builder or appearance unknown, for excavation and breakwater construction work.

1863

See also: 1863 in South Africa and 1863 in rail transport

• New lines opened:
  • Cape Western – Stellenbosch to Wellington on 4 November.
• The Cape Town and Green Point Tramway introduces horse-drawn trams from Adderley Street to Green Point.

1864

See also: 1864 in South Africa and 1864 in rail transport

• New lines opened:
  • Cape Western – Salt River to Wynberg on 19 December.

• 

  Cape Town Railway & Dock 2-4-0T

1865

See also: 1865 in South Africa and 1865 in rail transport

• Natal Railway 0-4-0ST Durban.JPG

  Natal Railway 0-4-0ST "Durban"

1867

See also: 1867 in South Africa and 1867 in rail transport

• New lines opened:
  • Natal – Durban to Umgeni on 4 April.

1869

See also: 1869 in South Africa and 1869 in rail transport

• The first rails of the Namaqualand Railway from Port Nolloth to O'okiep are laid.

The 1870s

1870

See also: 1870 in South Africa and 1870 in rail transport

• A second broad gauge locomotive is observed at Table Bay Harbour, a 0-4-0 saddle-tank engine built by Hughes's Locomotive & Tramway Engine Works which had entered service between 1863 and 1870.

1871

See also: 1871 in South Africa and 1871 in rail transport

• New lines opened:
  • Namaqualand – Port Nolloth to Muishondfontein on 18 February.
• The first 2 ft 6 in (762 mm) gauge locomotives arrive in South Africa.

• Namaqualand Railway mule train.jpg

  Namaqualand 0-6-0T (A mule train is depicted)

1872

See also: 1872 in South Africa and 1872 in rail transport

• The Cape Government Railways is established and takes over the operation of all public railways in the Colony, consisting of altogether 63 route miles of track from Cape Town via Stellenbosch to Wellington and via Salt River to Wynberg.

1873

See also: 1873 in South Africa and 1873 in rail transport

• New lines opened:
  • Namaqualand – Muishondfontein to Kookfontein.
• The first 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) Cape gauge locomotives arrive in South Africa.

• CGR 0-4-0ST 1873 no. M2 Little Bess.jpg

  CGR 0-4-0ST

• 

  East London Harbour 0-4-0

1874

See also: 1874 in South Africa and 1874 in rail transport

• The railway line from Port Elizabeth to Uitenhage is partially opened.

• CGR 0-4-0ST 1874 no. M14.jpg

  CGR 0-4-0ST

• Harbour Board TB 0-4-0T 1874.jpg

  Table Bay Harbour 0-4-0T

1875

See also: 1875 in South Africa and 1875 in rail transport

• New lines opened:
  • Cape Midland – Port Elizabeth to Addo on 26 July and Swartkops to Uitenhage on 22 September.
  • Cape Western – Wellington to Wolseley on 3 November.

• CGR 0-4-0ST 1875.jpg

  CGR 1st Class 0-4-0ST

• 

  CGR 1st Class 4-4-0T

• CGR 2nd Class no. 2 (2-6-2T & 2-6-2TT) of 1875.jpg

  CGR 2nd Class 2-6-2TT

1876

See also: 1876 in South Africa and 1876 in rail transport

• New lines opened:
  • Cape Eastern – East London to Blaney on 18 December.
  • Cape Midland – Addo to Sand Flats on 1 April.
  • Cape Western – Wolseley to Worcester on 16 June and Bellville to Muldersvlei on 14 September.
  • Namaqualand – Kookfontein to O'okiep on 1 January.
• The ship Memento sinks off East London with two Cape 2nd Class 2-6-2TT locomotives for the Eastern System.
• Construction begins on the Cape Town Central Station as hub to the Cape Government Railways.
• Construction begins on the Cape gauge railway line from Durban to Pietermaritzburg in Natal.

• CGR 0-6-0T 1876 Back-to-Back.jpg

  CGR 0-6-0T Back-to-Back

• CGR Fairlie no. E34 (0-6-6-0).jpg

  CGR Fairlie 0-6-6-0T

• 

  Natal Railway 4-4-0T "Perseverance"

• CGR 0-4-0ST 1876.jpg

  CGR 1st Class 0-4-0ST

• CGR 1st Class 2-6-0 1876 BP no. W7.jpg

  CGR 1st Class 2-6-0 BP

• CGR 1st Class 2-6-0ST no. 0416 1876 Kitson.jpg

  CGR 1st Class 2-6-0ST

• CGR 1st Class 2-6-0 1876 Kitson.jpg

  CGR 1st Class 2-6-0 Kitson

1877

See also: 1877 in South Africa and 1877 in rail transport

• New lines opened:
  • Cape Eastern – Blaney to King William's Town and to Kei Road, both on 1 May.
  • Cape Midland – Uitenhage to Glenconnor on 1 May and Sand Flats to Alicedale on 27 May.
  • Cape Western – Worcester to Kleinstraat on 7 November and Kraaifontein to Malmesbury on 12 November.

• Wythes & Jackson no. 1, NGR 2-6-0T no. 19 Durban.jpg

  Wythes & Jackson 2-6-0T

• 

  NGR Class K 2-6-0T

1878

See also: 1878 in South Africa and 1878 in rail transport

• New lines opened:
  • Cape Eastern – Kei Road to Döhne on 15 August.
  • Cape Midland – Glenconnor to Mount Stewart on 1 August.
  • Cape Western – Kleinstraat to Koup on 4 November.
  • Natal – Umgeni to Avoca on 25 May and Durban to Pinetown on 4 September.

• CGR Port Alfred Aid 0-4-0ST.jpg

  CGR 0-4-0ST "Aid"

1879

See also: 1879 in South Africa and 1879 in rail transport

• New lines opened:
  • Cape Eastern – Döhne to Cathcart on 3 November.
  • Cape Midland – Mount Stewart to Graaff-Reinet on 26 August, and Alicedale to Grahamstown on 3 September and to Middleton on 17 September.
  • Cape Western – Koup to Fraserburg Road on 11 August.
  • Natal – Pinetown to Botha's Hill in March and Avoca to Verulam on 1 September.

• 

  CGR 1st Class 2-6-0

• Cape 1st Class (4-4-0) 1879.jpg

  CGR 1st Class 4-4-0

• Harbour Board TB 0-4-0WT 1879.jpg

  Table Bay Harbour 0-4-0WT

• 

  Natal Harbour 0-6-0ST "John Milne"

• Class C 2-6-0T no. 8 as built.jpg

  NGR Class G 2-6-0T, SAR C

The 1880s

1880

See also: 1880 in South Africa and 1880 in rail transport

• New lines opened:
  • Cape Eastern – Cathcart to Queenstown on 5 May.
  • Cape Midland – Middleton to Cookhouse on 2 March.
  • Cape Western – Fraserburg Road to Beaufort West on 5 February.
  • Natal – Rossburgh to Isipingo on 1 February and Botha's Hill to Pietermaritzburg on 1 December.

• CGR 4th Class 4-6-0TT 1880 no. E28.jpg

  CGR 4th Class 4-6-0TT

• HB Natal 0-6-0ST no. 15 (1880).jpg

  NGR Class K 0-6-0ST

1881

See also: 1881 in South Africa and 1881 in rail transport

• New lines opened:
  • Cape Midland – Cookhouse to Cradock on 1 June.

• CGR Norvalspont Coffee Pot 0-4-0ST.jpg

  CGR 0-4-0ST "Coffee Pot"

• Cape 1st Class (4-4-0TT) 1881.jpg

  CGR 1st Class 4-4-0TT

• Harbour Board PE 0-4-0ST no. 14.jpg

  Table Bay Harbour 0-4-0ST

1882

See also: 1882 in South Africa and 1882 in rail transport

• New lines opened:
  • Cape Western – Wynberg to Muizenberg on 15 December.

• 

  CGR 2nd Class 4-4-0T "Wynberg Tank"

• 

  CGR 4th Class 4-6-0TT Stephenson

• CGR 4th Class 4-6-0TT 1882.jpg

  CGR 4th Class 4-6-0TT Joy

• Kowie Railway 0-6-0T Port Alfred.jpg

  Kowie Railway 0-6-0T

• Kowie Railway 4-4-0T Grahamstown.jpg

  Kowie Railway 4-4-0T

1883

See also: 1883 in South Africa and 1883 in rail transport

• New lines opened:
  • Cape Eastern – Queenstown to Sterkstroom on 15 October.
  • Cape Midland – Cradock to Colesberg on 16 October.
  • Cape Western – Muizenberg to Kalkbaai on 5 May and Beaufort West to Victoria West Road on 14 May.

• 

  CGR 3rd Class 4-4-0

1884

See also: 1884 in South Africa and 1884 in rail transport

• New lines opened:
  • Cape Eastern – Sterkstroom to Molteno on 16 September.
  • Cape Midland – Noupoort to De Aar on 31 March, to link with the Cape Western.
  • Cape Western – Victoria West Road to Oranjerivier on 3 November.
  • Kowie – Port Alfred to Grahamstown on 1 December.
  • Natal – Pietermaritzburg to Merrivale in May.

• CGR 3rd Class 4-4-0 1884 Joy a.jpg

  CGR Experimental 3rd Class 4-4-0

• 

  CGR Experimental 4th Class 4-6-0TT

1885

See also: 1885 in South Africa and 1885 in rail transport

• New lines opened:
  • Cape Eastern – Molteno to Aliwal North on 2 September.
  • Cape Western – Oranjerivier to Kimberley on 28 November.
  • Natal – Merrivale to Estcourt on 21 December.

1886

See also: 1886 in South Africa and 1886 in rail transport

• New lines opened:
  • Natal – Estcourt to Ladysmith on 21 June.

• 

  Namaqua 0-4-0WT Condenser

1887

See also: 1887 in South Africa and 1887 in rail transport

• New lines opened:
  • Cape Central – Worcester to Roodewal in October.

• PPR 35 Tonner 4-6-0T Portuguese.jpg

  Lourenco Marques, Delagoa Bay and East Africa Ry. 4-6-0T, PPR 35 Tonner

1888

See also: 1888 in South Africa and 1888 in rail transport

• Natal 2-8-2TT Havelock.jpg

  NGR 4-6-2TT "Havelock"

• NGR Class D 4-8-2T no. 72.jpg

  NGR Class D 4-8-2T, SAR A

1889

See also: 1889 in South Africa and 1889 in rail transport

• New lines opened:
  • Cape Western – Eerste River to Somerset West on 21 October.
  • Namaqualand – Braakpits Junction to Flat Mine on 23 April.
  • Natal – Ladysmith to Glencoe on 4 September.

• CGR 3rd Class 4-4-0 1889 no. 114.jpg

  CGR 3rd Class 4-4-0

• NZASM 10 Tonner 0-4-0T.jpg

  NZASM 10 Tonner 0-4-0T

• NZASM 13 Tonner 0-4-0T.jpg

  NZASM 13 Tonner 0-4-0T

• 

  NZASM 14 Tonner 0-4-0T

The 1890s

1890

See also: 1890 in South Africa and 1890 in rail transport

• New lines opened:
  • Cape Midland – Colesberg Junction to Norvalspont on 17 December.
  • Cape Western – Somerset West to Sir Lowry's Pass Village on 1 February, Kalkbaai to Simon's Town and Kimberley to Vryburg, both on 1 December.
  • Free State – Norvalspont to Bloemfontein on 17 December.
  • Natal – Glencoe to Talana on 28 March and to Newcastle on 15 May.
  • Transvaal – Braamfontein to Springs on 13 October and to Roodepoort on 17 November.

• CGR 5th Class 4-6-0 no. 293, SAR no. 0319.jpg

  CGR 5th Class 4-6-0

• Clara Class 0-6-2 no. 4 Clara.jpg

  Namaqualand Clara Class 0-6-2

• NZASM 18 Tonner 13, Delagoa 57 (0-6-0ST).jpg

  NZASM 18 Tonner 0-6-0ST

1891

See also: 1891 in South Africa and 1891 in rail transport

• New lines opened:
  • Natal – Newcastle to Charlestown on 7 April.
  • Transvaal – Roodepoort to Krugersdorp on 10 February and Mozambique border near Komatipoort to Malelane on 28 December.

• CGR 1st Class 2-6-0 1891.jpg

  CGR 1st Class 2-6-0

• CGR 5th Class 4-6-0 no. 122, SAR no. O122.jpg

  CGR 5th Class 4-6-0

• HB Natal 0-4-0ST no. 89 (1892).jpg

  NGR Class K 0-4-0ST

• 

  NZASM 19 Tonner 0-4-2T

1892

See also: 1892 in South Africa and 1892 in rail transport

• New lines opened:
  • Cape Eastern – Dreunberg Junction to Bethulie Bridge on 21 May.
  • Cape Midland – Rosmead to Stormberg Junction on 8 February, to link with the Cape Eastern.
  • Free State – Bloemfontein to Vaal River Bridge on 7 May, Bethulie Bridge to Springfontein on 21 May and Natal-Free State border to Harrismith on 12 July.
  • Natal – Danskraal to Natal-Free State border on 12 July.
  • Transvaal – Malelane to Nelspruit on 20 June and Vaal River Bridge to Germiston on 15 September.

• NZASM 40 Tonner 0-6-2T no. 50 S.W. Burger.jpg

  NZASM 40 Tonner 0-6-2T

• 

  CGR 7th Class 4-8-0, SAR 7

1893

See also: 1893 in South Africa and 1893 in rail transport

• New lines opened:
  • Transvaal – Germiston to Pretoria on 1 January and Nelspruit to Airlie on 30 December.

• 

  NZASM 46 Tonner 0-6-4T, SAR B

• 

  CGR 6th Class 4-6-0, SAR 6

1894

See also: 1894 in South Africa and 1894 in rail transport

• New lines opened:
  • Cape Western – Vryburg to Mafeking on 3 October.
  • Transvaal – Airlie to Pretoria on 18 November.

• Harbour Board PE 0-4-0ST no. 01016 ex no. 2.jpg

  Port Elizabeth Harbour 0-4-0ST

• NZASM 32 Tonner 0-4-2T no. 994 Vaderland.jpg

  NZASM 32 Tonner 0-4-2T

1895

See also: 1895 in South Africa and 1895 in rail transport

• New lines opened:
  • Natal – Charlestown to Natal-Transvaal border on 1 December.
  • Transvaal – Natal-Transvaal border to Union Junction near Alberton on 15 December, linking Natal to Transvaal.
• The railways of the Cape Colony, Natal, the Orange Free State, the South African Republic and southern Mozambique are all linked at Union Junction near Alberton on 15 December.

• 

  Beira Railway Falcon 4-4-0, SAR NG6

1896

See also: 1896 in South Africa and 1896 in rail transport

• New lines opened:
  • Cape Eastern – Sterkstroom to Indwe on 1 February.
  • Transvaal – Kaapmuiden to Barberton on 1 April and Krugersdorp to Frederikstad on 2 November.
• Cape Town's first electric tram service begins operating along Adderley Street to Mowbray Hill.

• Metropolitan & Suburban 4-6-2T Greenpoint.jpg

  Metropolitan & Suburban 4-6-2T

• PPR 26 Tonner 0-6-0ST Pretoria.jpg

  PPR 26 Tonner 0-6-0ST

• Class C2 86 (4-6-4T) NGR 39 Playing Cards.jpg

  NGR Class H 4-6-4T, SAR C2

• SAR Class 6A 466 (4-6-0).jpg

  CGR 6th Class 4-6-0, SAR 6A

• Class 6C 553 (4-6-0) ex OVGS 88-CSAR 364.jpg

  OVGS 6th Class 4-6-0, SAR 6C

• 43 7A 4-8-0 No 1007 at Voorbaai 1997-SEP-04.jpg

  CGR 7th Class 4-8-0, SAR 7A

1897

See also: 1897 in South Africa and 1897 in rail transport

• New lines opened:
  • Cape Midland – Rosmead to Middelburg on 1 October.
  • Cape Western – Mafeking to Ramatlabama at the Bechuanaland Protectorate border on 13 March.
  • Natal – Isipingo to Park Rynie on 1 December, Verulam to Tongaat on 3 December and Thornville to Richmond on 15 December.
  • Transvaal – Frederikstad to Klerksdorp on 3 August.
• The Pretoria-Pietersburg Railway purchases a 4-6-0T locomotive named Portuguese from Mozambique.

• CGR 4th Class 4-4-2 1897 no. 297.jpg

  CGR 4th Class 4-4-2

• Class 6B 494 (4-6-0) CGR 206.jpg

  CGR 6th Class 4-6-0, SAR 6B

• 

  Dickson 0-4-2ST, SAR NG2

1898

See also: 1898 in South Africa and 1898 in rail transport

• New lines opened:
  • Cape Midland – Middelburg to Graaff-Reinet on 3 March and Bamboo Junction to Cape Collieries.
  • Free State – Theunissen to Winburg on 1 November.
  • Namaqualand – Garracoop Junction to Nababeep on 15 October.
  • Natal – Clairwood to Wests in Durban on 13 June and Tongaat to Tugela on 1 December.
  • Transvaal – Pretoria to Potgietersrus on 1 October.

• CGR 3rd Class 4-4-0 1898.jpg

  CGR 3rd Class 4-4-0 "Wynberg Tender"

• SAR Class 6E (4-6-0) ex OVGS-CSAR 6L-3.jpg

  OVGS 6th Class 4-6-0, SAR 6E

• Class 6D 594 (4-6-0) ex CGR 665.jpg

  CGR 6th Class 4-6-0, SAR 6D

• 

  PPR 55 Tonner 2-6-4T, SAR D

• 

  DSWA 0-6-0T "Zwillinge"

1899

See also: 1899 in South Africa and 1899 in rail transport

• New lines opened:
  • Cape Central – Roodewal to Swellendam on 12 April.
  • Free State – Wolwehoek to Heilbron on 31 January.
  • Natal – Pietermaritzburg to New Hanover on 25 October.
  • Transvaal – Potgietersrus to Pietersburg on 1 May.

• South African 0-4-0T 1899.jpg

  Rand Mines 0-4-0T

• 

  NGR Class C 4-10-2T, SAR H

• 

  RR 7th Class 4-8-0, SAR 7D

• SAR Class 7E 1347 (4-8-0) ex NCCR 4.jpg

  NCCR 7th Class 4-8-0, SAR 7E

The 1900s

1900

See also: 1900 in South Africa and 1900 in rail transport

• New lines opened:
  • Cape Eastern – Bowker's Park to Tarkastad on 5 December.
  • Natal – New Hanover to Greytown on 25 July, Park Rynie to Umzinto and Kelso Junction to Mtwalume, both on 8 August.

• CGR 2-6-0ST of 1900.jpg

  Port Elizabeth Harbour 2-6-0ST

• 

  CGR 3rd Class 2-6-0T

• CSAR Class C 2-8-4T (IMR 100).jpg

  IMR 2-8-4T, CSAR C

• 

  Namaqua Scotia 0-6-2

• SAR Class 6F (4-6-0) ex CGR.jpg

  CGR 6th Class 4-6-0, SAR 6F

• 44 7B 4-8-0 No 1056 at Voorbaai 1997-SEP-04.jpg

  IMR 7th Class 4-8-0, SAR 7B

• 

  IMR Sirdar 0-4-0T, SAR NG1

1901

See also: 1901 in South Africa and 1901 in rail transport

• New lines opened:
  • Cape Western – Malmesbury to Moorreesburg on 9 September.
  • Natal – Stanger to Kearsney on 13 March and Mtwalume to North Shepstone on 27 July.
• The electric tramline in Cape Town is extended from Sea Point to Camps Bay.

• CGR 3rd Class 4-4-0 1901 no. 9.jpg

  CGR 3rd Class 4-4-0 "Wynberg Tender"

• CSAR Class E 4-10-2T.jpg

  CSAR Class E 4-10-2T

• 

  Natal Harbour 0-6-0T "Edward Innes"

• NCC Pioneer 0-4-0ST c.jpg

  Namaqua 0-4-2ST "Pioneer"

• 

  Zululand 2-6-2T, NGR I

• SAR Class C1 77 (4-6-2T) NGR 38 ex NGR 25 .jpg

  NGR Class H 4-6-2T, SAR C1

• SAR Class 6G (4-6-0).jpg

  CGR 6th Class 4-6-0, SAR 6G

• Class 6H 629 (4-6-0) ex CGR 607-547.jpg

  CGR 6th Class 4-6-0, SAR 6H

• SAR Class 6K (4-6-0) ex CGR.jpg

  CGR 6th Class 4-6-0, SAR 6K

• Class 6Z (2-6-4).jpg

  CGR 6th Class 2-6-2, SAR 6Z

• 

  CGR 8th Class 2-8-0, SAR 8X

1902

See also: 1902 in South Africa and 1902 in rail transport

• New lines opened:
  • Cape Midland – Cookhouse to Somerset East and Klipplaat to Willowmore, both on 1 August.
  • Cape Western – Sir Lowry's Pass Village to Caledon on 1 August and Moorreesburg to Eendekuil on 15 November.
  • Free State – Bloemfontein to Sannaspos on 1 May.
  • Natal – Tugela to Mhlatuze on 18 July.

• Harbour Board EL 0-6-0ST no. 01028 b.jpg

  East London Harbour 0-6-0ST

• Harbour Board TB 2-6-0ST no. 01008.jpg

  Table Bay Harbour 2-6-0ST

• CGR Type A 2-6-4T no. 31 1902.jpg

  CGR Type A 2-6-4T

• CGR Type C 0-4-0T no. 20 1902.jpg

  CGR Type C 0-4-0T "Midget"

• HB Natal 0-4-0ST Congella (1902).jpg

  Natal Harbour 0-4-0ST "Congella"

• NGR 513 (2-6-0) ex Zululand Ry 2.jpg

  Zululand 2-6-0, NGR I

• SAR Class E 87 (4-6-4T) NGR Neilson Reid 1.jpg

  NGR Class F 4-6-4T, SAR E

• 

  CGR 6th Class 4-6-0, SAR 6J

• SAR Class 7C (4-8-0) ex CGR.jpg

  CGR 7th Class 4-8-0, SAR 7C

• SAR Class 8 1088 (4-8-0) CGR 779.jpg

  CGR 8th Class 4-8-0, SAR 8

• SAR Class 8A 1129 (4-8-0) IMR-CSAR 438.jpg

  IMR 8th Class 4-8-0, SAR 8A

• SAR Class Exp 2 908 (2-8-0) CGR 804.jpg

  CGR tandem compound 2-8-0, SAR Exp 2

• 

  CGR Baldwin 2-6-0, SAR NG7

1903

See also: 1903 in South Africa and 1903 in rail transport

• New lines opened:
  • Cape Central – Swellendam to Riversdale on 19 February.
  • Cape Eastern – King William's Town to Middledrift on 14 December.
  • Cape Midland – Cookhouse to Adelaide and Willowmore to Le Roux, both on 14 December.
  • Cape Western – Kalbaskraal to Hopefield on 28 February.
  • Free State – Sannaspos to Thaba 'Nchu on 22 March and Harrismith to Aberfeldy on 1 April.
  • Natal – Mhlatuze to Somkele on 17 September and Talana to Lucas Meyer on 12 November.
  • Transvaal – India Junction to India Junction to Driehoek (avoiding line) on 27 April and to New Canada on 1 November.

• CGR 3rd Class 4-4-0 1903.jpg

  CGR 3rd Class 4-4-0 "Wynberg Tender"

• 

  CGR Kitson-Meyer 0-6-0+0-6-0

• CGR NG 0-4-0T b.jpg

  CGR Krauss 0-4-0T

• CGR 0-6-0T no. 21 1902.jpg

  CGR Krauss 0-6-0T

• Harbour Stormberg (0-4-0ST).JPG

  Cape PWD 0-4-0ST

• SAR Class H1 225 (4-8-2T).jpg

  CSAR Class E 4-8-2, SAR H1

• 

  CGR Karoo Class 4-6-2, SAR 5A

• 

  CGR 6th Class 2-6-2, SAR 6Y

• Class 8BW 1153 (4-8-0).JPG

  CSAR Class 8-L2 4-8-0, SAR 8B

• SAR Class 8C 1174 (4-8-0) CSAR 483.jpg

  CSAR Class 8-L3 4-8-0, SAR 8C

• SAR Class 8D (4-8-0).jpg

  CGR 8th Class 4-8-0, SAR 8D

• SAR Class 8E 1231 (4-8-0) CGR 814.jpg

  CGR 8th Class 4-8-0, SAR 8E

• SAR Class 8Y 899 (2-8-0) CGR 820.jpg

  CGR 8th Class 2-8-0, SAR 8Y

• SAR Class Exp 3 909 (2-8-0) CGR 839.jpg

  CGR Tandem 2-8-0, SAR Exp 3

• SAR Class Exp 4 911 (2-8-2) CGR 9th Class 806.jpg

  CGR 9th Class 2-8-2, SAR Exp 4

1904

See also: 1904 in South Africa and 1904 in rail transport

• New lines opened:
  • Cape Eastern – Indwe to Xalanga on 17 August, Amabele to Komga on 7 September and Middledrift to Adelaide on 17 October.
  • Cape Midland – Le Roux to Oudtshoorn on 1 March.
  • Cape Western – Maitland to Ottery on 1 February, Paarl to Franschhoek on 7 June and Ceres Road to Artois in December.
  • Free State – Thaba 'Nchu to Modderpoort on 15 June and Hamilton to Tempe on 1 September.
  • Natal – Pietermaritzburg to Elandskop on 3 November.
  • Transvaal – Langlaagte to Vereeniging on 15 December.

• HB Natal 0-6-0ST Sir Albert (1904).jpg

  Natal Harbour 0-6-0ST "Sir Albert"

• CCC 0-4-2ST Caledonia a.jpg

  Namaqua 0-4-2IST "Caledonia"

• SAR Klasse F.jpg

  CSAR Class F 4-6-4T, SAR F

• SAR Class G 197 (4-8-2T) Dubs B 250.jpg

  NGR Class E 4-8-2T, SAR G

• Class 1 no. 1277.jpg

  NGR Class B 4-8-0, SAR 1

• SAR Class 5B 724 (4-6-2).jpg

  CGR Karoo Class 4-6-2, SAR 5B

• SAR Class 6L (4-6-0) ex CGR.jpg

  CGR 6th Class 4-6-0, SAR 6L

• 

  CGR 8th 4-8-0, SAR 8F

• SAR Class 8Z 904 (2-8-0) CGR 825.jpg

  CGR 8th Class 2-8-0, SAR 8Z

• 

  CSAR Class 9 4-6-2, SAR 9

• 

  CSAR Class 10 4-6-2, SAR 10

• 

  CSAR Class 11 2-8-2, SAR 11

• 

  CSAR Class E 4-8-0, SAR 13

• 

  CSAR Class M 0-6-0+0-6-0, SAR KM

• 

  CGR Type B 4-6-0, SAR NG8

• Class Ha 0-6-2T.jpg

  DSWA Class Ha 0-6-2T

• Class Jung 0-6-2T no 9.jpg

  DSWA Class Jung 0-6-2T

1905

See also: 1905 in South Africa and 1905 in rail transport

• New lines opened:
  • Cape Eastern – Xalanga to Elliot on 18 May, Komga to Eagle on 1 November and Aliwal North to Lady Grey on 2 November.
  • Cape Midland – Humewood Road to Humansdorp on 1 November.
  • Cape Western – Hutchinson to Pampoenpoort on 1 May, De Aar to Prieska on 19 September, Cape Town to Sea Point on 1 December and Van der Stel to Strand on 16 December.
  • Free State – Springfontein to Jagersfontein on 1 February, Aberfeldy to Bethlehem on 1 March, Modderpoort to Ladybrand on 16 December, Marseilles to Maseru in Basutoland on 18 December, and Dover to Parys on 22 December.
  • Natal – Elandskop to Donnybrook on 1 November.
  • Transvaal – Rayton to Cullinan on 27 March, Klerksdorp to Vierfontein, Free State on 1 August and Springs to Breyten on 20 December.

• CSAR Rack 4-6-4T no. 996.jpg

  CSAR 4-6-4T Rack

• CCC 0-4-2T Britannia a.jpg

  Namaqualand 0-4-2T "Britannia"

• 

  NGR Class A 4-6-2, SAR 2

• Class Hb 0-6-2T no 61.jpg

  DSWA Class Hb 0-6-2T

1906

See also: 1906 in South Africa and 1906 in rail transport

• New lines opened:
  • Cape Central – Riversdale to Voorbaai on 22 January.
  • Cape Eastern – Elliot to Maclear on 29 August and Eagle to Butterworth on 17 December.
  • Cape Midland – Port Elizabeth to Humewood Road on 1 April, Humansdorp to Misgund on 1 December and Valley Junction to Walmer on 15 December.
  • Cape Western – Pampoenpoort to Carnarvon on 1 August.
  • Free State – Jagersfontein to Fauresmith on 6 February and Bethlehem to Kroonstad on 21 June.
  • Natal – Donnybrook to Creighton on 16 May and Ennersdale to Loskop on 1 June.
  • Transvaal – Orkney to Fourteen Streams on 6 April, regauged from Pienaarsrivier to Settlers on 21 June, Apex to Witbank on 26 December, Pretoria North to Rustenburg on 27 December and Nancefield to Pimville.

• CGR Railmotor no. M6 detail.JPG

  CGR 0-4-0T+4 Railmotor

• NGR Class N no. 2 4-6-2T 1907.jpg

  NGR Class N 4-6-2T

• 

  NGR Class B 4-8-2, SAR 1B

• SAR Class Exp 5 948 (2-8-2) CGR Class 9 840 Works 4341.jpg

  CGR 9th Class 2-8-2, SAR Exp 5

• 

  CGR 10th Class 4-8-0, SAR Exp 6

1907

See also: 1907 in South Africa and 1907 in rail transport

• New lines opened:
  • Cape Midland – Knysna to Templeman on 14 July and Mosselbaai to George on 25 September.
  • Cape Western – Misgund to Avontuur on 1 January and Mafeking to Buurman's Drift on 16 May.
  • Free State – Modderpoort to Bethlehem on 2 July.
  • Natal – Estcourt to Weenen on 18 April, Loskop to Winterton on 15 May and North Shepstone to South Shepstone on 2 September.
  • Transvaal – Breyten to Ermelo on 13 March and Krugersdorp to Zeerust on 5 July.

• CSAR Railmotor no. M2.jpg

  CSAR 0-4-0T+4 Railmotor

• SAR Class Exp 1 764 (4-6-2) CGR 900 3 cyl comp.jpg

  CGR 3 Cylinder Compound, SAR Exp 1

• 

  NGR Class N 4-6-2T, SAR NG3

• SAR 8-coupled tank (2-8-0T) ex DSWA.jpg

  DSWA O&K 2-8-0T

• Class Hc 0-6-0T.jpg

  DSWA Class Hc 0-6-0T

1908

See also: 1908 in South Africa and 1908 in rail transport

• New lines opened:
  • Cape Eastern – West Bank, Buffalo Harbour to Chiselhurst on 4 January.
  • Cape Western – Milnerton to Ascot on 28 May.
  • Free State – Hamilton to Beaconsfield on 8 April.
  • Natal – Esperanza to Donnybrook on 3 June.
  • Transvaal – Machadodorp to Breyten on 6 February.

• CGR 4-6-2T 1908.jpg

  CGR NG 4-6-2T

1909

See also: 1909 in South Africa and 1909 in rail transport

• New lines opened:
  • Cape Midland – Barkly Bridge to Alexandria on 18 May.
  • Natal – Creighton to Riverside in the Eastern Cape on 4 February and Vryheid East to Hlobane on 1 April.

• SA Harbour ex HAM 0-4-0 No. 69.jpg

  SAR 0-4-0T no. 69

• Class H2 330 (4-8-2T) a.JPG

  NGR Class C 4-8-2T, SAR H2

• 

  NGR Class B 4-8-2, SAR 3

• Class MA 336 (2-6-6-0) Playing Cards.jpg

  NGR Mallet 2-6-6-0, SAR MA

The 1910s

1910

See also: 1910 in South Africa and 1910 in rail transport

• New lines opened:
  • Eastern Cape – By the Natal Government Railways from Riverside to Malenge in the Eastern Cape on 21 March.
  • Natal – Utrecht Junction to Utrecht on 27 April.
  • Transvaal – Belfast to Lydenburg on 29 April, Komatipoort to Newington on 15 May and Dunswart to Cranbourne on 4 July.

• SAR Class 1A (4-8-0).jpg

  NGR Class B 4-8-0, SAR 1A

• SAR Klasse 2C.jpg

  NGR Class A 4-6-2, SAR 2C

• SAR Class 3A 1476 (4-8-2) NGR 335.jpg

  NGR Class B 4-8-2, SAR 3A

• SAR Class 10BR 751 (4-6-2).jpg

  CSAR Class 10-2 4-6-2, SAR 10A

• SAR Class 10B 756 (4-6-2) ex CSAR 674.jpg

  CSAR Class 10-2 4-6-2, SAR 10B

• SAR Class 10CR (4-6-2).jpg

  CSAR Class 10-C 4-6-2, SAR 10C

• SAR Class 10D 779 (4-6-2) ex CSAR 1002.jpg

  CSAR Class 10 4-6-2, SAR 10D

• SAR Class MB 1602 (2-6-6-0) NGR 337.jpg

  NGR Mallet 2-6-6-0, SAR MB

• MD Mallett 1001.jpg

  CSAR Mallet 2-6-6-2, SAR MD

1911

• New lines opened:
  • Cape – Eendekuil to Graafwater on 31 May and Lady Grey to Melk on 1 December, Hopefield to Bergrivier (Narrow gauge) on 21 August.
  • Free State – Sannaspos to Jammerdrif on 4 September and Bethlehem to Reitz on 2 December.
  • Natal – Umlaas Road to Mid Illovo on 13 April, Merrivale to Howick on 7 October and Port Shepstone to Paddock on 8 November.
  • Transvaal – India Junction to Alberton on 1 March, Welverdiend to Lichtenburg on 11 May, Welgedag to Modderbee on 2 July, Ermelo to Piet Retief on 31 July, Pietersburg to Bandelierkop on 15 August and Coligny to Delareyville on 4 December.
• A passenger train from Port Alfred derails on Blaauwkrantz Bridge and plunges into the ravine below.

• 

  CGR Mountain 4-8-2, SAR 4

• 

  CSAR Mallet 2-6-6-2, SAR MF

• 

  CSAR Mallet 2-6-6-2, SAR MG

• SAR Class NG4 10 (4-6-2T).jpg

  NGR Class N 4-6-2T, SAR NG4

• South African O&K 2-8-0.jpg

  DSWA O&K 2-8-0

1912

• New lines opened:
  • Cape – Wolseley to Ceres on 20 May, Malenge to Franklin on 1 August, Schoombee to Hofmeyr and Ottery to Dieprivier on 2 December, Bergrivier to Vredenburg on 16 December and Melk to Motkop on 20 December.
  • Free State – Jammerdrif to Wepener on 7 February and Firham, Transvaal to Vrede on 1 May.
  • Transvaal – Buurman's Drift to Ottoshoop on 15 April, Zeerust to Ottoshoop on 4 November and Newington to Tzaneen on 9 November.
• The South African Railways reclassify and renumber the rolling stock of its three constituent railways.

• 

  SAR Class 3B 4-8-2

• SAR Class 5R 781 De Aar 150478.jpg

  SAR Class 5 4-6-2

• 

  SAR Class 12 4-8-2

• SAR Class MC 1608 (2-6-6-0).jpg

  SAR Class MC 2-6-6-0

• SAR Class ME 1618 (2-6-6-2).jpg

  SAR Class ME 2-6-6-2

• Class Hd 40 (2-8-2).jpg

  DSWA Class Hd 2-8-2

1913

• New lines opened:
  • Cape – Butterworth to Idutywa on 15 July, George to Oudtshoorn on 6 August, Graafwater to Kleipan on 3 November, Vredenburg to Saldanha on 5 March.
  • Natal – Greytown to Ahrens on 1 December and Tendeka to Piet Retief in Transvaal on 15 December.
  • Free State – Arlington to Senekal on 15 May and Reitz to Marsala on 3 November.
  • Transvaal – Nelspruit to Sabie on 10 November and Bandelierkop to Lilliput on 5 December.

• SAR Class 4A 1559 (4-8-2).jpg

  SAR Class 4A 4-8-2

• SAR Class 7F 1358 (4-8-0) ex NCCR 10.jpg

  NCCR 7th Class 4-8-0, SAR 7F

• SAR Class 14R 1730 Volksrust 120479.jpg

  SAR Class 14 4-8-2

1914

• New lines opened:
  • Cape – Kleipan to Birdfield on 1 January, Gamtoos to Patensie on 3 April and Caledon to Klipdale on 6 April.
  • Natal – Winterton to Bergville on 5 January, Ixopo to Madonela on 2 February, Ahrens to Kranskop on 23 February and Newleigh to Estcourt deviation in September.
  • Free State – Marsala to Frankfort on 4 March.
  • Transvaal – Lilliput to Messina on 5 May, Sabie to Graskop on 18 May, Cranbourne to Modderbee on 25 May and Bethal to Morgenzon on 21 December.

• SAR Class 14R 1905 Klerksdorp 170478.jpg

  SAR Class 14A 4-8-2

• SAR Class 15AR 1566 Port Elizabeth 030478.jpg

  SAR Class 15 4-8-2

• SAR Class 15A 1823 (4-8-2).jpg

  SAR Class 15A 4-8-2

• 

  SAR Class 16 4-6-2

• Class MC1 (2-6-6-0).jpg

  SAR Class MC1 2-6-6-0

• SAR Class MJ 1651 (2-6-6-0).jpg

  SAR Class MJ 2-6-6-0

1915

• New lines opened:
  • Cape – Klipdale to Protem on 30 June, Prieska to South West Border on 1 August, Birdfield to Klawer on 15 November, Motkop to New England on 29 November and Carnarvon to Williston on 1 December.
  • Free State – Westleigh to Vierfontein and Fauresmith to Koffiefontein, both on 31 May.
  • Natal – Dalton to Glenside on 12 April, Paddock to Izingolweni on 16 August and Schroeders to Bruyns Hill on 5 October.
  • Transvaal – Tzaneen to Soekmekaar on 4 August.
  • Cape (Walvisbaai) – Walvisbaai to Swakop River on 1 August.
• The SAR purchases six Rhodesian 7th Class locomotives and designate them Class 7D and Class 7B.
• Thirteen Mozambican Falcon 4-4-0 locomotives are acquired to relieve engines for service in South West Africa.

• SAR Class J 345 (4-6-4T).jpg

  SAR Class J 4-6-4T

• SAR Class 14R 1756 Masons Mill 290379.jpg

  SAR Class 14B 4-8-2

• SAR Class 16A 852 (4-6-2) a.jpg

  SAR Class 16A 4-6-2

• Class MH 1661 (2-6-6-2) Playing Cards.jpg

  SAR Class MH 2-6-6-2

• SAR Class NG9 (4-6-0).jpg

  SAR Class NG9 4-6-0

1916

• New lines opened:
  • Cape – Idutywa to Umtata on 18 September, Williston to Kootjieskolk on 2 October and Ascot to Tygerberg in November.
  • Free State – Aliwal North to Zastron on 30 June and Vierfontein to Bothaville on 31 July.
  • Natal – Boughton to Cedara deviation on 25 May and Donnybrook to Underberg on 24 November.
  • Transvaal – Morgenzon to Amersfoort on 18 February, Volksrust to Amersfoort on 5 June and Delareyville to Pudimoe on 18 October.

• 

  SAR Class NG10 4-6-2

1917

• New lines opened:
  • Natal – Izingolweni to Harding on 5 March and Gingindlovu to Eshowe on 20 June.

• SAR Class K (4-6-4T).jpg

  SAR Class K 4-6-4T

• Katanga Mikado 2-8-2 no. 201.jpg

  SAR Katanga Mikado

• 

  SAR Class 16B 4-6-2

1918

• New lines opened:
  • Cape – Kootjieskolk to Calvinia on 2 February and to Sakrivier on 16 September.

• 

  SAR Class 14C 4-8-2

• Class 15BR no. 1982.jpg

  SAR Class 15B 4-8-2

• SAR Class MJ1 1673 (2-6-6-0).jpg

  SAR Class MJ1 2-6-6-0

1919

• New lines opened:
  • Natal – Deviation from Umlaas Road to Pentrich on 9 January.

• SAR Class 12A 1547 Visrivier - 140479.jpg

  SAR Class 12A 4-8-2

• SAR Class 16C 825 (4-6-2).jpg

  SAR Class 16C 4-6-2

• 

  SAR Class NG G11 2-6-0+0-6-2

The 1920s

1920

• SAR Class 12R 1939 New Brighton 310379.jpg

  SAR Class 12B 4-8-2

1921

• New lines opened:
  • Transvaal – Pretoria West to Roberts Heights on 1 November.
  • Natal – Booth Junction to Cato Ridge on 28 November.

• 

  SAR Class GA 2-6-0+0-6-2

• 

  SAR Class GB 2-6-2+2-6-2

1922

• New lines opened:
  • South West Africa – Kolmanskop to Bogenfels on 1 April.
• The South African Railways inherits all railway in South West Africa.

• 

  SAR Class NG5 2-8-2

1923

• New lines opened:
  • Cape – Kamfersdam to Winter's Rush on 6 August and Belmont to Douglas on 9 August.
  • Transvaal – Settlers to Tuinplaas on 30 October.

• Dutton Road-Rail Tractor no. RR1155 b.jpg

  SAR Dutton road-rail tractors

• Gas-electric locomotive.jpg

  SAR Gas-electric

• Class GK 2341 ex NCCR G2 (2-6-2+2-6-2).jpg

  NCCR 2-6-2+2-6-2 Garratt, SAR GK

1924

• New lines opened:
  • Cape – Klipdale to Bredasdorp on 19 April, Pinelands to Langa on 16 June, Franklin to Kokstad on 3 November, Franklin to Matatiele on 4 November, Oudtshoorn to Calitzdorp on 14 November and Touws River to Kareevlakte on 15 December.
  • Free State – Wepener to Zastron on 16 April and Heilbron to Petrus Steyn on 24 July.
  • South West Africa – Gobabis Junction in Windhoek to Ondekaremba on 19 September.
  • Transvaal – Balfour North to Grootvlei on 1 May, Lydenburg to Steelpoort on 10 September, Naboomspruit to Singlewood on 22 September and Hercules to Schoemansville on 15 December.

• SAR Class GC 2182 (2-6-2+2-6-2).jpg

  SAR Class GC 2-6-2+2-6-2

• SAR Class ES1 E 502.jpg

  SAR Class ES1

1925

• New lines opened:
  • Cape – Kareevlakte to Ladismith on 19 October and Fort Beaufort to Katberg on 1 December.
  • Free State – Senekal to Marquard on 14 October and Frankfort to Villiers on 26 November.
  • Natal – Eshowe to Extension on 26 June.
  • Transvaal – Rustenburg to Boshoek on 21 January, Magaliesburg to Schoemansville on 26 May, Ermelo to Lothair on 1 September, Elandshoek to Solarvale on 25 September and Nylstroom to Vaalwater on 1 October.
• The New Cape Central Railway and its line from Worcester to Voorbaai is taken over by the South African railways.

• Class 15C 4-8-2.jpg

  SAR Class 15C 4-8-2

• SAR Class 16D 860 (4-6-2).JPG

  SAR Class 16D 4-6-2

• Class FC 2310 (2-6-2+2-6-2) Playing Cards.jpg

  SAR Class FC 2-6-2+2-6-2

• SAR Class GD (2-6-2+2-6-2).jpg

  SAR Class GD 2-6-2+2-6-2

• Class GE no. 2274.jpg

  SAR Class GE 2-8-2+2-8-2

• SAR Class GG 2290 (2-6-2+2-6-2) b.jpg

  SAR Class GG 2-6-2+2-6-2

• Class 1E E23.JPG

  SAR Class 1E

1926

• New lines opened:
  • Cape – Upington to Kakamas on 18 August, Addo to Sunland on 1 September, Katberg to Seymour on 19 November and Klawer to Landplaas on 8 December.
  • Free State – Harrismith to Warden on 7 June.
  • Natal – Mtubatuba to Candover on 15 September.
  • Transvaal – Villiers, Free State to Grootvlei on 18 January and Citrus to Plaston on 22 November.

• SAR Class 15CA 2802 (4-8-2).JPG

  SAR Class 15CA 4-8-2

• 

  SAR Class 17 4-8-0TT

• Class FD (2-6-2+2-6-2).jpg

  SAR Class FD 2-6-2+2-6-2

1927

• New lines opened:
  • Cape – Sunland to Kirkwood on 7 January, Landplaas to Bitterfontein on 27 April and Imvani to Qamata on 14 September.
  • Natal – Candover to Golela, Transvaal on 4 July.
  • Transvaal – Solarvale to Mount Carmel on 10 February and Makwassie to Vermaas on 1 July.

• Class 18 2-10-2.jpg

  SAR Class 18 2-10-2

• SAR Class HF 1386 (2-8-2+2-8-2).jpg

  SAR Class HF 2-8-2+2-8-2

• Class GCA no. 2615 b.jpg

  SAR Class GCA 2-6-2+2-6-2

• SAR Class GF (4-6-2+2-6-4).jpg

  SAR Class GF 4-6-2+2-6-4

• 

  SAR Class U 2-6-2+2-6-2

• SAR Class NG G12 57 (2-6-2+2-6-2).jpg

  SAR Class NG G12 2-6-2+2-6-2

• Class NG G13 (2-6-2+2-6-2).jpg

  SAR Class NG G13 2-6-2+2-6-2

1928

• New lines opened:
  • Cape – Winter's Rush to Koopmansfontein on 31 January and George to Knysna on 1 May.
  • Free State – Bothaville to Wesselsbron on 18 July.
  • South West Africa – Ondekaremba to Seeis on 9 July.
  • Transvaal – Klerksdorp to Ottosdal on 24 February, Potchefstroom to Fochville on 14 April, Brits to Beestekraal on 11 June and Singlewood to Zebediela on 2 July.

• SAR Class 16DA 850 (4-6-2).jpg

  SAR Class 16DA 4-6-2 1928

• SAR Class 19 1369 (4-8-2) R.JPG

  SAR Class 19 4-8-2

• Class GH (4-6-2+2-6-4).jpg

  SAR Class GH 4-6-2+2-6-4

1929

• New lines opened:
  • Cape – Hermon to Porterville on 3 April, Ceres to Prince Alfred Hamlet on 10 April, and the line from Monument to Sea Point is uplifted on 17 April.
  • Free State – Wesselsbron to Bultfontein on 16 April and Arlington to Lindley on 31 July.
  • South West Africa – Seeis to Witvlei on 1 December.
  • Transvaal – Boshoek to Middelwit on 12 August, Messina to Beitbridge on 31 August and Derwent to Stoffberg on 14 November.

• SAR Class S 365 (0-8-0).jpg

  SAR Class S 0-8-0

• 

  SAR Class 19A 4-8-2

• 

  SAR Class GDA 2-6-2+2-6-2

• Class GL 2351 (4-8-2+2-8-4) Princess Alice.jpg

  SAR Class GL 4-8-2+2-8-4

• SAR Railmotor no. RM11 (Clayton) b.JPG

  SAR Clayton Railmotor

The 1930s

1930

• New lines opened:
  • Cape – Fort Knokke to Woltemade no. 1 on 14 April, Koopmansfontein to Postmasburg on 1 November and New England to Barkly East on 10 December.
  • Free State – Parys to Vredefort on 24 April and Petrus Steyn to Lindley on 14 May.
  • Natal – Empangeni to Nkwalini on 19 September.
  • South West Africa – Witvlei to Gobabis on 6 November.

• Class 8R 4-8-0.jpg

  SAR Class 8R 4-8-0

• SAR Class 16DA 879 Orange River - 130479.jpg

  SAR Class 16DA 4-6-2 1930

• SAR Class 19B (4-8-2) Daisy.jpg

  SAR Class 19B 4-8-2

1931

• New lines opened:
  • Cape – Molteno to Jamestown on 3 June.
  • Natal – Chailey to Mount Alida and Greyville Cabin to Berea Road, both on 1 July.

• Class NG G14 84 (2-6-2+2-6-2).jpg

  SAR Class NG G14 2-6-2+2-6-2

• Class NG 15 122 (2-8-2).JPG

  SAR Class NG15 2-8-2

1934

• New lines opened:
  • Cape – Kleinstraat to Matroosberg on 15 October.
  • Transvaal – Northam Junction to Thabazimbi on 26 February, Germiston to Elsburg on 29 July and Tuinplaas to Marble Hall on 21 September.

1935

• New lines opened:
  • Transvaal – Springs to Kaydale on 19 October.

• 

  SAR Class 15E 4-8-2

• 

  SAR Class 16E 4-6-2

• Class 19C (4-8-2).jpg

  SAR Class 19C 4-8-2

• 

  SAR Class 20 2-10-2

1936

• New lines opened:
  • Cape – Palingpan to Manganore on 15 June and Postmasburg to Lohatla on 30 June.
  • Natal – Point to Congella on 1 May.

• SAR Class ES a.jpg

  SAR Class ES

1937

• SAR Class 19D No. 2685 - Wesley - Umgeni Steam Railway.jpg

  SAR Class 19D 4-8-2

• 

  SAR Class 21 2-10-4

• 

  SAR Class NG G16 2-6-2+2-6-2

• SAR Class 2E E13x.jpg

  SAR Class 2E

1938

• New lines opened:
  • Transvaal – Midway to Bank on 6 November.

• SAR Class 15F 2916 (4-8-2).JPG

  SAR Class 15F 4-8-2

• 

  SAR Class 23 4-8-2

• SAR Class GM 2298 (4-8-2+2-8-4).jpg

  SAR Class GM 4-8-2+2-8-4

1939

• SAR Class DS D137 (D513) a.jpg

  SAR Class DS

• SAR Class DS1 D138 (D514).jpg

  SAR Class DS1

The 1940s

1940

• New lines opened:
  • Transvaal – Crown to Langlaagte on 12 January and Germiston to Jupiter on 2 December.

1943

• New lines opened:
  • Transvaal – New Canada to Phomolong on 29 January and Hercules to Koedoespoort on 7 June.

1945

• New lines opened:
  • Transvaal – Village Main to Faraday on 4 June.

1946

• New lines opened:
  • Transvaal – Ogies to Vandyksdrif on 1 June.

• Class GEA 4027 (4-8-2+2-8-4).jpg

  SAR Class GEA 4-8-2+2-8-4

1947

• 

  SAR Class S1 0-8-0

• Class 3E no. E201 e.jpg

  SAR Class 3E

1948

• New lines opened:
  • Free State – Whites to Odendaalsrus on 7 June.

1949

• 

  SAR Class 24 2-8-4

The 1950s

1950

• New lines opened:
  • Transvaal – Vandyksdrif to Broodsnyersplaas on 2 October.

1951

• New lines opened:
  • Transvaal – Grootvlei to Redan on 13 June and Springs to Welgedag on 21 December.

1952

• New lines opened:
  • Free State – Odendaalsrus to Allanridge on 18 December.

• Class S2 3728 (0-8-0) c.jpg

  SAR Class S2 0-8-0

• 

  SAR Class 4E

1953

• New lines opened:
  • Cape – Lohatla to Sishen on 14 October.

• 3511 - Hartswater 240481.jpg

  SAR Class 25 4-8-4

• SAR Class 25NC 3410 (4-8-4) a.jpg

  SAR Class 25NC 4-8-4

1954

• Class GMAM 4079 (4-8-2+2-8-4).JPG

  SAR Class GMA 4-8-2+2-8-4

• HGG-GO-1979-DeAar.jpg

  SAR Class GO 4-8-2+2-8-4

1955

• SAR Class 5E Series 1 E259.JPG

  SAR Class 5E, Series 1

1957

• SAR Class 5E E326.jpg

  SAR Class 5E, Series 2

1958

• SAR Class 5E Series 3 E563.JPG

  SAR Class 5E, Series 3

• SAR Class 31-000 31-028 R.JPG

  SAR Class 31-000 (GE U12B)

1959

• SAR Class 5E1 Series 1 E464.jpg

  SAR Class 5E1, Series 1

• Class32odn.jpg

  SAR Class 32-000 (GE U18C1)

• SAR Class 61-000 61-006 (D750) 2.JPG

  SAR Class 61-000 (DH 1420)

The 1960s

1963

• Class 5E1, Series 2 no. E610.jpg

  SAR Class 5E1, Series 2

1964

• Class 5E1 E819.jpg

  SAR Class 5E1, Series 3

1965

• At least 150 are killed when a commuter train derails at the outskirts of Durban.

• Class 5E1 Series 4 E866.jpg

  SAR Class 5E1, Series 4

• SAR Class 33-000 33-025.JPG

  SAR Class 33-000 (GE U20C)

1966

• SAR Class 5E1 Series 5 E941.JPG

  SAR Class 5E1, Series 5

• 

  SAR Class 32-200 (GE U20C1)

• SAR Class 33-200 33-212 & 33-023.jpg

  SAR Class 33-200 (EMD GL26MC)

1968

• Class 33-400 33-488.JPG

  SAR Class 33-400 (GE U20C)

1969

• SAR Class 6E1 Series 1 E1228.JPG

  SAR Class 6E1, Series 1

The 1970s

1970

• SAR Class 6E E1221.JPG

  SAR Class 6E

1971

• SAR Class 6E1 Series 2 E1252.JPG

  SAR Class 6E1, Series 2

• SAR Class 6E1 Series 3 E1364.JPG

  SAR Class 6E1, Series 3

• SAR Class 34-000 34-044.JPG

  SAR Class 34-000 (GE U26C)

• SAR Class 34-200 34-227.JPG

  SAR Class 34-200 (EMD GT26MC)

1972

• SAR Class 35-000 35-048.JPG

  SAR Class 35-000 (GE U15C)

1973

• SAR Class 6E1 Series 4 E1481.JPG

  SAR Class 6E1, Series 4

• SAR Class 34-400 34-401.JPG

  SAR Class 34-400 (GE U26C)

• 

  SAR Class 91-000 (GE UM6B)

1974

• The Sishen-Saldanha iron ore line is opened.

• SAR Class 6E1 Series 5 E1592.JPG

  SAR Class 6E1, Series 5

• SAR Class 34-500 34-516.JPG

  SAR Class 34-500 (GE U26C)

• SAR Class 34-600 84-652.JPG

  SAR Class 34-600 (EMD GT26MC)

• SAR Class 35-200 35-226.JPG

  SAR Class 35-200 (EMD GT18MC)

1975

• SAR Class 36-000 36-067.JPG

  SAR Class 36-000 (GE SG10B)

1976

• SAR Class 6E1 Series 6 E1708.JPG

  SAR Class 6E1, Series 6

• SAR Class 35-400 35-467.JPG

  SAR Class 35-400 (GE U15C)

• SAR Class 35-600 35-662.JPG

  SAR Class 35-600 (EMD GT18MC)

1977

• SAR Class 6E1 Series 7 E1798.JPG

  SAR Class 6E1, Series 7

1978

• The South African Railways sets a still unbeaten world rail speed record.

• SAR Class ExpAC E1600 R.JPG

  SAR Class Experimental AC

• Class 7E E7058.JPG

  SAR Class 7E

• SAR Class 9E Series 1 E9016.JPG

  SAR Class 9E, Series 1

• SAR Class 34-800 34-839 Left.JPG

  SAR Class 34-800 (EMD GT26MC)

1979

• SAR Class 6E1 Series 8 E1950 Blue.JPG

  SAR Class 6E1, Series 8

The 1980s

1980

• SAR Class 7E1 E7137.JPG

  SAR Class 7E1

• SAR Class 34-900 34-911.JPG

  SAR Class 34-900 (GE U26C)

• SAR Class 36-200 36-201.JPG

  SAR Class 36-200 (EMD SW1002)

1981

• 

  SAR Class 26 4-8-4

• SAR Class 6E1 Series 9 E2030.jpg

  SAR Class 6E1, Series 9

• Class 37-000 37-014.JPG

  SAR Class 37-000 (EMD GT26M2C)

1982

• SAR Class 6E1 Series 10 E2133.jpg

  SAR Class 6E1, Series 10

• SAR Class 7E2 Series 1 E7153.JPG

  SAR Class 7E2, Series 1

• SAR Class 9E Series 2 E9026.JPG

  SAR Class 9E, Series 2

• QR 2170 Class 2202D.jpg

  QR 2170 class, TFR 35-800 (EMD GL26C-2)

1983

• SAR Class 7E2 Series 2 E7215.JPG

  SAR Class 7E2, Series 2

• SAR Class 7E3 Series 1 E7253.JPG

  SAR Class 7E3, Series 1

• SAR Class 8E E8062.JPG

  SAR Class 8E

• SAR Class 12E 12-003.jpg

  SAR Class 12E

1984

• The South African Railways inaugurates the MetroBlitz interurban train service between Pretoria and Johannesburg.

• SAR Class 6E1 Series 11 E2185.jpg

  SAR Class 6E1, Series 11

• SAR Class 7E3 Series 2 E7296.JPG

  SAR Class 7E3, Series 2

1985

• SAR Class 10E 10-021.JPG

  SAR Class 10E

• SAR Class 11E 11-028.JPG

  SAR Class 11E (GM GM5FC)

1987

• Class 10E1 Series 1 10-071.JPG

  SAR Class 10E1, Series 1

1989

• SAR Class NG G16A 141 (2-6-2+2-6-2).jpg

  ACR Class NG G16A 2-6-2+2-6-2

• SAR Class 10E2 10-103.JPG

  SAR Class 10E2

The 1990s

1990

• South African Transport Services become Transnet and the South African Rail Commuter Corporation, with Spoornet and Metrorail as respective railway operators.

• SAR Class 10E1 10-168.jpg

  Spoornet Class 10E1, Series 2

• Class 6E1 Series 6 E1709 (16-422B).jpg

  Spoornet Class 16E

1991

• SAR Class 14E Series 1 14-001.JPG

  Spoornet Class 14E

1992

• SAR Class 38-000 38-001.JPG

  Spoornet Class 38-000

1993

• SAR Class 17E E1826.JPG

  Spoornet Class 17E

• Amcoal Class E38 E38-003.JPG

  Anglo Coal Class E38

1994

• SAR Class 14E Series 2 14-101.JPG

  Spoornet Class 14E1

1995

• A locomotive falls into a mine shaft onto an ascending cage and both plunge to the bottom of the shaft, killing 104.

The 2000s

2000

• SAR Class 18E Series 1 18-328.JPG

  Spoornet Class 18E, Series 1

2001

• E7272.jpg

  Spoornet Class 7E4

2006

• Class 39-000 39-002.JPG

  Spoornet Class 39-000 (EMD GT26CU-3)

2009

• Class 18E 18-670.JPG

  TFR Class 18E, Series 2

• Class 19E.jpg

  TFR Class 19E

• Class 39-200 39-242.JPG

  TFR Class 39-200 (EMD GT26CU-3)

The 2010s

2010

• Class 15E 15-006.JPG

  TFR Class 15E

2011

• Class 43-000 43-116.JPG

  TFR Class 43-000 (GE C30ACi)

2013

• Class 20E 20-080.jpg

  TFR Class 20E

2014

• Class 21E 21-010.jpg

  TFR Class 21E

• Class Afro4000 4007.jpg

  PRASA Class Afro 4000

2015

• Class 22E 22-020.jpg

  TFR Class 22E

• Class 44-000 44-003.jpg

  TFR Class 44-000 (GE ES40ACi)