Train recovery on the NATCOR mainline KZN between Johannesburg and Durban.

10 December 2023
Train failed in the section between Mooiriver and Rosetta stations due to an overhead power failure on the mainline 2. The train was crossing over from mainline 1 to mainline 2. The overhead power was still on mainline 1, which allowed a set of assistant locomotives to pull it out of trouble back into Mooiriver station.
The train then started up and continued with its journey to Durban.
Both the assistant locomotives and train were hauled by the Transnet/Spoornet class 18E locomotives

[@nigellennert8967]

Great video Jaco and thanks for going out in the rain to make this wonderful videos for us

[@jacomarais1976]

Thank you, Nigel. It's always a pleasure going out and catching something different. Thank you for the support. It's much appreciated 🙏

[@make-peacelifecoach4940]

Once again a great sacrifice and commitment from you Jaco❤

[@jacomarais1976]

Thank you, my friend. You know me well, will go the extra mile to capture a moment like this. Thank you for the support 🙏

[@ralphdavey7303]

Hi Jaco. Tks. Nice video. I see the lead loco of the recovery set when taking the train back to the station looked dead. No pantograph up. Then was the same original 5 set used for train when it got going? Or was there a replacement switch done? Tks for the videos. Most enjoyable.

[@jacomarais1976]

Thank you, Ralph. They were most probably transferring locomotives over to Umbilo in Durban. The load was only 2900 tons, and three 18Es can handle it easily. They usually have four 18Es on these loads to assist on the 1:50 gradients between Ladysmith and Durban

[@make-peacelifecoach4940]

But cupling was a bit roughy and not smooth

[@jacomarais1976]

I agree. Some guys just seem to get it right 😁😁

[@marval44039]

This is one of the strangest bit of movements I've seen. Four locomotives pulling a train from behind with no driver or assistant in the leading locomotive. Plus,the leading locomotive is completely dead

[@jacomarais1976]

@marval44011 I agree with you, my good friend. Even myself as an experienced trainspotter were almost caught off guard. I was keeping my eyes on the lead locomotive to see when the driver and assistant popped in to start the movement. Although the signal was served, they still had to change cabs. The next moment, they started moving the train from the back locomotive. Eish was a close call. Otherwise, I would've missed the movement.

[@marval44039]

@jacomarais1976 The Natcor can surprise you sometimes. Luckily, you have good instincts on railways