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Have A Blast With Some Luxury Train Travel Via Rovos Rail

January 31st, 2010 No comments

If you think of luxury train travel one thing should come to mind that is Rovos Rail. It’s called the pride of Africa this wonderful collection of high class locomotives that can take you on a wonderful journey. Whether it is to have a romantic getaway or just go site seeing, this should be the place you look too.

Though it has taken some time to get many of the fleet in their selection. It is something that has been accomplished very well. Through years of searching and refurbishing you now have a chance to ride a classic train with modern pluses.

The oldest of the locomotives they have is the 1893, it is the 439 Tiffany. Built back in that year by the Company of Dubs and Co. Located in Scotland. During that time it was something that was built for the Cape Government to use. At that time the trip it would take would be the one that lead from Johannesburg into Cape Town.

Taking the time to refurbish and rebuilt the engine to a much more efficient model. The original firebox boiler would be replaced by that of the Belpair firebox. It was due to Rohan seeing this beautiful engine during travels that it would be purchased in the year of 1987.

Another three beautiful engines would be added during later times to the stock, they would be those 19D class engine. Overall only a total of 235 of this type of model would be built from the years of 1937 up to 1948.

They have also be modified from the original built into something that will give it more area to cover. Replacing the tenders that were originally in them with ones of Vanderbilt that are able to hold much more coal and water.

The first of these models that would be acquired would be the 2702 Bianca that was built during 1938. It would be acquired by the family during 1986 when it was found in a scrap metal yard. Again it would be given the right touch to get it back into working condition.

Again hitting another scrap metal yard the next purchase would be of the 2701 Brenda. Once again with a loving touch it would be fixed up and made possible to run once again.

The last of the 19D class that would be added was something that Rohan would come across while checking the yard where the other trains were fixed up. It was the 3360 Shaun, and it would of course be done up just perfect again.

This is really a once in a lifetime chance that many should think of taking. A chance of riding in a classic train that has all the modern needs that you seek. The inside of these trains is completely wonderful.

A true chance for the train lover too out there to enjoy something that would offer a fantastic journey. Not only can you enjoy the scenery of Africa when you travel this way. But you will also have the chance to be on some of the most beautiful locomotives that are out there currently.

If you think of luxury train travel one thing should come to mind that is Rovos Victoria Falls . It’s referred to as the pride of Africa this wonderful collection of top quality locomotives that can take you on an exciting journey.

Overlander – NZ Train Travel

December 19th, 2009 No comments

Train travel in New Zealand tends to be scenic, slow and serene — which is quite perfect. For a long time, there have been few infrastructure upgrades and, although things are starting to look up, there is still a long way to go. For a tourist (rather than a commuter) there are three train vacations to try: the Transalpine, the Overlander and the TransCoastal. The cost of travel in New Zealand is relatively high, but the price of train travel is considered quite fair.

Flying from Auckland to Wellington takes under two hours; driving takes a mammoth 8 hours thanks to circutous roads (admittedly through amazing scenic routes). On the other hand, the Overlander train from Auckland to Wellington takes 12 hours! It’s not the fastest option by far but it is much more relaxing than driving and far more scenic that flying … on most days anyway.

The last section of the train carriage houses a semi-circular lounge with large windows, perfect for site-seeing and taking in the various landscapes. This makes it easy to film and photograph things and shows the real value of train travel in New Zealand: tourism. As it’s too slow for business travellers, its use as a sightseeing tour vehicle is both highlighted and optimised for. In many ways, this is a wise move although most New Zealanders would be happy to see faster connections on more modernised rails.

While both food and drink are available on all long-haul kiwi trains, you can also book your ticket in such a way to make use of stops (and real restaurants and hotels) along the way. The Overlander stops in small and interesting towns between Auckland and Wellington and, with a little forsight, can provide a great stop-over experience.

You should not imagine a fast and smooth journey when you travel by train in New Zealand. You can expect an easy journey through beautiful countryside with friendly passengers and helpful railway staff.

Pick up a free online travel magazine, to help you pass the time on your Overlander train trip.