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| Activities: Western Cape: Garden Route |
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The Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe is the last steam hauled scheduled passenger train operating in Southern Africa which runs daily (excepting Sunday) between George and Knysna.
The route of the Choo-Tjoe is from George, via Victoria Bay, Wilderness, Sedgefield and Goukamma to Knysna and encompasses some of the most spectacular scenery in South Africa in the heart of the Garden Route lake district. The section from Victoria Bay along the Cliffside and over the Kaaiman’s River viaduct to Wilderness is the highlight of the journey.
The railway line between George and Knysna was opened to traffic in 1928 and when built was regarded as one of the most expensive sections of line in the world - today it is rated the most beautiful.
In the summer months, between mid August and mid May, two trains are run each day giving a return service from both George and Knysna, with the trains crossing at Sedgefield. In winter, mid May to mid August, only the George-Knysna return service is operated. During these peak tourist seasons the train is run as a passenger train, but during off peaks, the trains also convey freight.
The trains are normally hauled by a class 19D or class 24 steam locomotive although other locomotives may be used on special occasions.
The Class 19D has a weight of: engine 80 tons; tender 73 tons; coal capacity of 12 tons and a water capacity of 20 000 litres. This train was placed in service in 1937.
The Class 24 has a weight of: engine 72 tons; tender 56 tons; coal capacity 9 tons and water capacity of 16 000 litres. This train was placed in service in 1949.
The train carriages used date back to between 1903 and 1950 and are all of the suburban side-door type.
Light refreshments are available on the train, and after every 2 000km the engines are sent down too Voorbaai for a service and washout.
The George-Knysna line was declared a preserved railway in 1992 and officially handed over to the Transnet Heritage Foundation in 1993. At that time there was only a daily return trip from George to Knysna with an average of 40 000 passengers per year. Today approximately 115 000 passengers travel the line annually of which 70% are foreign tourists.
All trains departing from and arriving at George use the new Choo-Tjoe station at the Outeniqua Railway Museum and passengers can enjoy a visit to the Museum as well as a trip on a steam train.
Inside the museum a variety of 13 steam locomotives, including a narrow gauge, the Emil Kessler- Johannesburg’s first steam locomotive, the impressive GL Garrett together with carriages from a bygone era, such as a coach from the Royal Train of 1947, Paul Kruger’s coach and private saloons, just to name a few, are on display.
A photo gallery depicting some of the most breathtaking photos of South African steam can be seen, poetry relating to train travel, crockery and cutlery previously used on main line trains and in station restaurants are on display
Various models of steam locomotives, a brilliant collection of steam locomotive number plates, makers plates, a model train room, road motor vehicles and a private vintage car selection complete the exhibition.
Other facilities on the same premises include, 3 souvenirs shops selling railway memorabilia and African Art, a Coffee shop, a Restaurant, a Information centre and 3 other tourism activities.
Knysna Station is one such station which has been almost completely redeveloped, thanks to the large Knysna Quarys development which has occurred to the south of the station.
The Knysna Quarys development required a large tract of what was previously Transnet (ex-South African Railways) land. As a result the new station was relocated directly to the north of the existing station building which remained, albeit in a virtually unrecognizable condition.
The old station at Knysna consisted of a single platform with a main line and three looped sidlings alongside. There was a single short stubbed sidling alongside the loops which was often used to store crew or workman coaches.
A turning wye was provided off the last loop with a watering tower situated within the wye. A goods shed was located east of the platform with additional goods sidings for loading of timber traffic. During reconstruction of the station the old Goods shed was used as a temporary departure and arrival point for the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe.
Souvenirs and memorabilia may be purchased at the Knysna station.
| OUTENIQUA CHOO-TJOE HISTORY |
In 1922 the Railways and Harbours Board recommended the construction of a railway between George and Knysna, a distance of approximately 67 kilometers, at an estimated cost of 296 820 pounds. The building of the line was started simultaneously from George and Knysna in 1924.
Although the railway from George to Knysna was available for goods and passenger traffic since May 1928, it was formally opened by the Minister of Railways and Harbours, the Hon. C. W. Malan, on Wednesday, October 17th. When this line was built it was regarded as the most expensive piece of clickety clack in the world. Today it is billed as the most beautiful.
Travelling from George to Knysna is like being present at an animated art exhibition, each kilometre presenting a new canvas that calls forth exclamations of pleasure. One loses, to a certain degree, the sense of time, thanks to a profusion of scenic delights. The line travels through two tunnels of moderate length, cut into the hills above the sea, before it approaches the Kaaimans River Bridge, 210 meters long and 36 meters high.
No solid Foundation could be obtained for the bridge over the Zwartvlei and after completion it was found that the "give" was too much to permit traffic. Tons of rock was dumped alongside the foundations of the structure. This bridge remains the "weak link" in the line because of its restricted weight capacity. The embankment from Knysna to the first and second bridge sections over the Knysna lagoon were constructed by screw pylons driven into the shale base below the mud. One pylon, which had to be removed because it was placed incorrectly, took two hours to set in position and six weeks to withdraw. |
Provisionally the George / Knysna line has been closed until further notice due to the unsafe conditions below the “slip” at Kaaimanspass. When this slip occurs, damage will be caused to the railway line below, resulting in further delays. We cannot run the risk of reintroducing the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe on this section of line until we have received the assurance of the various authorities that it is safe to operate.
With the above in mind we are introducing an alternative route as follows:
With effect from 02 November 2006 - 15 December and from 15 January 2007 - 31 March 2007.
Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays
Depart George at 10h00 Arrive at Hartenbos at 11h40
Depart Hartenbos at 13h00 Arrive at George at 14h30
Adult: single R 70.00 return R 90.00
Children under 16 yrs: single R 40.00 return R 50.00
Children under 6 yrs: Free of charge
With effect from 15 December 2006 till 13 January 2007
Daily excluding Sundays
Depart George at 10h00 Arrive at Hartenbos at 11h40
Depart Hartenbos at 13h00 Arrive at George at 14h30
OR
Depart Hartenbos at 10h00 Arrive at George at 11h40
Depart George at 13h15 Arrive at Hartenbos at 14h55
Adult: single R 70.00 return R 90.00
Children under 16 yrs: single R 40.00 return R 50.00
Children under 6 yrs: Free of charge.
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