{"id":126874,"date":"2016-07-11T08:12:00","date_gmt":"2016-07-11T06:12:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/germistoncitynews.co.za\/126874\/explore-the-magic-of-steam-engines\/"},"modified":"2016-07-12T08:50:32","modified_gmt":"2016-07-12T06:50:32","slug":"explore-the-magic-of-steam-engines","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/news-headlines\/2016\/07\/11\/explore-the-magic-of-steam-engines\/","title":{"rendered":"Explore the magic of steam engines"},"content":{"rendered":"

For more than 30 years enthusiasts around the world have quietly and insistently kept the \u201cAge of Steam\u201d alive.<\/p>\n

Men and women painstakingly build replicas of famous steam locomotives and engines, in miniature and even full scale, in the hope of keeping the tradition going.<\/p>

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The Reefsteamers Association is one of these preservation groups.<\/p>\n

This non-profit company based at the old Germiston Steam Locomotive Depot in Knights, restore, maintain and run a number of the SAR Historic rolling stock of locos and coaches.<\/p>

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Reefsteamers\u2019 staff\/members are all volunteers and come from all walks of life, with one thing in common – a passion to see steam in action.<\/p>\n

The group\u2019s income is made predominantly from the sale of tickets for scheduled trips to Magaliesburg, and Irene (when possible) each Saturday.<\/p>\n

However, the ravages of time and weather are taking their toll on the depot itself, making it increasingly difficult for Reefsteamers to operate.<\/p>\n

\"Visit<\/a>
Visit the Reefsteamers depot in Knights where steam trains come to life.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cHail in recent years has smashed many window panes and rust has set in on the all-important roofing which protects the locomotives and coaches,\u201d said Claire Nelson-Esch, from the organisation.<\/p>\n

\u201cConsequently, a major membership and fund-raising drive has been initiated.\u201d<\/p>\n

There are several ways that the community can contribute to keeping the Age of Steam alive.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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  • \u00a0Book a real steam train trip by calling 063 743 9200 or emailing to bookings@reefsteamers.com.<\/li>\n
  • \u00a0Charter a train by emailing to bookings@reefsteamers.com.<\/li>\n
  • \u00a0Book a spot at the annual Winter Photoshoot held on July 23, email to photo@reefsteamers.com or call Ian Morison on 082 903 9463.<\/li>\n
  • \u00a0Attend the Reefsteamers annual Coal and Steam Festival held on July 30.<\/li>\n
  • \u00a0Donate towards locomotive and\/or depot repairs.<\/li>\n
  • \u00a0Name a locomotive for five years by emailing to engineering@reefsteamers.com.<\/li>\n
  • \u00a0Recycle – drop your aluminium waste at the depot where it can be sold.<\/li>\n
  • \u00a0Become an active Reefsteamers Association member by emailing to membership@reefsteamers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Reefsteamers also has one of South Africa\u2019s only operational massive wheel lathes, as well as many other pieces of specialised heavy engineering equipment and\/or capabilities which can be hired by interested parties. Email enquiries to engineering@reefsteamers.com.<\/p>\n

    For more information on how you can get involved call Claire on 082 894 8877 or email to membership@reefsteamers, alternatively visit www.reefsteamers.com for more details.<\/p>\n

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