The sounds of children laughing and playing, families and friends gathering, and the familiar choo-choo of the steam train circling the Duckpond are the sounds of memories being made.

For a unique railway experience, visitors can hop aboard the Secunda Steamers’ Lady Francene miniature steam train at the Duckpond on Oliver Tambo Drive.

Whether you’re a first-time passenger or know the track like the back of your hand, the experience is sure to put a smile on your face.

Lady Francene is a miniature steam locomotive powered by oil, coal, water, and steam, operating much like a full-sized steam train.

The attraction features three locomotives capable of carrying around 15 passengers of all ages and abilities.

Secunda Steamers has been delighting the public for three decades. For many residents of Secunda and surrounding towns, as well as visitors, the train evokes fond memories shared across generations.

“We used to bring our children here, and now we bring our grandchildren to ride the train,” said one visitor.

The first train run took place in August 1996 after volunteers spent three months constructing 300 meters of track.

The founding members were Dries Nienaber, John Davis, Bill Hoskins, Frans Pretorius, James Hugo, Chris Hartman, Chris van Vuuren, Gedeon van der Nest and Nico Lottering, with assistance from Hannes Paling.

Chantél Vorster recalls when her father, Frans Pretorius, drove the train for the public.

“It was a short line, and the train would go back and forth, back and forth. There was no station, no benches, no bridges, nothing,” said Vorster.

As the project grew through donations and community support, the big bridge was built in 1997, and the track was extended around the Duckpond.

Today, the railway stretches approximately 900 meters. Following the tragic deaths of founder Dries Nienaber and his wife in a motor vehicle accident in 2001, the station was built and named in their memory.

In 2010, Sasol funded the construction of the ticket office and upgrades to Nienaber Station and the surrounding park facilities, making the attraction more accessible and visitor-friendly.

Secunda Steamers chairman Frik Lacante said the organisation has faced several challenges over the years, including the loss of members, storm damage to the tracks and locomotive breakdowns.

“Repairs are not quick or easy because many parts have to be custom-made or imported,” he explained.
An imported oil pump, for example, costs about R70 000.

“This is a big part of our town’s history. We can’t let it disappear,” said Lacante.

Last November, the main locomotive suffered a major breakdown. After numerous repair attempts on the Lady Francene, the locomotive returned to service and officially resumed operations at the beginning of April.

“Lady Francene has not stopped and has been running every weekend since getting back on track,” said Lacante.

He encouraged residents not to be discouraged by the hyacinth covering the dam.

“Forget the dam; the hyacinth isn’t everything. We still have the beautiful park where children can play, braai facilities where families can enjoy a picnic, and of course, the train,” he said.

“We want people to come out and enjoy themselves. The train is not just for children; it is for everybody.”

Secunda Steamers is a non-profit organisation that relies on community support to keep the attraction running.

Among the active members today is treasurer Susan Pretorius, who joined the organisation in 2014.
She was married to the late Frans Pretorius.

Lacante, whose father-in-law was the late Dries Nienaber, joined Secunda Steamers in 2015 together with his wife, Leonora, who serves as secretary.

Their son, Frikkie, is one of the train drivers. Of the founding members, Gedeon van der Nest, Chris van Vuuren, and John Davis remain involved.

For just R10 per ride, with card facilities available, visitors can enjoy a fun family outing, celebrate a special occasion or simply experience a piece of Secunda’s history.

The train operates every Saturday, Sunday, and public holiday from 11:00 to 17:00. For more information, follow the Secunda Steamers Facebook page.

• Share with us your memories and fun moments of the steam train at the Duckpond.