Class 34 Diesels haul Union Limited at Waterberg

Hartenbos - George

We now commence one of the scenic highlights of train travel in South Africa. Opened in 1907 (as far as George) the line starts climbing from near the coast and climbs up the coastal littoral.

After reaching Great Brak River, the line commences a very steep climb to the littoral itself and there are spectacular views of the sea below us on the right. We cross the Maalgaten river bridge on a very high steel structure which was a favourite spot for photography in steam days. After this crossing, the line heads through forest plantations and farming areas to reach the regional centre of George. The town was founded in 1811 and named in honour of George III of England.

George - Knysna

This 67 km branch railway line between Goerge and Knysna has been identified as the Transnet Heritage Foundation preserved line and a museum opening ceremony was held at Knysna on 10 July 1993.

During the last few years the line has seen an interesting array of motive power. Class 19D and 19C now regularly join the faithful Class 24's on duty turns and Class 7A and 7B and GB and GO Garratts have made sporadic appearances.

This is one of the best known branch lines in the world. This ultra scenic line opened in 1928 and has rightly earned its reputation as one of the foremost railway attractions in South Africa. It is the last steam worked branch on SAR and is mainly operated by Class 24 2-8-4's which are subshedded at George. The loco shed is also one of the last on SAR to regularly use a cocopan (or Jubilee skip) system for coaling the locomotives.

The UNION LIMITED GOLDEN THREAD departs from George behind double headed locomotives and Classes 19D, 19C or 24 will make up the combination. Leaving the station we pass the one road shed on the right as we diverge onto the branch. The garden route to Riversdale and Cape Town carries straight on to the right of the loco shed. From George the line loses altitude rapidly as it nears the sea. At Victoria Bay, 11 km from George, 179m has been lost as the railway leaves the forests behind and runs on a shelf hugging the cliff face just above the roaring surf. After passing through two tunnels, the line crosses the Kaaimans River bridge, perhaps the most photographed railway location in South Africa, then dives into another tunnel before arriving at Wilderness, long a favourite holiday resort. continuing, the line runs virtually at sea level through South Africa's Lake District, a string of tidal lakes licked between the sea and mountains. There are various halts along this section with intriguing names such as Fairy Knowe, Serpentine and Rondevlei. It passes over one road-rail bridge. We may stop briefly at Duiwe River for water and then continue crossing over Swartvlei on a long low trestle to Sedgefield which is followed by a short climb to Mielerug and on to Goukamma. Our locomotives will really struggle up the 6km climb to Keytersnek. The line gains some 76 m in height on this section, nearly looping over itself in one place. From Keytersnek the line dives into pine forests to reappear high on a hillside overlooking Knysna lagoon. The line drops back to sea level and crosses the lagoon on a long trestle bridge to reach the delightful town of Knysna. The branch from George was actually the second railway to reach Knysna. The first was the isolated 2' gauge South Western Railway which was opened in 1907 to exploit the yellowwod forests in the area. It closed in 1949. The extensive forests still produce rae stinkwood and yellowwod trees which are used to produce furniture that is prized the world over. The Knysna forests are also home to the wild Knysna elephants - three of which still live in the darkest and most remote areas.