Ulolwe Vol 2 Issue8 rev 3

“Jacaranda Express” completed the journey between the two cities in 55 minutes while the ordinary “alle stasies” takes roughly 90 minutes.

The train configuration of the Metroblitz is made up of 8 light-weight suburban trailer coaches and the motive power consists of two class 12E’s, one at either end. The 12E represents a modified version of a Class 6E1 and develops a starting tractive force of 240 kN. The basic shape of the suburban trailer coach has been retained, however the windows are oblong and have tainted glass panes. The fully air-conditioned coaches are each fitted with 60 comfortable aircraft-type seats in a chequered red/grey material and the floor is covered with plush red carpeting throughout. The livery of the Metroblitz is striking to say the least – starting with a broad red band, then narrower yellow band below the window level, thereafter dark grey and followed by a yellow and red band above the windows. The units have a dipping yellow/red/yellow band in front of the cab. A feature which I found to be lacking is a streamlined appearance of the train, in particular the fronts of the units could have done with a little more of an imaginative design.

Nevertheless, the ride at 160 km/h is extremely smooth and quiet with very little jolting over the points. All station platforms between Fountains and Knights have an approximately 1,5 m wide “danger zone” painted in yellow along the side of the through lines and a large notice warning people to stand clear of this zone when trains are passing through.

According to a SATS public relations officer in Durban, there are no plans to introduce any faster services in this area. So, if you wish to experience the thrill of travelling at 160 km/h on the 3 ft 6 in gauge, the ride on the Metroblitz is well worth the single fare of R2,50 (or a little more from 1 April).

Time-Table Pretoria dep. 06:45, arr. Johannesburg 07:27 Johannesburg dep. 17:10, arr. Pretoria 17:54 Noted at the time: Departure was from Platform 11 in Johannesburg and arrival at Platform 3 in Pretoria. The driver announced that 160 km/h was reached near Birchleigh.

Also recorded was the time of arrival in Pretoria: on 16 January it was 2 minutes later than the scheduled 42 minutes, the following day the train arrived on time in Pretoria.

6E1 No.1525 Worth noting too is that the test speed of 245km/h was attained on 31 October 1978 by a modified 3kV electric locomotive (6E1 No.1525) between Midway and Bank.

Japan Railways in Japan have been successfully operating tilt trains at up to 160km/h on its 3ft 6in gauge lines since 1992 when Shikokus 8000 EMU’s went into service between Yakamatsu and Matsuyama.

Australia Queensland Rail’s electric Tilt Trains have the distinction of holding Australia’s railway speed record of 210km/h set in 1998; however their operational speed is limited to 160km/h on sections of the line between Brisbane and Rockhampton.

12