geschrieben von: Rainer Schnell
Datum: 21.07.11 15:54
geschrieben von: 52 2006
Datum: 21.07.11 19:59
geschrieben von: Stefan Motz
Datum: 21.07.11 20:02
geschrieben von: skin65
Datum: 21.07.11 21:15
geschrieben von: 52 2006
Datum: 22.07.11 08:15
Hello Stefan
Thanks for another fine set of photographs from Rainer Schnell.
Regards
Oom Les [Pivnic]
geschrieben von: HGG
Datum: 23.07.11 13:16
geschrieben von: Rainer Schnell
Datum: 23.07.11 19:25
geschrieben von: 52 2006
Datum: 23.07.11 21:15
geschrieben von: 52 2006
Datum: 24.07.11 08:39
Stefan
This has remained a niggling mystery for as long as I care to remember.
When I was in the SAR Museum, our Research Officer, Winnie Venter, found
some evidence to support the story that the bridge had been lost at sea due
to German U-boat action.
Apparently in later years, Eric Conradie claims that the bridge was diverted
for use on another line because of the minor nature of the Barkly East
branch, it did not warrant the use of the bridge on that section. Conradie
makes no mention of what line the bridge was diverted to.
My own feeling is that the CCE would not have spent money on completing the
tunnel and earthworks from Melk if there was no serious intention of
erecting the bridge across the gorge. In those days, expenditure was very
carefully controlled and I simply cannot see the General Manager allowing
money to build the tunnel and earthworks from Melk, only to see the whole
scheme dumped.
You pay your money and you take your pick!
Regards
Les P[ivnic, ehemaliger Fotograf des aufgelösten SAR-Museums]
Hi Stefan, Les and List members
The 1911 Report of the General manager of Railways, pp. 82/83 states:
"Lady Grey-Gairtney, 26 Miles.
The construction of this line (an extension of the Aliwal North-Lady Grey Railway, in the direction of Barkly East) was authorized under Cape Railway Act, No.34 of 1906.
The survey was commenced in February, 1911, the resurvey and construction being carried out simultaneously.
On the 1st of December, 1911, the first section of the line (to Melk Siding, 10 miles) was opened to traffic.
As the bridging if the Karnmelk Spruit requires a very high viaduct, the erection of which would delay the completion of the line for eighteen months or two years, it was decided to deviate the line, and, by the adoption of five reversing stations, to cross the stream at a lower level, the erection of the viaduct, which it is estimated would cost about ₤53,000, being postponed until a later date.
This deviation is now under construction, and it is expected that it will be possible to open the next section (to Motkop Siding, 18½ miles) in September, while, as the work beyond that point is very light, the last section can be completed before the end of the year.
Owing to the extreme cold and the subsequent shortage of labour the work was practically paralysed during the winter months."
It seems that, what was built as a temporary arrangement became permanent!
Regards
Bruno Martin
Hi Stefan, Les and List members
The Pounds Sterling symbol,as pasted from my Word document, has come out as ₤ (the cost should read 53,000 Pounds Sterling).
Bruno Martin
Thanks Bruno!
I'm inclined to agree - it looks like the "later date" became permanent probably due to the limited importance of the Barkly East Branch in toto.
Regards
Les P
geschrieben von: 52 2006
Datum: 24.07.11 08:40
Thanks Stephan and through you Rainer.
Lovely sharp photos of a bygone era. He has captured South African and its railways of that era well.
I always enjoy them and look forward eagerly to each chapter.
And just love those 15AR’s
Best wishes
Peter
geschrieben von: Germiston
Datum: 24.07.11 19:08
Hi all,
Just a question relating to the name of the creek (spruit)...
I have seen it referred to in older articles and now here, as
"Karnmelkspruit". However I am pretty sure on my map of the area it is
spelled "Karringmelkspruit" - is it one or the other or both? Just
curious...
Thanks,
Trevor
Hi Trevor,
"Karringmelk" will be correct. Buttermilk.
Regards,
André, Cape Town
Hi guys,
All of this discussion on the Karringmelkspruit “bridge” is very interesting.
One of the limitations on train sizes on the line that I have heard was not the usual tons determined by the grade and curvature but actually train length determined by the maximum available length in the “dead ends” at each reverse. On a lightly trafficked line like this I would have thought a frequent service of light/short trains as per the “Midland railway “ in the UK would have also been best as opposed to an infrequent service with a monster train and multiple head end power.
However, the real reason for this corro., is in connection with the section between Aliwal North and Lady Grey where I understand from the video doco. on the line during construction and shortly after opening, one bridge in particular was built/ washed away/ rebuilt/ washed away again and finally rebuilt a third time.
Best wishes
Peter
Hi Peter M
Thanks for that interesting additional note on the Barkly East branch.
Regards
Les P
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