Train crash in southern Congo 'kills 60'

[27vet]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/africa/10373571.stm

I think the state of the rail system in those parts is very poor. I lived there for about 2 years (1999-2001), the railway line was then inoperative due to the civil war.

[DSY011]

You beat me to it 27vet, I was just about to post that report when I saw you had already done so.

[27vet]

I saw it earlier today but was at work. At the moment I'm just up the drag in neighboring Gabon.

[48111]

Isaw some of the rolling stock on the film, it looks a bit rough.

A bad thing, the same as any railway accident though.

48111

[DSY011]

Most of the rolling stock in Africa is in very poor shape. When I think back to the days when I was on the railways, and how the stock was looked after in those days, it makes me want to weep. In all the years I traveled on the Rhodesian and South African Railways, I never had a dirty coach. In S.A most crews had their own loco or sheared one between 2 or 3 crews. They took a pride in the loco and even went to the repair sheds when the loco was due in. That way they knew every thing that was done and the firemen learned all about the workings of his loco. It was great to see a spotless loco come out of the shed to take on our train with all brass shining and a cheerful 'Hello' from the crew.

[27vet]

I remember the dining car on the overnight train between Johannesburg and Durban. It was akin to a 5 star hotel, even for economy class passengers and the meals were superb. Your own compartment (3 or 6 people), clean bedding etc. The ticket cost less than a plane ticket. Now, only the very wealthy can afford the Blue Train and others. They have turned the regular service into cattle class airline style seating and I would set foot on those trains nowadays.