For those of you who follow me with an interest in railroad/railways I have something for you to watch.

If you've not seen this show from several years ago I suspect anyone who has a soft spot for saving locomotives will enjoy it.

Anyway, these locomotives served out their life in Africa and were built by several builders both pre WWII and post WWI

This program chronicles the saving and eventual return of one of the post war version back to Scotland where it was erected. (Several have been preserved, one, "Janine" #3046 is operational!)

This episode has a delightful song that accompanies the the show and it would not be near as powerful of a program without the music.

This youtube is just a sample as it's a one hour show. Click the YouTube in the right corner to see a larger version.




Just the music, a little bit better audio quality




The lyrics if anyone has interest.


Saved from the torches of the breaker's yard
Thirty years of service under African guard
Restored and oiled for one last ride
Six thousand miles to take in its stride

[ Chorus ]:
This is the train from Bloemfontein
Mighty workhorse of the African plain
This is the train from Bloemfontein
Off to Scotland, home again

Into the valley of a thousand peaks
Twisting and turning, the mountain class creaks
Icy wind bites, but no blazing coal
This arduous journey is taking its toll

[ Chorus ]:

Forty days and nights in the open sea
Out on a passage, spanning oceans, three
Stormy waters brew around the treacherous cape
Will the precious cargo safely escape?

[ Chorus ]:

For old time's sake, a final parade
Under shadows of spires, and collonades
Conquered the ocean and the open road
It's the end of the line for this majestic load

[ Chorus ]: x2