In a Different Light – Cape Gauge 1975 – by John Birkinshaw

Description

IN A DIFFERENT LIGHT invites readers on an unforgettable journey into the golden era of Cape Gauge steam operations on South African Railways (SAR). Renowned photographer John Birkinshaw captures the essence of 1975, a pivotal time as steam trains began fading into history. Featuring vivid images printed on high-quality paper, the book blends stunning visuals with Birkinshaw’s personal anecdotes of navigating challenges in an era without modern travel tools. From cloud-covered landscapes to the dwindling days of Garratts and Pacifics, this heartfelt memoir and photographic masterpiece is a must-read for railway enthusiasts and history lovers alike.

INTRODUCTION
In this book I have tried to create a visual impression of Cape Gauge steam operations on South African Railways (SAR) as they were when,
armed with cameras, maps, and sleeping bag I visited the country with a fellow railway enthusiast in 1975. In addition to a brief history of
SAR steam, I thought it would be of interest to describe how well (or otherwise) we planned the trip when money and information about
the problems we might encounter were in short supply. At the time of our visit the biting wind of change was already beginning to blow
through South African Railways, and in the next 7 years the SAR Cape Gauge route mileage operated by steam was reduced to less than 1,850
kilometres of the total 20,000.

The initial thought that became the final plan was to visit Southern Africa during the months of October to December 1975. As we found
not the best months to chase trains, plenty of cloud and rain, the ideal time for clear skies was the winter months of May, June and July. In
1975 there was no internet and no Google maps available to help plan such a trip, (and remember the mobile phone and GPS wasn’t even
on your ‘Dreams’ radar) the only source of information was word of mouth, World Steam and Continental Railway Journal. While our
planning was in progress, steam was in its final season on the Cape fruit trains. Cape Gauge Garratts were rapidly becoming history.
Pacifics were scheduled to be removed from the passenger links on the Port Elizabeth suburban system by the middle of 1975. So, were we
simply too late, or close to an unforgettable experience?

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