South African Class 22E - PRASA Test Train

September, 27, 2016 the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) in conjunction with Transnet operated a special test train from Johannesburg to Cape Town.

The objective of the exercise was to thoroughly test the new 22E as a long distance passenger locomotive, a purpose for which it wasn't initially designed. The Class 22E is a dual voltage, 6200HP locomotive with co'co' wheel arrangement can easily handle such long distant trains single handed. This would also eliminate the need to change locomotives while traversing different voltage zones.

The train consisted of 21 newly refurbished mainline coaches and two locomotives. In the lead is the test subject, Class 22E, number 22-053 with GE diesel-electric number 44-041 following in second position. The 22E was designed for usage with modern freight trains operated by Transnet and is not equipped with vacuum brakes. However, the coaches used by PRASA are vacuum braked, hence the presence of the diesel.

Viewers can easily spot the makeshift irrigation tubing attached to the lead locomotive that was temporarily fitted. This allowed the driver to control the vacuum brakes from the lead locomotive while utilising the services from second locomotive.

The exercise was also repeated on other mainline routes throughout South Africa in the weeks that followed. This was also the first time either Class of locomotive had appeared in Western Cape.

Due to an unforeseen electrical supply problem in Cape Town the train was delayed in the city by some three hours. Leaving many Railfans waiting along the route - myself included. Luckily for me, I did manage to capture a few other trains while waiting.