First TFR locomotives on their way

“We are currently
running seven block trains
a day on the Gauteng-
Durban corridor and our
ultimate goal of 11 a
day in both directions
is looking good for next
year when TFR takes
delivery of 50 diesel
locomotives.
“Because of the
urgency we opted for
second hand machines,
and although they are
6-8 years old, with their
engines refurbished
they’re as good as new,”
said Gama.
The first engine
has been signed off in
Chicago and is on its way
to South Africa where the
units will be assembled.
These additional
resources will enable
TFR to redeploy existing
locomotives on the
Durban – Johannesburg
route.
“We’ve had a very
good response from
industry and are doing
very well on the container
side,” said Gama.
He admits, however,
that it’s not all plain
sailing, with a power
supply problem three
weeks ago and the recent
theft of two kilometres
of copper cable playing
havoc with the schedules.