| Posted by on May 11, 2008 | |
As South Africa is a dry country, with a 3 foot 6 inch gauge track and steep curves, the Beyer Garratt was popular. As a matter of interest, note that the locomotive has a water tender up front. The first tank car is most likely a water tank car for the loco, (normal), and the second tank car may also be a water tank car for the loco, although this is not usual.
Michael Bridgwood
|
Michael, You are indeed correct, the black tank car is the Garratt's auxiliary tank. The GMAM class Garratt has a very small onboard water tank and nearly always ran with an attached black tank car, with hose connections to the locomotive. The red tank car behind was not so equipped. It was used to transport water though, as most steam era infrastructure, including working watering columns, is long gone in Natal.
|
|