All aboard the Inchanga Choo Choo

Once a month, ancient old Wesley puffs away regally like Winston Churchill in his armchair, chuffing up The Valley of a 1000 Hills merrily whistling while his passengers cheer him on.

Built in Berlin, Germany and in service since 1938, the loco SAR Class 19D #2685 works the tracks between Kloof Station at Stokers Arms and Inchanga, giving families a nostalgic trip on the once main train line between Durban and Pietermaritzburg.

Before reaching Pietermaritzburg in 1980, the line was first operational to Botha’s Hill by 1878 and has seen icons like Winston Churchill, Crown Prince Bonaparte and Ghandi travel on this line.
The running coaches were made between the 1920’s and 1940’s, while coaches dating back to 1908 are currently being restored.

The entire operation is run by passionate volunteers who dress the part and are happy to tell you interesting tidbits about the legendary Umgeni Steam Railway.

One of the longstanding marshals, Gary Griffith, has been welcoming passengers onto coach A for the past ten years.

“I love trains and people. I came as a passenger with my children when they visited from Australia and they said I look like I should be on a train. I asked to join and have been here ever since,” said the 76-year-old Griffith, who is also the choo choo’s Father Christmas, while his granddaughters play the annual Easter bunnies.

Once at the Inchanga Station, you get to explore the little railway museum, enjoy wood-fired pizza and pancakes under the trees and a trip to the model train display where Mark Beavis will entertain you.

“I have been playing with model trains since I was five years old. I have spent one and a half years on the Thomas the Tank Engine setup, which is probably the reason I am divorced,” said Beavis with a chuckle.

The train runs on the last Sunday of every month departing at 8.30am and 12.30pm and tickets cost R240 per adult, R170 for children under 12 years and pensioners over 65. The whole experience takes about three hours and there will be a special train ride on Mother’s Day, May 14. Remember to take cash with you for the craft market and food stalls at the Inchanga Station.

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