LOCOMOTION

Seven superbly reconditioned locomotives are the heart and soul of Rovos Rail and a sight to gladden the heart of any rail enthusiast

There’s a story behind the acquisition and restoration of every one of the Rovos Rail locomotives. Each one has a distinctive character and charm and are all named after owners Rohan and Anthea Vos’ family. The oldest engine in the stable is also the smallest: 439 TIFFANY – named after their youngest daughter - is one of 40 Class 6 locomotives manufactured by Dubs & Co in 1893. Rohan Vos first saw this petite loco on the platform of Winburg Station in the Eastern Freestate and it was love at first sight. The loco was purchased in 1897 and Dunns Locomotive in Witbank was commissioned to return the Class 6 to running condition.

2701 BRENDA, 2702 BIANCA and 3360 SHAUN are named after Rohan and Anthea’s other three children. They are Class 19D Locomotives, which were all built during the 1930s. All three locomotives were saved from scrap-metal dealers and, after extensive restoration by Dunns Locomotive and the Rovos Staff, were put back into service in 1989.

Loco 3484 MARJORIE - named after Rohan’s mother - is a Class 25NC locomotive built in 1954 by North British in Glasgow. Due to the difficulties in running steam locomotives over long distances in South Africa, the decision was made to convert this locomotive from coal fired to an oil-fired engine. She can cover a distance of 200 kilometres without needing to stop for oil or water; whereas the coal fired locomotives need to stop for water every 80 kilometres.

A further two Class 25NC locomotives have been restored and added to the fleet. Loco 3442 ANTHEA, built in 1953 by Henschel of Germany is named after Rohan’s wife. Loco 3533 KING ZOG is named after Rohan’s Dalmatian.