- Cape Town’s iconic Blue Train Park is undergoing significant refurbishments to restore the historic “Old Lady” train, which has been a beloved seaside attraction for 66 years.
- The refurbishment, led by train specialist Andries Keyser, involves a complete overhaul due to extensive sea damage.
- The renovated train, featuring a brand-new design and enhanced passenger comfort, is expected to be operational by the end of September.
While the country’s political landscape is undergoing big changes, closer to home patrons to the Blue Train Park in Mouille Point might have noticed a change there too.
The mini blue train, fondly known as the “Old Lady” train, has been removed and is currently undergoing major refurbishments.
The park was established 66 years ago and has become an iconic feature to Cape Town’s seaside landscape.
The train, a project by Rotary Club Sea Point, is the last remaining seaside miniature railway attraction in the country. Operating on a circular 400 m track. It has carried millions of passengers over the past six decades.
For many years the train was run by the club, but over the years they have found various tenants to operate it.
Andries Keyser, a train specialist and founder of the Winelands Light Railway, a passion project to preserve and operate miniature steam locomotives, will be heading the refurbishment project.
Keyser explained that due to damage caused by the sea, the train will undergo a complete facelift.
He added that a brand-new design has been drawn up and new parts are already being manufactured.
“The train has been in our workshop for a week now where it has been stripped down to its basic components, roughly 80% destined for the scrap bin. The coaches will be taller with almost no obstruction to the passengers view of the magnificent surroundings.
Changes
According to Keyser the chairs will also be bigger so adults can sit with greater comfort.
“The locomotive will also look more like the real thing although it will still be powered by a diesel engine, much more efficient than the old one with less noise and pollution.
“If you have been on the train in the recent past and experienced the ‘rough’ ride, then the new train will feel like you are gliding on air.”
Keyser said his passion for locomotives was sparked in his teen years.
“This is a hobby that I have been involved in since age 13 when I was introduced to the Pietermaritzburg Model Engineering Society. I was taught by various skilled artisans and today can carry on with the disappearing art of building and running miniature railways.”
Carl May, board member at Rotary Club Sea Point, said this project represents a significant commitment to preserving a piece of Cape Town’s rich history.
“The blue train was an opportunity to showcase Rotary to the public.”
May said the train is a valuable social asset and added that they are committed to ensuring its continued presence as a symbol of our shared heritage.
“Part of our lease with the tenant is that they allow us 18 days at the train, so over these years thousands of underprivileged children had free days at the train. Many of these children have never been to the seaside in their lives so this was a treat for them.”
He explained that the train is expected to be back and operational by the end of September.
“The ‘Old Lady’ train holds a special place in the hearts of the Cape Town and Sea Point community, and we are confident that with Andries Keyser’s expertise and our collective support, this cherished locomotive will soon be back on track and ready to welcome passengers once again. The train is expected to be unveiled to the public in September.”
