Full steam ahead for Kloof train revamp
Join the team from Umgeni Steam Railways and help revamp the train at Stokers Arms in Kloof.
A FAMILY trio from New Germany, Storm, Keagan and Mark Beavis, are eager to begin the restoration of one of Kloof’s landmarks, the Stokers Train, and they have called for the support of the Highway community to set the wheels in motion.
Mark has been a member of Umgeni Steam Railway, a non-profit organisation, for more than 20 years and is undeniably excited at the prospect of giving this once great steam engine a much-needed facelift.
“This train, by the looks of things, will never run again. Its axle is bent and the gearbox is in the wrong place. What we are wanting to do is ensure that it is no longer an eyesore on the tracks but also a safe place for children to explore,” he said.
The idea came about when a member of the public drove past and noticed the state of the train and appealed for someone to do something about it.
“I said I wouldn’t mind helping in some way and the project just took off from there,” said Mark. The family has since made contact with a few local businesses for help and, three months later, they are eager for the project to begin.
“We want to restore its beauty and to do that we are going to need material and funding before we can start the project. We would love the public to be involved as we need people with welding and woodworking experience, and those who are wanting to throw a hammer around and try and clean it up. Donation of steel and people with rolling presses to shape the metal would be of such a great help,” he said.
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Depending on the amount of support that rolls in, they have earmarked the project to be completed within six months to two years.
“As someone with a fulltime job, I can only give my time on the weekend and, once we get everyone on board, we will meet and see who can do what and fit in where,” said an eager Mark.
The train is more than 120 years old and has been a must see for children, and adults alike, when visiting Stokers Arms in Kloof.
“Youngsters of today don’t know what steam trains are and its is such a fun place for children to explore. At the moment, as it stands, I wouldn’t want my child playing on that,” he said.
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