Knysna-Plett Herald | Choo-Tjoe trolley delivered today

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Choo-Tjoe trolley delivered today
03:00 (GMT+2), Thu, 09 August 2012

The Choo-Tjoe

KNYSNA NEWS - Friends of the Choo-Tjoe's (FoCT) recently renovated inspection trolley will be delivered, subject to fair weather conditions, to the parking area at the Knysna Waterfront by Gavin Cooper of Knysna Motor Strippers today, Thursday, August 9. The anticipated time of delivery at the Waterfront is between 14:00 and 15:00.

The renovation of the trolley has taken working members of FoCT some 18 months to complete, although some minor finishing work still needs to be done which includes the fitting of bullbars. The bullbars were not an original part of the trolley when delivered in 1970 but were added some time in its working life by South African Railways.

Fraser Howell of FoCT explains that when the machine was delivered in February 2010, from Sandstone Estates in Ficksburg to Bodge Engineering's workshop in Knysna (by kind permission of Ron Hollis), it was virtually complete, but it was not in running condition. This allowed the renovation to be fairly straightforward.

"The major repairs have included an engine rebuild, renewal of the four wheel-bearings, overhaul of the air and exhaust systems, renewal of certain areas of body panels, re-covering of the nine seats and the renewal of the internal panelling, including the ceiling panels which had been damaged by water ingress through some windows and the roof," said Howell.

The trolley's exterior body has been repainted in the old SAR colour of 'gulf red' with a black chassis. It is intended that the 'SAR/SAS' motif will be sign-written on the sides when the sign-writer, Colin Jenkins, returns from abroad. Internally the colours are blue and grey with a white ceiling.

This type of trolley can be driven from either end as it has two driving positions with duplicated controls and tram type reversible seats. To change driving positions, the driver removes the three foot pedals, gear change lever, handbrake lever and the small forward/ reverse lever and plugs them in at the other end! There is a full instrument console at both ends.

To change direction on a more modern trolley, a hydraulic 'jack-down' device is deployed which lifts the machine about 100mm above the rails and this allows the whole machine to be gently turned by hand through 180 degrees. This system saves the duplication of instruments and controls and this also obviates the need for reversible seats.

"Now that the trolley has been completed (well almost!) we need rails on which to run it! This is where Transnet can play their part by ensuring that the railway, if they do not wish to reopen it, is transferred to Province who have declared an intention to see the line work again," said FoCT.

"The Friends of the Choo-Tjoe would like to offer their sincere appreciation and gratitude to all our sponsors and donors, but particularly Ron Hollis of Bodge Engineering and Ricky, Marck and Gavin Cooper of Knysna Motor Strippers. Without the help of these supporters our progress would have been much more expensive and difficult."

FoCT are always looking to increase their membership base to support efforts to encourage, promote and help resuscitate both the George-to-Knysna railway and the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe.

Further details are available on the website, www.friendsofthechoo-tjoe.co.za. Better yet, visit the Knysna Waterfront to see the trolley. For further information contact Fraser Howell on 044 382 4012.