BCL – Botswana (13. to 15.8.2006)

General information including a list of the locomotives is in the trip report for 2005. Since then, there have been almost no changes. The railway men still prefer the use of the class 19. The only serviceable Garratt, LO 811, was last in  use on July 27^th, 2006. Since then she’s spare. The second complete Garratt, LO 811 awaits a heavy overhaul. In service this year were 4-8-2s LO 805 and 806 while LO 807 got a boiler washout while we were there.

The operation pattern changed on a daily basis. It is advisable always to start a visit with a stop at the Depot where you can get information about the daily duties. Otherwise you risk waiting at the line for hours without success.

We have been told that the railway definitely wants to purchase two additional locomotives of the class 19. As the Hwange colliery didn’t answer the BCL-request for more than a year, they’re looking for engines in good condition in South Africa. Because it may take time before the additional locos arrive, the two Garratts will remains on the roster.

The sky-hitting curve of metal prices on the world market gave the company its first profits after some years of deficits. This is the reason why the mines will be operated longer than planned. Fortunately, no one is thinking about diesel locomotives, so this last regular main line operation of steam in Africa seems to be secure for another couple of years at least.