Comments on: Rail tourism: South Africa’s slow-motion train wreck

By: Peter Fisher

Peter Fisher — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 14:19:33 +0000

Well said Ian.Believe it or not Timothy George is now Marketing Of The Blue Train.Is it headed the same way?

By: Justin Miles

Justin Miles — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:42:45 +0000

No matter how hard we appeal its gets stopped by goverment, its the same in the telecoms industry where we need cheaper broadband access which should be a right for every citizen.

Back to the steam trains, the coaches that the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe hauled need a serious re-furbish. Lets hope the OCT takeover by a new buyer does not get steam rolled into the deal not happening.

Took a video of the momentous occasion of the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe running on the 19 Oct 2009. Youtube Clip http://bit.ly/4mC4Tz

By: Trevor Staats

Trevor Staats — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 22:38:12 +0000

It is just criminal. No respect for history, and what is more perplexing, no acknowledgement of the huge tourist drawcard that properly run tourist railways offer. How about Sunday trains at George?

By: John Parker

John Parker — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:30:12 +0000

In my very minor involvment in this sorry saga I have asked questions of Tammy Evans about the possiblilty of applying for World Heritage Site status.
Having been to many of them around the world, the George Knysna line is better qualified than most!!
I have absolutely no idea whether or not there is a financial advantage in WHS status but polititions may feel extra responsibility towards such an internationally recognised asset.

By: Ian Pretorius

Ian Pretorius — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:15:11 +0000

Name them and shame them (although their skin is thicker than a Sherman tank). The Rave train was organised by Timothy George and approved by Vusi Nchunu of Transnet Heritage Foundation. Timothy George was the wonder consultant brought in to “Africanise” the Union Limited. Fortunately I was able to provide thousands of overseas and local tourists and train enthusiasts with many happy hours on the Union Limited with many meals in the magnificent Protea before the slaughter happened.

By: Nerina Skuy

Nerina Skuy — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:14:43 +0000

The tragic state of this valuable living heritage lies squarely at the feet of the powers that-be in Transnet, whose shortsightedness have and continued to cost this country – amongst others -much-needed jobs, community and economic development through the protection and preservation of a vital tourism ingredient. And, that is just one aspect. What about the fact that a vital segment of our history is being reduced to a pile of rust while they play their games.

I remind them of the words of Eliza Doolittle … “Just you wait ????, just you wait… you’ll be sorry but your tears will be too late…”

By: Dylan Knott

Dylan Knott — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:33:32 +0000

So sad to see Protea end up in that state. Over the last few years railway preservation stalled as the ones in the know were too concernced scoring own goals! Now the hot air has subsided and we are left with the dismal results!

Good news from George though! I understand that the trains will be hauled by diesels due to the ongoing drought. However class 32 vintage diesels are just as good as steam locos.