Steam Locomotives of Rhodesia Railways
The Story of Steam 1892-1979
It is a far cry from the diminutive green steamers of the narrow gauge Beira eira Railway, and the borrowed rolling-stock of the Bechuanaland Railway, to the giant Beyer-Garratt locomotives of today's National Railways of Zimbabwe. Rev. Ted Hamer bridges the gap by tracing the development and describing in detail the various types of steam locomotives that have worked in the territory up to the formation of the N.R.Z.
The story commences with the engines employed on the projected Cape-to-Cairo link of Cecil John Rhodes. Another Rhodes enterprise was the Beira Railway, and an analysis is given of the various narrow gauge types. Development of standard gauge stock is followed from the early Cape Government Railway designs, with their archaic domes and tall chimneys, through the era of the glamorous "Glorious 12th" Class, leading to the 19th Class of the sixties and the experimental Silent Susie condensing locomotive.
The Garratt saga is traced from its tentative beginnings in the twenties to today's ultimate in articulated engine power, the massive 20th/20A machines that pound their way through Matabeleland with heavy trains of freight.
The book is profusely illustrated with photographs and line diagrams, and as far as possible technical data has been presented in tabular form for ease of reference.
Useful appendices cover preserved locomotives, and a section on railway philately is included.
This book is the eagerly-awaited result of much painstaking research, and will not only prove in-valuable to modellers and enthusiasts, but will appeal to anyone who simply likes trains.
Hardback with dustjacket, 194 pages, Black and white photographs
Condition: Very Good
ISBN: 9789172660779
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Updated: 10 July 2026