£35.00
John Birkinshaw
Publication Date: 2024
Format & Edition: Hardback, First Edition
Pagination: 200 Pages, 200 Illustrations
Condition: New
Genre: Overseas Railways
Status: In Stock
In a Different Light: Cape Gauge 1975 by John Birkinshaw. This excellent book provides readers with an insight into the golden era of Cape Gauge steam operations on South African Railways before they disappeared.
Renowned photographer John Birkinshaw captures the essence of this era, when steam trains began fading into history in South Africa. In a Different Light features stunning photographs which are printed on high-quality paper alongside John’s personal anecdotes of his journey across the country. With Garratts and Pacifics destined for retirement, this photographic masterpiece is a must read for railway enthusiasts.
In the foreward John Birkinshaw states ” In this book I have tried to create a visual impression of Cape Gauge steam operations on South African Railways (SAR) as they were when, armed with cameras, maps, and sleeping bag I visited the country with a fellow railway enthusiast in 1975. In addition to a brief history of SAR steam, I thought it would be of interest to describe how well (or otherwise) we planned the trip when money and information about the problems we might encounter were in short supply. At the time of our visit the biting wind of change was already beginning to blow through South African Railways, and in the next 7 years the SAR Cape Gauge route mileage operated by steam was reduced to less than 1,850 kilometres of the total 20,000. While our planning was in progress, steam was in its final season on the Cape fruit trains. Cape Gauge Garratts were rapidly becoming history. Pacifics were scheduled to be removed from the passenger links on the Port Elizabeth suburban system by the middle of 1975. So, were we simply too late, or close to an unforgettable experience?”