Zimbabwe Train JPEG Files                                       2-6-94
_________________________

    These photographs [steam/nrz*.jpg] were taken in Zimbabwe while
I was a Peace Corps volunteer there.  Zimbabwe is a land-locked
country in Southern Africa that is primarily an agricultural
producer, but also has a growing industrial sector.  Transport is a
major problem within the country, however, as vehicles are expensive
to buy and maintain, and fuel must be purchased with precious hard
currency from other countries.  One solution to the fuel problem has
been to produce ethanol from sugar cane and maize and "blend" it
with the petrol, making automotive fuel less expensive.

    However, Zimbabwe does have one internal fuel source that is
still abundant - coal.  In addition to providing coal for the
nation's thermal power plants, the Hwange mines also power
Zimbabwe's fleet of articulated Garratt steam locomotives.  These
engines have been in the country for some time [Rhodesian Railways
purchased 245], and are still commonly seen on the railways.  In
particular, the track running between Bulawayo and Victoria Falls
sees a lot of steam traffic (since this line runs right through the
Hwange mine, near the northwestern corner of the country).

    Tourism provides a large proportion of the country's foreign
exchange, and some of the Garratts are reserved specifically for
"Train Safaris." Such locomotives are easily identified by their
colorful paint and generally immaculate condition.  The "daily
commuter" (my term) trains do not receive as much attention, but are
still generally in good shape.  On the other end of the scale are
the yard engines, which are 100% function with no effort wasted on
aesthetics.

    I am told, however, that the fleet of Garratts is declining in
numbers.  The problem is that all servicing must be done in-country.
The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) can repair many of the
smaller problems, but lacks the facilities to repair or replace
large castings (I assume this means items such as the drive wheels).
Theoretically, such work could be done outside the country, but
would be prohibitively expensive.  For this reason, the rail yards
are slowly becoming steam train graveyards, with the crippled
locomotives quietly placed to one side.  Rail traffic will continue,
of course, but under diesel or electric power.

    I hope that these images will provide a partial record of
Zimbabwe's steam locomotives.  It would be nice to think that they
would always be there, but I believe their days are numbered.

    Should you happen, on the very off chance, to visit Zimbabwe, it
is well worth seeing the steam yards at the Bulawayo station.  A
pass is required for this, but my father secured one with no
problems by visiting the NRZ headquarters building in Bulawayo.
Having done this we were allowed unrestricted (and I mean
_unrestricted_) touring and photographing of the yard.  It is also
possible to get a pass that allows one to ride in the locomotive on
a run (assuming you have purchased a passenger ticket for that run,
at the time Z$80 = ~US$15).  It may be possible to arrange for such
passes with the Zimbabwean Embassy in Washington, D.C. (or other
appropriate capital) before taking a trip.

    I am still in the process of putting together this library, so
there will hopefully be more images coming.  I should also add that
you should feel free to copy and distribute these images, but I
maintain any intellectual rights associated with them.  In addition,
the information that I provide within may or may not be correct, as
it is based on my own recollection.  Finally, copy the images at
your own risk.  I can not accept any responsibility for any damages
(physical, economical, mental, emotional, etc.) that may occur
through the use or non-use of these files.  (I really don't think
all of that is necessary, but I see everyone else doing it).

    Questions, comments, etc. may be sent to:

                        Charles.Tilford@Williams.edu

    Thanks for wading through this, and please enjoy the images!

            Charles Tilford