UPDATE: 120-year-old steam tractor finds new home
The locomotive underwent a massive restoration that saw it restored to its former beauty.
Residents of Springs were in for a pleasant surprise when a truck arrived with the newly restored and painted steam tractor at the Markon Fountain on Thursday.
This locomotive had been the spark of controversy as residents of Presidents Park initially thought someone had stolen it in early January.
The tractor had been moved, under the instruction of Henlo Meyer, to another location to be sandblasted and restored.
“Much like the fountain, the steam tractor was dilapidated and left in a veld. Its flywheel had been stolen,” he said.
Meyer, the owner of the local company Markon, has invested in the town of Springs.
“These projects aim to restore the dignity of the town, one restoration at a time. We also strive to show we firmly placed our roots in Springs,” confirmed Henlo.
He added he is proud of being part of a community that stands united.
“When you see what the other businesses are doing, namely the War and also the Moth memorials, as they adopt their own corners of Springs, it shows the unity in the community,” he remarked proudly.
He said it pleased him that the tractor would stand at the entrance of the town to remind people of the goodness of being part of the history of Springs.
“I did these initiatives to instil a sense of pride in our community once more. There is a revival in Springs and we are taking our town back.”
Ward 75 Clr Charmaine Kock was also present, as the tractor was placed in its new home.
“I am feeling overwhelmed because the growing support of businesses continues to restore the heritage of our town,” she said.
She is adamant that this was a team effort worthy of its credit.
“I would like to thank Henlo Meyer and Markon Motors and the Springs parks department.
“I would also like to thank the Springs EMPD for cordoning off the road as we off-loaded and Nirvana Business Solutions from Brakpan for transporting the locomotive,” adds Charmaine.
The metro owned the 120-year-old restored steam tractor. The original owners brought it to the country during the British for the Boer War and subsequently used it by the local gold mines.
