RSZ GE U15C 02-308 Lusaka 2 UP 230908
Railway Systems of Zambia train 2 UP, the 20:30 Livingstone (near Victoria Falls) to Kitwe thrice weekly passenger, stands at Lusaka on Tuesday 23rd September 2008. Power that day was GE U15C 02-308. The trains are normally worked by a small pool of four GE U20s, although the little 8-cylinder beasts can appear. Stock was seven ex-South African railways economy class coaches and a van.
Our attempt to get in the front coach was thwarted by the train manager as he insisted we travel with him, and the security staff, in the rear coach. I think he was concerned for our safety, although I'm sure it would have been fine, as we'd gone up front the previous day without incident and the locals were very friendly. In an amusing first for foreign rail travel, some understanding of our motives: he said "aha, you want to be at the front to hear the engine working, don't you?"!!! He was probably worried about what happened on passing a shanty town on the outskirts of Lusaka, as the train was pelted with stones by local youths. A regular occurence apparently, as the on-board security staff returned fire with catapults!
RSZ GE U15C 02-308 Lusaka 2 UP 230908
Railway Systems of Zambia train 2 UP, the 20:30 Livingstone (near Victoria Falls) to Kitwe thrice weekly passenger, stands at Lusaka on Tuesday 23rd September 2008. Power that day was GE U15C 02-308. The trains are normally worked by a small pool of four GE U20s, although the little 8-cylinder beasts can appear. Stock was seven ex-South African railways economy class coaches and a van.
Our attempt to get in the front coach was thwarted by the train manager as he insisted we travel with him, and the security staff, in the rear coach. I think he was concerned for our safety, although I'm sure it would have been fine, as we'd gone up front the previous day without incident and the locals were very friendly. In an amusing first for foreign rail travel, some understanding of our motives: he said "aha, you want to be at the front to hear the engine working, don't you?"!!! He was probably worried about what happened on passing a shanty town on the outskirts of Lusaka, as the train was pelted with stones by local youths. A regular occurence apparently, as the on-board security staff returned fire with catapults!