Bruno Martin who co-authored the long out of print Natal Mainline Story and Mike Cottrell, whose U of Natal degree included a dissertation on railways, have produced a 216 A4 book entitled The Natal Old Main Line from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.
This carefully researched, fascinating book provides much information about the Old Main Line between Durban to Pietermaritzburg which opened in 1880. Chapters include the first railway in South Africa; the development of the railway and locomotives; construction and later reconstruction under the Natal Government Railways and South African Railways; Umgeni Steam Railway; famous trains and people and reminiscences. The book has 216 pages, including about 34 maps, 140 illustrations and sketches and a pull-out map at the back.
The book which is being published by the Railway Society of SA-KZN, should be available in November at a cost R150 post-paid within S Africa.
It will make an ideal gift for anyone with an interest in Natal and the effect the new transport system had on the development of the Colony.
Details of how to order this long awaiting and important contribution to our transport history can be downloaded here: SANS News Brief – 026 – New Publication The Old Main Line Dbn to Pmb