Zimbabwe 1997 Steam Train Safari Bulawayo to Victoria Falls.

My beloved zimbabwe

Last time I traveled on a long distance train was from Bulawayo to Cape Town and that was in 1975 ! I traveled by those trains several times in the years before that -and each of those train trips was an absolute thrill and pleasure ! No flight on a plane was better than those Rhodesian / South African railway journeys ! I can only dream of those happy days and journeys now ! Those steam trains were an absolute heavenly delight !

The first railway line was laid d in Southern Rhodesia in 1897, running from the Union of South Africa, through Bechuanaland and on to Bulawayo. In the early 1980’s there were about 118 running steam engines in Zimbabwe. Coal was an abundant resource. A few of the engines remain in operational order. Many could be overhauled and re-fired once again…including mini-steam trains at amusement parks (former Round Table). I grew up in the Eastern Border and also lived in Braeside, Harare for a while. En-route to Umtali we used to see steam trains, and there were numerous ones operating from Bulawayo, in addition to one or two at Harare. So, walking along a railway track and collecting the large lumps of coal became a favourite game. They added great warmth to a fire or hearth. It is no surprise, therefore, that I published a book on Zimbabwean steam trains, entitled, “Sam Edward the Steam Train” by Dr. Ross Gordon Cooper, Lulu Press Ltd. This book in the making was worked on part-time for many years, as I gathered useful, genuine historical information to include therein. NRZ Railway Museum curator (Bulawayo), Mr. G. Murray, encouraged me in this endeavour. I highly recommend that you purchase yourself a copy of my book via Lulu Press Ltd online. They will then post you out a printed copy. Inbox me if you have any further enquiries. Yours truly, Ross.

I think this video would be so much better with some narration..... Strange to see the "RR" on some of the windows, although I remember these "Rhodesia Railways" carriages from when I Lived in Rhodesia and later Zimbabwe of course. I actually worked on Rhodesia Railways in the late 70's as an Engineman, (Driver) in Sinoia and Gwelo. But only the Diesel Locomotives. Good times! Thanks.

Thank you very much for sharing this clip.

Wow. I'd love to ride a steam train.

our Zimbabwe pride

love Zimbabwe from India

Went to the steam locc depot this same loco is know sitting in she shed with boiler and front tender removed