National Railways of Zimbabwe 16th class 2-8-2 Garratt 609 near Mballaballa

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Caption - National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) 16th class 2-8-2 Garratt no.609 heads a freight up the steep grade from Mballaballa in July 1987 towards Heany Junction and onto Bulawayo. The lightly laid West Nicholson branch was worked exclusively by 14th and 16th class Garratts. Built as no.635 in 1953 by Beyer Peacock it was rebuilt in June 1979 and renumbered no.609. The grade from the southern terminus of the branch meant a slow slog up the gradient. If traffic was heavy double headers were used with a wagon between the locos to lighten the load on bridges.

Country - Zimbabwe   Date - 1987   General Photo - 454

Photographer - Lou Johnson

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