So it was an all-Dolly operation. We learned that LO806 would be going to Selebi North to load, and LO805 would be doing the stores train. The stores loco left first, so we followed it around to the smelter, where it picked up a solitary wagon and made for a magnificent shot as it passed the smelter (see February's picture in 2002 - The Essence of Steam Calendar for a Garratt in the same area). Another shot out the back gate of the mine (how do you get that huge smelter chimney nicely into the shot?!), then we took up position on the power station spur to shoot the train as it left.

As the loco reversed past, the fireman got off and came over to us. It seemed that the crew had taken the wrong key for the power station gate along with the wrong safeworking token, and the crew for the Selebi North loco had the wrong one as well. So we dashed off to the loco shed to swap them over, luckily the train for Selebi North had not departed yet, so we were able to get the correct keys to the correct locos!

After a bit of shunting, the Dolly departed the power station siding with a long rake of empties and headed out towards the exchange yards, with beautiful afternoon light shining on the loco as she laboured past.

LO805 cruises past the smelting plant with an empty wagon whilst on stores duties.

Back into the car and away to Selebi North, where the train was still loading. Just as the loco whistled her departure, a number of donkeys appeared out of the bush and stood on the line. Most of them then walked away but one stood defiantly on the tracks facing the loco. Having demonstrated his bravery, Mr. Donkey then stepped aside for the train to pass. A weak glint as the loco passed, then we were away to try and get another shot before the sun set. After a bit of pacing we headed to the main road crossing for a dead-side-on which was great, as the loco really moves along that stretch.

Then back to the house to freshen up, and a lovely dinner at the local Spur which of course involved the usual draught beer, the name of which we could not quite grasp from our waitress. Sounded like Simdlos or Sindless or something. It was only on the way out that we spotted the promotional flyer for "St. Louis" that we realised the proper name! We had hoped for a cab ride after dinner (better than dessert!) but on arrival at the shed we found that they'd run their last train already, not at 9:00pm as planned. Oh well, a good excuse for an early night.

Early on Sunday, LO806 was in steam, whilst LO805 was sitting under the column with her fire dropped. The night crew were just coming off duty. One of our requests to the mine management some time before our trip was to turn a locomotive for the Sunday morning trains. When the morning crew signed on,we took a ride with them to the BPC triangle (on the old power station spur) to turn the loco. There is a second triangle in the smelter area but it is usually buried in dust and dirt from the many trucks using the area. Got some interesting shots of the mine complex, especially by standing in the tender and shooting over the loco roof and boiler with the video camera as we rode through the complex.

Locomotives LO805 and LO806 standing on the loco servicing roads.
Back at the shed it was time for loco requirements, so they took water and cleaned fire with Trainman getting involved in the hard work. We noted that the smokebox front had burned through presumably from the char accumulation. The crew saw us looking at this and decided to clean it out. Quite a bit of ash and char was removed in the process! The locos were quite clean but we asked the fireman to hose the loco down with the hose pipe for that extra shine.

While the crew prepared for departure, we headed for our footbridge shot which we had reconnoitred a year previously but didn't get. The shot is quite nice, with the smelter, mine works and dumps in the background, and an upgrade for the loco. Normally this is a tender first working but we hoped that the "right way" working would make the shot. It did. The 19D was working hard and making good smoke as she slogged out of the mine complex and up towards us. The low speed made for plenty of time for shots to be taken. The weather was a bit grey, but the shot was brilliant.

After a leisurely drive through town, we caught up with LO806 along the airport road and took a few pacing shots, and then set up on the Selebi Nth. junction for a shot on the curve. We then waited at the shaft for the train to load.

Whilst we waited, Graham undertook a scientific study into the calorific value and volatility of certain semi natural fuels in the area. Dried, processed and compressed grass nuggets a-la donkey were set alight, and we were surprised by the heat of the fuel. The smoke left something to be desired, especially when the entire car became fumigated with the stuff. 3 weeks later you could still smell it! But then it was a company car that has since been repossessed by the liquidator, who is probably wondering what the stink is!!!

A reasonable tender-first departure, with the crew yelling and waving at us, as the well-smouldering pile of donkey-doo near the car made it appear that the car was burning. They

looked a bit perplexed as we laughed and shook our heads. The crew seemed amazed at our flippant attitude towards our burning means of transport...

While they off-loaded we returned to the house for a bacon & egg brekky which was most appreciated, then packed up and found another spot near the mine area. A pleasant curve with a nice tree beside the line was chosen, but a couple of small shrubs needed removal first. Shrubs?!?! They were the most vicious plants I've come across! We tried to bend/break/kill/murder/savage them but to no avail. We finally used concrete blocks to smash the branches off so that I could cut them with my Leatherman saw before knocking them over. After much blood and sweat (and torn clothing!) the spot was cleared enough.

Was the shot worth it? I don't know, my film isn't processed yet, but the video was okay. (Just got the film back - the shot was a wipeout - Trev) Next time we'll have a chain saw with us... A few more pacing shots on the Selebi line, then a final shot of the loco approaching the airport road crossing. We said cheers to the crew at Selebi Shaft and gave them a video of what we took last year which they were pretty pleased with.

Then the drive home, nice and easy, 15 minutes in total to get through the border, and back home at a reasonable hour with the smell of cremated donkey droppings ever-present to remind us of Selebi Phikwe...

All pictures Copyright © 2001 Trevor Staats