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Gwelo_station_20_705. Steam in Southern Africa: Rhodesia 1973. in October 1973 it was common practice for Gwelo to Bulawayo trains to start in the evening and run through the night. The largest and most powerful steam locomotives operated by Rhodesia Railways were the 4-8-2+2-8-4 Beyer Garratts of Class 20. Here 20 705 (BP 7690/1954), waits in the evening sunshine of 27th October 1973, for the signal to depart on its journey to Bulawayo. roger.griffiths@hotmail.com

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Gwelo_station_20_705_depart. Steam in Southern Africa: Rhodesia 1973. With “smoke by request,” Beyer Garratt No. 20 705 makes an energetic start westwards, from Gwelo goods yard on 27th October 1973. Also seen is Class 16A No.629 which is engaged in shunting to form a freight that will follow the Class 20 and its train to Bulawayo. roger.griffiths@hotmail.com

Zimbabwe_13_Thompson_Jct_Trn_24_from_Bulawayo_20_737_ex-718__Ingubo__BP_7783_1954__1_10_81.jpg (158125 bytes)

Zimbabwe_13_Thompson_Jct_Trn_24_from_Bulawayo_20_737(ex-718)_Ingubo_(BP 7783.1954)_1.10.81 With Baobab Hill in the background, Class 20A 737 coasts down grade with Train 24 from Bulawayo, a mixed freight to Thompson Junction, and Zambia. The locomotive had been through a RESSCO refurbishment, being re-numbered from 718 and gaining the name “Ingubo”. The naming policy for the class 20A was different, in that names reflected things of importance to the local people. “Ingubo” translates to “Blanket”, which item was universally worn around the waist, most days, by the ladies of Zimbabwe. 1st October 1981. roger.griffiths@hotmail.com

Zimbabwe_5_Bulawayo_shed_20_716_+_14A_513__BP_7781_1954__+_7586_1953__27_9_81.jpg (147228 bytes)

Zimbabwe_5_Bulawayo_shed_20 716_&_14A_513_(BP 7781.1954 _&_7586.1953)_27.9.81 Bulawayo shed, 27th September 1981. The depot’s massive pilot locomotive, Class 20A 4-8-2+2-8-4 No.716 (BP 7586/1953), shunts Class 14A 2-6-2+2-6-2 No.513 (BP 7781/1954). roger.griffiths@hotmail.com