Volunteers keep the Inchanga Choo Choo puffing
The beloved steam train that runs out of Inchanga Station, near Hillcrest, is kept on track by a group of dedicated volunteers from the Umgeni Steam Railway.
VOLUNTEERS of the Umgeni Steam Railway are custodians of Wesley the Steam Locomotive and other rolling stock, housed at a quaint station in the green valley of Inchanga. Wesley, puffing and hissing steam, faithfully pulls family-filled coaches up the steep gradient towards Alverstone, once a month.
Brendon Anderson is one of the train drivers who coaxes the 1938 German-built steam locomotive over the tracks between Inchanga and Hillcrest.
“Train travel is no longer the main mode of transport in South Africa. Sometimes a trip on the Inchanga Choo Choo might be the first time a person has been on a train. Railways played a big part in infrastructure growth around the world in the past, and the steam train is unique. We are a bit of an odd bunch that loves these old machines and loves being around them,” says Anderson.
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Anderson says that the club has collected locomotives, coaches and carriages since the early 1980s. Some items were bought on auction or from private collectors, and others have been donated to the NPO.
Maureen is a Scottish-built 1912 locomotive currently being restored by the organisation, and once she is back on the tracks, she will be the second-oldest operating steam engine locomotive in South Africa. Anderson said the volunteers were hoping to have her ready by December, however, the Covid pandemic and the April floods have severely impacted the NPO’s income.
“Ticket sales are our only source of income – that’s why Covid and the floods have been devastating as they caused our income to be cut off. We generate our required funds for the whole month just from operating two or three days out of the whole month.
“The public is what is keeping the train going – we can’t do this without the support of the passengers. We’ve had phenomenal support from the public since the Covid restrictions were lifted. It’s been heartwarming,” says Anderson.
The income to Umgeni Steam Railway pays for the maintenance of the trains, infrastructure, rental of the premises and all overheads. Coal is one of the biggest expenses for the club.
Anderson says, “We buy coal by the ton and have learnt to invest in good quality coal as our locomotives are sensitive. If we have a bad batch, they struggle to make steam. Coal costs about R2 000 a ton, and we use between four and five tons of coal each weekend.”
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The club has roughly 100 members and 20 active volunteers who attend work parties.
The driver says, “We are lucky to have a broad range of volunteers from engineers to accountants, lawyers, and architects – people from all walks of life are involved with this. Some people have railway backgrounds in their families, and some don’t. As the engines get older, they require more intensive care and maintenance. Our skilled engineers can fabricate some of the required parts from scratch.”
Anderson’s father was a founding member of the club, and from the age of six, he and his brother were involved with the steam locomotives. Anderson’s grandfather and great-grandfather worked for the railways, and it seems that the fifth generation of the family’s association with steam trains has already begun with Anderson’s own son Jake.
“I wasn’t always mad about trains. I was a keen yachtsman as a youngster and was always sailing on weekends. In my late teens, the bug bit once I could get my hands on the steam locomotives.
“I’m a chartered accountant by profession, and I work in the commerce field. This is a nice change from my office job, where I can get my hands dirty. My son is seven now and is very keen on the trains. It’s exciting to see,” says Anderson.
For more information, email: info@umgenisteamrailway.com
