Considered one of the most luxurious trains in the world, the Blue Train has been the jewel in the South African Railways crown for nearly one hundred years.
The train came into existence under the Union Limited banner in 1923 and apart from a brief suspension during World War Two has remained in service ever since. During the years the Blue Train has seen many changes, including rolling stock upgrades and a variety of different locomotive types. It boasted features like air conditioning as early as 1939 with the newer Union Carriage & Wagon stock coming into service in 1972. The Union Carriage stock was upgraded in 1997.
Current locomotives - The class 20E was introduced in 2013 and were manufactured by the Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive Company of China. They are Dual 3 kV DC & 25 kV AC/50Hz and also use a Bo-Bo wheel arrangement. Dual voltage locomotives can do the entire journey from Pretoria to Cape Town avoiding the need to change locomotives in different voltage sections. The 20Es also automatically select the appropriate electrical circuit while transitioning from one supply voltage to the next entirely avoiding the need to stop. This transition process is aided by a series of track magnets that interact with sensors under the cowcatcher as the locomotives enter a neutral track section allowing for complete shutdown and restart once the next electrified section is reached.
Designed as a freight locomotive the 20E does provide a bit of a jerky ride for passengers ... or so I've been told. The class has also earned its fair share of nicknames. The most common being China doll and toothpaste box.
The Blue train is still occasionally serviced by the South African class 18E. The class were rebuilt from the ageing class 6E1 that also serviced the Blue train during their heyday. Rebuilt in Pretoria by Transnet Engineering the upgraded locomotives now feature dual-purpose main resistance modules, microprocessor control and remote input/output systems amongst other upgrades. They are still of the 3kV DC power class and have maintained their Bo-Bo wheel arrangement.
Further reading - South African Class 18E, South African Class 20E
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| ISO 100, 1/640 sec. f/9 at 135 mm |
Tuesday, 24 October 2017 11:45 a.m.
A quick blast of the horn as the 20E's get their load in motion. The train was brought to a stop further down the line after being presented with a red signal. I often frequent this location near Botha Cellar, it happens to be one of the easily accessible spots that provide mid-morning light on the front of the locomotive. Unfortunately, on this day the clouds did me in at moment ninety-nine. The remnants of which can be seen in the distance.
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| ISO 100, 1/640 sec. f/9 at 160 mm |
Wednesday, 09 August 2017 12:55 p.m.
Walking back and forth along the N1 I finally managed to find a suitable photograph through the catenary. The task sounds simple, but any railway photographer will gladly inform you of the truth. Here the train is seen alongside the Hexriver approaching Sandhills siding in the Hex River Valley.
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| ISO 100, 1/640 sec. f/9 at 50 mm |
Tuesday, 08 August 2017 10:30 a.m.
With harvest season in full swing and a small army of farm equipment crisscrossing the line almost continuously. The Blue Train driver lets his presence known by blasting the horn vigorously as the train passes Botha Cellar on a rather hazy morning. Taken from the overpass bridge on the R43 near Botha Cellar.
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| ISO 200, 1/800 sec. f/9 at 55 mm |
Wednesday, 19 July 2017 11:44 a.m.
I established contact with fellow rail enthusiast Francois Mattheüs a few years ago and after conversing via the railway forums for quite some time he decided to join me for some 'ferroequinology'. On my side of the mountain that is. We met up in Worcester and after formalities piled into the Colt for some spotting. Our excursion produced four trains during the course of the morning including the Blue Train. Not terrible for the Cape Mainline.
We took up our position on the overpass bridge near Botha Cellar, chatting up a storm despite the howling wind and my sore throat.
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| ISO 200, 1/1000 sec. f/10 at 255 mm |
Crew change in Worcester station.
I established contact with fellow rail enthusiast Francois Mattheüs a few years ago and after conversing via the railway forums for quite some time he decided to join me for some 'ferroequinology'. On my side of the mountain that is. We met up in Worcester and after formalities piled into the Colt for some spotting. Our excursion produced four trains during the course of the morning including the Blue Train. Not terrible for the Cape Mainline.
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| ISO 200, 1/1000 sec. f/10 at 160 mm |
Wednesday, 19 July 2017 12:22 p.m.
Crew change in Worcester station.
I established contact with fellow rail enthusiast Francois Mattheüs a few years ago and after conversing via the railway forums for quite some time he decided to join me for some 'ferroequinology'. On my side of the mountain that is. We met up in Worcester and after formalities piled into the Colt for some spotting. Our excursion produced four trains during the course of the morning including the Blue Train. Not terrible for the Cape Mainline.
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| ISO 200, 1/800 sec. f/10 at 80 mm |
Wednesday, 19 July 2017 1:06 p.m.
Now in Hex River Valley near Orchard for our fourth and final stop of the chase. Don't be fooled by the tranquil appearance of this area... A fair amount of crime occurs here so it's best you go in a group.
I established contact with fellow rail enthusiast Francois Mattheüs a few years ago and after conversing via the railway forums for quite some time he decided to join me for some 'ferroequinology'. On my side of the mountain that is. We met up in Worcester and after formalities piled into the Colt for some spotting. Our excursion produced four trains during the course of the morning including the Blue Train. Not terrible for the Cape Mainline.
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| ISO 200, 1/800 sec. f/9 at 90 mm |
Tuesday, 28 March 2017 11:56 a.m.
With the 'China dolls' out for the count and receiving last-minute repairs in Pretoria, it's up to the old faithful 18E to take up the slack. The 20Es failed during their return from Cape Town and were towed to Park Station behind a set of 18Es. I hope somebody got a photograph as seeing the Blue Train behind four locomotives from two different classes would certainly be unique.
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| ISO 200, 1/800 sec. f/9 at 150 mm |
Wednesday, 22 February 2017 1:03 p.m.
Timing the poles just right worked out nicely despite the African sun taking no prisoners. It's also not every day that you come across another photographer at a seemingly random location... A Transnet maintenance crew can be seen driving along the rail servitude after I noticed them working on a signal around the bend.
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| ISO 200, 1/800 sec. f/11 at 41 mm |
Thursday, 16 February 2017 10:33 a.m.
Thirty minutes behind schedule the Blue train is seen leaving Wellington. This is a very popular spot for rail photographers and a quick online search will produce works from many different authors. Sadly the overcast weather subdued the colourful foreground.
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| ISO 200, 1/640 sec. f/10 100 mm |
Wednesday, 15 February 2017 12:53 p.m.
The previous day I found myself at the same location as a Southbound Blue train begins to wrap up the journey down to Cape Town. The sun finally decided to grace us with its presence causing dark shadows on the wheels but provided a decent view of the observation coach. Oakdene Road overpass bridge.
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| ISO 200, 1/640 sec. f/10 at 95 mm |
Wednesday, 15 February 2017 12:52 p.m.
Awaiting another train I wasn't going to pass up the opportunity to photograph the Blue Train even if it meant shooting towards the sun. The height of summer is evident in this photograph as well as the dire drought situation the Cape finds itself in.
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| ISO 200. 1/800 sec. f/9 at 120 mm |
Wednesday, 12 October 2016 12:14 p.m.
Nutcase rail enthusiast like myself quickly familiarise themselves with timetables and routines. Couple that with a green signal and you will have a pretty decent idea of where to stand and when. Here the Blue train is fast approaching Worcester after I spent a few minutes atop of the Rawsonville Overpass bridge.
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| ISO 200, 1/800 sec. f/9 at 80 mm |
Wednesday, 12 October 2016 12:15 p.m.
A quick run across the bridge provided the opportunity for a going 'away shot' with the suburb of Langerug in the distance.
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| ISO 200, 1/640 sec. f/10 135 mm |
Tuesday, 04 October 2016 11:20 a.m.
A set of 18Es sporting mixed colour scheme lead up the Blue Train at Romansriver. Mark Berry and I ran into each other at Chavonnes earlier that morning but decided on using different locations.
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| ISO 200, 1/640 sec. f/8 at 135 mm |
Wednesday, 28 September 2016 10:05 a.m.
September 27, 2016, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) in conjunction with Transnet operated a special test train from Johannesburg to Cape Town.
The objective of the exercise was to thoroughly test the new 22E as a long distance passenger locomotive, a purpose for which it wasn't initially designed. The Class 22E is a dual voltage, 6200HP locomotive with co'co' wheel arrangement can easily handle such long distant trains single-handed. This would also eliminate the need to change locomotives while traversing different voltage zones.
The train consisted of 21 newly refurbished mainline coaches and two locomotives. In the lead is the test subject, Class 22E, number 22-053 with GE diesel-electric number 44-041 following in the second position. The 22E was designed for use with modern freight trains operated by Transnet and is not equipped with vacuum brakes. However, the coaches used by PRASA are vacuum braked, hence the presence of the diesel.
Viewers can easily spot the makeshift irrigation tubing attached to the lead locomotive that was temporarily fitted. This allowed the driver to control the vacuum brakes from the lead locomotive while utilising the services from the second locomotive.
The exercise was also repeated on other mainline routes throughout South Africa in the weeks that followed. This was also the first time either Class of locomotive had appeared in Western Cape.
Due to an unforeseen electrical supply problem in Cape Town, the train was delayed in the city by some three hours. Leaving many Railfans waiting along the route - myself included. Luckily for me, I did manage to capture a few other trains while waiting.
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| ISO 100, 1/640 sec. f/10 at 41 mm |
Wednesday, 07 September 2016 12:51 p.m.
Passing through De Wet and over Hexriver river bridge the Blue Train is gaining some good momentum for its trip North up to Pretoria. Both bridges in the photograph are still used with the more modern concrete one taking the majority of the traffic. Trains often cross on this double line section with up traffic using the line on the right and down traffic crossing on the left, but I have seen exceptions.
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| ISO 200, 1/800 sec. f/10 at 55 mm |
Wednesday, 17 August 2016 12:13 p.m.
Due to faulty braking, the 20Es were again left in Bellville leaving the task for the 18 class. Again this photograph though simple held great promise up to a few minutes before the train arrived when some clouds turned up to ruin the shot. The train has just left Worcester North for its journey to Pretoria.
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| ISO 200, 1/500 sec. f/8 at 55 mm |
Friday, 12 August 2016 12:16 p.m.
Many are not aware that TFR operates multiple Blue Train sets with the second one being considerably shorter and easily recognisable by the lack of an observation coach. While many of my photographer friends wouldn't bother going out on a dark and hazy day the opportunity presented itself so here's the result. Note the locomotives are using their forward-facing pantographs a practice which should be used on all passenger trains as it stops pantograph lubrication from being splattered on the coaches.
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| ISO 200, 1/500 sec. f/11 at 36 mm |
Wednesday, 10 August 2016 12:06 p.m.
After tiring of the sidings and stations around Worcester I opted for an easier and cheaper option within walking distance. This location adjacent to the suburb of Langerug in Worcester served me well for at least a week during which I filmed and photographed a wide variety of trains. Admittedly the Blue Train was pressing the envelope on this spot as it arrives at midday and by this time the sun had started to shift.
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| ISO 200, 1/400 sec. f/13 at 18 mm |
Nuwekloof pass on a beautifully crisp winter morning produced decent results. I want to do this again, but next time I'll deploy my 300mm lens as the kit lens used in these photographs definitely limited my options.
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| ISO 200, 1/400 sec. f/13 at 29 mm |
Nuwekloof pass on a beautifully crisp winter morning produced decent results. I want to do this again, but next time I'll deploy my 300mm lens as the kit lens used in these photographs definitely limited my options.
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| ISO 200, 1/400 sec. f/13 at 55 mm |
Wednesday, 10 August 2016 11:10 p.m.
Nuwekloof pass on a beautifully crisp winter morning produced decent results. I want to do this again, but next time I'll deploy my 300mm lens as the kit lens used in these photographs definitely limited my options.
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| ISO 200, 1/200 sec. f/13 at 47 mm |
Wednesday, 10 August 2016 12:05 p.m.
I had no intentions of going to the station but learned from social media that fellow train enthusiast Mark Berry would be there. Mark is a member at Reefsteamers who had just relocated from Johannesburg. Belonging to such a small fraternity and operating in the same area I thought it important we meet.
Nuwekloof pass on a beautifully crisp winter morning produced decent results. I want to do this again, but next time I'll deploy my 300mm lens as the kit lens used in these photographs definitely limited my options.
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| ISO 200, 1/500 sec. f/10 at 27 mm |
Wednesday, 03 August 2016 11:10 a.m.
Some recent rain has provided a crisp morning scene near Goudiniweg as the Blue Train makes reasonably on time appearance.
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| ISO 400, 1/640 sec. f/8 at 28 mm |
Tuesday, 19 April 2016 10:20 a.m.
Moody overcast weather provides a contrasting photograph at Chavonnes. The train was slowing for a red signal on the other end of Chavonnes so I risked a chase to Goudiniweg.
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| ISO 400, 1/500 sec. f/8 at 42 mm |
Tuesday, 19 April 2016 10:31 a.m.
The result of my quick pursuit to Goudiniweg is rather dull and hazy.
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| ISO 200, 1/640 sec. f/9 at 75 mm |
Beautiful lighting at Botha before the heat of the day sets in. The actual siding, as well as the connecting points, are long gone at Botha with only the ballast and overhead remaining.
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| ISO 200, 1/640 sec. f/9 at 300 mm |
Thursday, 31 March 2016 11:57 a.m.
Beautiful lighting at Botha before the heat of the day sets in. The actual siding, as well as the connecting points, are long gone at Botha with only the ballast and overhead remaining.
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| ISO 200, 1/640 sec. f/10 at 55 mm |
Friday, 04 March 2016 1:04 p.m.
Taken from the N1 overpass bridge on a scorching summer afternoon. The Blue Train is very late considering its cross-country journey has barely begun this is evident by the dark shadows on the running gear. The lighting wasn't this poor or contrasting when I arrived.
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| ISO 200, 1/500 sec. f/9 at 80 mm |
After visiting the location on Tuesday, 02 February I returned to repeat the photograph as different locomotives presented another take on the subject.
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| ISO 200, 1/500 sec. f/9 at 80 mm |
Thursday, 18 February 2016 11:44 a.m.
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| ISO 200, 1/500 sec. f/10 at 30 mm |
Wednesday, 17 February 2016 12:15 p.m.
20-032 and 031 utilising their forward-facing pantographs is a clear indicator that the units weren't shut down during their overnight stay in Bellville. The outer home signal for Worcester is seen in the foreground.
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| ISO 200, 1/500 sec. f/9 at 36 mm |
The Matroosberg Mountains provide a picturesque backdrop as the Blue Train enters the Hex River Valley.
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| ISO 200, 1/640 sec. f/9 at 75 mm |
Nearing Chavonnes, the N1 can be seen in the distance.
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| ISO 200, 1/640 sec. f/9 at 300 mm |
Tuesday, 02 February 2016 11:12 a.m.
Nearing Chavonnes, the N1 can be seen in the distance.
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| ISO 200, 1/500 sec. f/11 at 55 mm |
Wednesday, 27 January 2016 12:14 p.m.
Often wonder why the leading edge on the cowcatcher is always skew on these units. Studying photographs of 20Es from around South Africa it seems to be a common occurrence. I have no idea if this from clearing obstructions out the way or if the leading edge moves due to poor fastening or vibrations perhaps.
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| ISO 200, 4 sec. f/8 at 53 mm |
While many would consider living near a noisy train station to be an undesirable nuisance, some of us use the situation to our benefit. Initially, I thought it was a freight train passing through, but after hearing a strange horn and then the unmistakable buzz it becomes evident it was the Blue train. It is very rare for this train to be this late. Fact, I've only ever seen it twice at night. Considering the sun had just set and there was still some light left in the sky, I quickly switched off the stove and ran down to the station to grab some long exposures.
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| ISO 200, 8 sec. f/8 at 55 mm |
Walking around the platform provided a better vantage point.
While many would consider living near a noisy train station to be an undesirable nuisance, some of us use the situation to our benefit. Initially, I thought it was a freight train passing through, but after hearing a strange horn and then the unmistakable buzz it becomes evident it was the Blue train. It is very rare for this train to be this late. Fact, I've only ever seen it twice at night. Considering the sun had just set and there was still some light left in the sky, I quickly switched off the stove and ran down to the station to grab some long exposures.
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| ISO 200, 1/500 sec. f/10 55 mm |
With time to spare before tackling my afternoon shift, I decided on a chase. Starting at Tulbaghweg the Blue Train turned out to be more of a challenge than I thought ... naturally, it isn't a slow train but was convinced the section would slow them down some. Despite that, I managed three stops before reaching Worcester and one after, keeping in mind they do a crew change in Worcester. Lesson learned and from now on the Blue Train will be a spotting subject and not chase material.
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| ISO 200, 1/640 sec. f/10 at 55 mm |
At location two a nearby tractor has stirred up some dust as the Blue Train accelerates from its scheduled five minute stop at Bergriver siding.
With time to spare before tackling my afternoon shift, I decided on a chase. Starting at Tulbaghweg the Blue Train turned out to be more of a challenge than I thought ... naturally, it isn't a slow train but was convinced the section would slow them down some. Despite that, I managed three stops before reaching Worcester and one after, keeping in mind they do a crew change in Worcester. Lesson learned and from now on the Blue Train will be a spotting subject and not chase material.
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| ISO 200, 1/640 sec. f/10 at 55 mm |
Friday, 08 January 2016 11:43 a.m.
With time to spare before tackling my afternoon shift, I decided on a chase. Starting at Tulbaghweg the Blue Train turned out to be more of a challenge than I thought ... naturally, it isn't a slow train but was convinced the section would slow them down some. Despite that, I managed three stops before reaching Worcester and one after, keeping in mind they do a crew change in Worcester. Lesson learned and from now on the Blue Train will be a spotting subject and not chase material.
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| ISO 200, 1/500 sec. f/10 55 mm |
Last stop for my chase sees the train entering the Hex River Valley after a quick crew change in Worcester.
With time to spare before tackling my afternoon shift, I decided on a chase. Starting at Tulbaghweg the Blue Train turned out to be more of a challenge than I thought ... naturally, it isn't a slow train but was convinced the section would slow them down some. Despite that, I managed three stops before reaching Worcester and one after, keeping in mind they do a crew change in Worcester. Lesson learned and from now on the Blue Train will be a spotting subject and not chase material.
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| ISO 200, 1/640 sec. f/9 at 34 mm |
A nice clean set of 18Es lead the Blue Train across Jan Dutoitsriver. The river sees its origins in the Fonteintjiesberg Nature Reserve and only flows for a few weeks during winter.
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| ISO 200, 1/640 sec. f/5,6 at 80 mm |
Braving the weather at Goudiniweg for another attempt at the all elusive 'perfect shot'. Judging by the result the 'all elusive perfect shot' remains ... elusive.
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| ISO 200, 1/800 sec. f/8 at 80 mm |
Tuesday, 23 June 2015 12:36 p.m.
Nearing Wolseley shortly after 'Rooibrug'. I happened to be waiting for another train.
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| ISO 100, 1/640 sec. f/5,6 at 300 mm |
After seeing the new locomotives the previous day, I waited for their arrival at the station. The train was just approaching as I arrived, but surprisingly it didn't stop for the usual crew change. Hopping back in the car I followed them down to the TFR depot at Worcester North.
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| ISO 100, 1/640 sec. f/5,6 at 120 mm |
Wednesday, 18 March 2015 12:03 p.m.
After seeing the new locomotives the previous day, I waited for their arrival at the station. The train was just approaching as I arrived, but surprisingly it didn't stop for the usual crew change. Hopping back in the car I followed them down to the TFR depot at Worcester North.
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| ISO 400, 1/1000 sec. f/5,6 at100 mm |
Tuesday, 17 March 2015 9:04 a.m.
My first sighting of the new 20Es leading up the Blue Train as it departs Worcester on a heavy overcast morning. Numbers 20-031 and 032 were specially painted for this purpose and are the exception with the remainder of the class all being red. Their presence in the Cape is a welcomed addition by local enthusiasts as the majority of the newer generation stock operate up North. Note the clean frames and wheel sets.
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