Umgeni Steam Railway relies on volunteers

The Umgeni Steam Railway is a registered non-profit organisation (Section 21) whose focus is to restore, repair and operate historical locomotives on the Old Main Line by volunteers and to preserve and promote the historical and architectural heritage that the railway offers.

Trains run from Kloof Station (Stoker’s Arms) to and from Inchanga station on the last Sunday of each month, along the edge of the picturesque Valley of a 1 000 Hills. At Inchanga station, there is the popular craft market, tea garden and museum where visitors can relax and enjoy the tranquil setting before the return journey.

The tea garden and museum are also open every Saturday, with Bruce Bennett, curator of Umgeni Steam Railway, on hand to give tours around the station and museum.

The original Inchanga station was built in 1892, and although only a part of the original construction exists, it is still a beautiful example of the early colonial style of railway architecture The line was built in the late 1800s and is one of the oldest active railway lines in South Africa today.

The first public run took place in early 1984 with a total of 80 passengers from the old New Germany power station. Today, over 30 years after its foundation, Umgeni Steam Railway is still reliant on volunteers to help keep the trains running.

Funds are used for the preservation of steam locomotives, coaches and the railway line. A small group of dedicated volunteers meets every Thursday, under the guidance of Clem Robins, and again on weekends where there is a bigger team of volunteers.

They are busying restoring a 72-seater 1921-built passenger coach, replacing the rotten roof and floor-boards, which they hope to have restored by November in time for the busy holiday season.

Future goals for the railway include the eventual possibility of having two trains running simultaneously and, with that in mind, the necessary infrastructure that will allow trains to cross at Botha’s Hill is being reinstated.

Bennett said that they are always looking for volunteers to help as they only have a handful who come on a regular basis.

“You don’t have to be technically-minded, you just need a love of trains and have some time to dedicate, whether its once a month or once a week. It is not just physical labour, as we also need people to help in the library, in the bar and as coach marshalls. Age and gender are irrelevant, as we get youngsters, boys and girls right up to pensioners who come and volunteer.”

Latest Train Schedule:

From Kloof station (8.30am):

Sunday, 30 August (normal running day)

Saturday, 26 September (special running day)

Sunday, 27 September (normal running day)

Contact Bruce on 082 353 6003 for bookings, or to volunteer or visit: www.umgenisteamrailway.co.za.