During the last days I published my narrow gauge steam films from the 1970s, taken in Indonesia, South Africa, East Germany and Holland. The East German content (Oschatz and Radebeul, 1979) may be quite common, but the Indonesian (1974) and South African (1976) material may be specially interesting as it was taken mainly in harbour yards. Also there is a trip over the 2ft gauge Avontuur line in 1976, behind NG15 no. 118 which is now at the Bennett Brook Railway in Australia.
The source material is 8mm film, captured from the screen with a digital video camera and visually enhanced. The sound tracks were carefully edited to produce synchronised and appropriate sound. Some of it is actual location sound taken with a cassette recorder, some has been compiled from various unlikely sources.
Note that I have defined 'narrow gauge' to include 3ft 6 ins gauge, for which I don't apologise!
Have fun.
Sumatra - 1974 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtmBWWT1Tj0)
Cape Town harbour yard - 1976 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSSLtSua1js)
the Avontuur line - 1976 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Tzl5Qz88oI)
Port Elizabeth and East London - 1976 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O53uX6Xkct8)
East Germany (Oschatz and Radebeul) - 1979 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_Bo-j2mE70)
the preserved RTM line - 1979 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oo0QveNhP48)
Wonderful Ted, especially the Avontuur and the East German lines. It is such a shame that many modellers of these lines are so reluctant to weather their stock and show how it really was. I can understand the reluctance but the reality is just great. The wonderful variety of steam locomotives accross the World is really remarkable. I hope the NG15 in the UK steams one day
Peter Smith
Splendid historical films Ted and although I have been fortunate enough to have seen them before, they are still very entertaining and interesting for me to revisit the scenes.
For anyone thinking of joining the current fashion of adding Kato powered tram skirted steam locos to their rosters, then look no further than Ted's Preserved RTM line 1979 video for inspiration! ;D
Mick
Thanks, all - regarding that skirted tram engine, Mick, that is something very unusual to British eyes. The 'skirts' are pannier tanks slung outside the wheels, and they have inside cylinders and valve gear. They weigh 24 tons in working order.