Information from Peter Bagshawe:
When Transnet called for expressions of interest in branchlines, the owner of a factory at Paddock in KwaZulu-Natal indicated a desire to revive the narrow-gauge Banana Express. As the line at the coast is no longer usable following the washing away of the Izotsha Bridge, rolling stock and locos have been moved from Port Shepstone to Paddock.
Locos moved were: 138, 139, 151, 156
NGG16 Garratt no 127 was transported from Port Shepstone to Durban for shipping to the Puffing Billy Railway near Melbourne. Regauging will be required as the line is 762mm – 152mm wider than the South African 610mm gauge.
Coaches moved were:
7, 8, 12, 72, 95, 109, 141, 142, 143. Coaches 27 and 136 were still to go at the time this was written.
“There are a handful of wagons in the yard, and it is thought they will most likely be scrapped when the site is cleared. Van 3189 may also go to Paddock however.
“The owner of the locos previously at Port Shepstone had to move them as the site was being cleared. It was logical to store them at Paddock.”
Original article [Railways Africa]
