A steam struggle in South Africa

Wow. Watching this long, drawn out attempt is really something:

 

What year is that?

 

It said recorded in 1990.

 

Shining up those rails! Probably could've used more sand.

 

I looked and did not even see sand pipes. Did anyone else spot them?

 

Down grade? Returning after the cars were emptied, or with a different string of (empty) cars?

 

I was surprised by the apparent lack of sanders. 4-6-2's are fairly rare in South Africa, the vast majority of locomotives were 4-8-2 or 4-8-4. This was obviously in private hands, but was maybe a 16B. Definitely unsuitable for this use!

Wonderful to watch though!

 

Was obviously on an adverse grade, as sometimes the cars were pulling the locomotive backwards when the drivers were spinning forwards! Amazing!