Return of the Giants (1998) SHT
01
South Africa's Eastern Free State was once one of the world's greatest theatres of steam. It boasted a 300-kilometre scenic railway, which was the centre of spectacular steam action for many decades. But in the 1980's, muttering diesels replaced the bellowing steam locomotives, and the sandstone cliffs and rocky gorges of the area fell silent.
In response to this demise, a new initiative was begun at the end of the 1990's to bring back those glory days of steam: the Sandstone Steam Railroad Company was formed, and made a lasting commitment to return the renowned Bloemfontein-Bethlehem line to steam traction, and to bring back the locomotives so loved by railway enthusiasts all over the world.
This DVD documents the aims and development of the Company, the restoration of its locomotives and rolling stock, and the challenges that faced steam preservation in South Africa in the last few years of the 20th century.
It will also take you back to the early days of the line, when powerful steam locomotives working daily trains were a common sight, when drivers and firemen were men of grit and mettle, and when it seemed that the Golden Age of railways would never end.
The Sandstone Steam Railroad Company had embarked on a massive task in its attempt to bring back a colourful past - reviving a great scenic railway and preserving a piece of South Africa's unique steam heritage in the process. And although circumstances have changed since then, the dream is still alive, and being carried forward today by the Sandstone Heritage Trust and its partners in the Steam-in-Action initiative.
This DVD is a reminder of the very beginnings of that first railway renaissance.
DURATION 86 min.