In 1970s and 1980s this 303km long line from Bethlehem westward to Bloemfontein was a major attraction for enthusiasts in the 1970s and 1980s as it was steam-worked and ran through some very attractive scenery. The secondary line between Bethlehem and Bloemfontein was 100% steam powered with Class 15F 4-8-2s and Class 25NC 4-8-4s. This rugged but spectacular line had hard working steam action including a daily passenger train, an overnight passenger train, plus freights throughout the day. During the draught there were daily water trains from Bethlehem as well.
In 1970s and 1980s, South Africa was photographers paradise for an adventure shooting regular service steam operations. Steam in South Africa in 1980s was similar to late 1950's steam in America. It was declining yet there were pockets of great activity and fabulous action. Scenically the best sections were between Bethlehem and Ficksburg where the line ran through a rich agricultural region against the picturesque backdrop of the Witteberge Mountains. And that’s was this 2006 film tries to recreate featuring one of the best sections between Bethlehem and Fouriesburg. Part 5 covers the section from Bethlehem up the hill to Barnea and thence down to Retiefsnek, Slabberts, Sheridan and Fouriesburg.
During the winter months when there is virtually no rainfall, the grass is burnt brown and the temperatures fall well below zero. Heavy frost is common so it could be a little chilly when getting up before dawn to shot the train at sunrise.
Bethlehem shed was home to the first 22 of the original class 25NC 4-8-4s (Nos 3401 to 3422, built by Henschel in 1953 and by North British in 1954) which were transferred from De Aar to Bethlehem in 1974 to replace hand-fired 15E 4-8-2s. The locos worked the daily through passenger trains all the way to Bloemfontein and also the migrant mine workers’ weekend trains (“Bombelas”) to Ficksburg. Bethlehem also had some 15F 4-82s for local shunting and a few 19D 4-8-2s for working the branch from Harrismith to Warden.
Bloemfontein shed supplied 15F 4-8-2s and the occasional 25NC rebuilt condenser 4-8-4 for the passenger workings to Thaba Nchu and Ladybrand, freight trains to and from Modderpoort and 19D 4-8-2s for the Marseilles - Maseru branch and for shunting at Ladybrand.
The line climbed from an altitude of 1393m at Bloemfontein to 1626m at Bethlehem with several summits higher than 1700m and a high point of 1796m at Retiefsnek. There was only 29km of level track, the maximum gradient was 1 in 50 and there was 90km of it! This meant that locos had to work hard in both directions although trains heading towards Bethlehem had more of a climb to contend with.