MOSSEL BAY NEWS - In a historic moment for Mossel Bay, a steam locomotive took the railway tracks between Hartenbos and Mossel Bay last Thursday, 19 March - the first time in 16 years.

The 96-year-old locomotive was saved from the scrapyard in 2016 and was beautifully restored and named after the Ekström family's matriarch, Sylvia.

Sean Ekström told Mossel Bay Advertiser the trip last Thursday was a test run to ensure everything was ready for its inaugural trip on 4 April.

Graeme, Sean's brother, told the Advertiser on Tuesday that their grandfather, Claude Way-Jones, had been a steam train driver for the South African Railways and that their father, Errol, who passed away in 1991, had been a great steam train enthusiast, and helped to firmly secure his three sons, Kevin, Sean and Graeme's love of steam locomotives.

Graeme, one of Sylvia's test drivers last week, said he and his family were overwhelmed by the support Mossel Bay's residents had shown on the day. 

"We were blown away by everyone standing along the line, taking photos and videos, and cars hooting as we chugged past," he said.

More information is available on www.scrail.co.za.

The Ekström matriarch, Sylvia, after whom the train was named, on the day of the test run. Photo: Michael de Nobrega

Steam locomotive Sylvia took the tracks between Hartenbos and Mossel Bay last Thursday. Photo: Michael de Nobrega

‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’