Update

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The long-awaited revival of the iconic Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe steam train has reached an important milestone, with Classic Rail, the successful tenderer for the project, reporting steady progress on various fronts. 

Built between 1925 and 1928, the George–Knysna railway line is now a century old. According to Classic Rail, restoring this historic route is both a technical challenge and a privilege, and marks a significant moment in South Africa’s railway heritage.

Track rehabilitation is being led by Afritrack, Classic Rail’s appointed track contractor, under the leadership of Johan Laubscher, Dawie Moller and Lean Steyn. A dedicated team has been on site since December 2025, starting at Sedgefield Station and now reaching the 12km mark along the line.

Vegetation is being cleared to five metres on either side of the rail centreline. Cleared material is carefully stored outside the reserve for later chipping and composting, a critical fire-prevention measure in the fire-prone Garden Route. Early inspections indicate that while approximately one in four wooden sleepers will need replacement, the majority remain structurally sound despite their age.

Two-phase operating plan

The project has been divided into two operational phases. Phase 1, known as the Waterfront Express, will operate between Sedgefield and Knysna. 

Phase 2, the Museum Limited, will extend services from Sedgefield to the George Railway Museum. Classic Rail has confirmed that it holds exclusive rail access to the museum railway platform.

Locomotives and carriages being prepared

Behind the scenes, Classic Rail’s broader team is progressing with the selection and restoration of locomotives and heritage rolling stock, as well as planning the redevelopment of historic properties along the route.

Fairlie Projects, led by Shaun Ackerman - well known for his work with the former Reef Steamers - has begun preparing refurbishment plans for the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe locomotive fleet. 

Initially, two Class 19D steam locomotives currently housed at the George Railway Museum will be transported by road to Fairlie’s Germiston workshop. One will be restored as a coal-fired locomotive, while the other will be converted to oil-firing to allow operations during designated fire-risk days.

A Class 32 diesel locomotive will be refurbished locally at the George LA Workshop to serve as a backup unit, while additional steam and diesel locomotives stabled at Voorbaai will be transferred to George in due course. Spare parts currently at Voorbaai will also be relocated once outstanding paperwork with Transnet Heritage is finalised.

Carriage refurbishment will be handled by Les le Roux, a specialist cabinet carpenter with recent experience on the luxury Kruger Shalati Train Hotel project. 

The Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe’s third-class side-door carriages will undergo full refurbishment at the LA Workshop before being transported by road to Knysna.

Working on clearing the line. Photo supplied

Sedgefield to become steam hub

Sedgefield Station is set to become the operational heart of the revived steam service. Plans include the construction of a new turntable and running workshop north of the existing station. Concept designs are being prepared by Shaun Ackerman and will be finalised by heritage architect Henry Paine. 

Construction and restoration work will be undertaken by Owen and Donovan McCullum, the team behind the Phantom Forest Eco Reserve.

Regulatory and environmental progress

Classic Rail representatives Daleen Endley and Carol Anne Matseba have successfully secured a rail safety permit from the rail regulator, allowing both clearing and future operations. Environmental guidance is being provided by Cathy Averienos and Pam Booth, ensuring compliance with conservation requirements.

Work still in progress

Bridge repairs, as well as the appointment of the operations and marketing team, remain works in progress. Classic Rail has indicated that further updates on these aspects will follow.

The company has also acknowledged the support of local stakeholders, including Knysna’s Dudley Isaacs, for ongoing assistance.

Further updates on the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe revival will be shared via Facebook (@classicrailgardenroute) and on the official website.

Clearing is progressing well. Photo supplied

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