The Blue Train (Prototype)

Although not “model” train related, this post is “prototype” train related.

Earlier this month on the 4th, 5th and 6th December, Lindsay (my wife) and I got to spent two nights on the South African Blue Train and an awesome day at the Nedbank golf challenge at Sun City.

On the Wednesday, we all met up at the Sheraton Hotel in Pretoria at 15h00 for refreshments and snacks before being bussed down to Pretoria station at 16h30. The train left at 18h00 sharp and arrived at the Sun City Halt the next morning at 09h00. From there, we were bussed to Sun City 3km’s away for a wonderful day and being spoiled absolutely rotten.

At 16h30 we returned to our chariot with the train again departing at 18h00 and arriving back at Pretoria station on Friday morning at 09h00. Then back to the Sheraton to pick up our cars and the end of an absolutely amazing experience. 

Below is some additional commentary with photos. Click on the photos to enlarge.

Here was our arrival at Pretoria Station

Lindsay before entering the tunnel.

Red carpet nogal

It was then into the Blue Train waiting lounge. Again, snacks and drinks were waiting

Just before boarding the train.

This was our room for the next two nights. Also to the left, an on-suite toilet and shower which I unfortunately did not take a photo of :-(

Below is the Lounge car where we would congregate for drinks and much talking. First photo at night, the next one's during the day.

Next was the dining car. Again, one photo in the morning and the 2nd at night. Full 5 course dinner with all the china and cutlery. Like going back to the 50's!

Dinner was a formal affair with strict instructions to attend with Tie and Jacket! It was actualy quite something to dress up like this again. Can not remember the last time I wore a tie and Jacket.

Lindsay at breakfast ready for a day of Golf.

Here the blue train was departing Rustenburg station. Next stop, Sun City Halt.

This is Sun City Halt. It is about 3 km's East of Sun City and is literally a platform on the side of the main line. From here we hopped onto a Bus that took us along to Sun City. Unfortunately, due to cameras and cell phone restrictions at the golf, I was unable to take any photos there.

Below, we have just hopped off the train and getting on the bus.

Lindsay, ready for a day in the sun.

We left the train down a small dirt road before getting on the tar road. On the tar road, we back tracked and had to go over the train. Below, the train was directly in front of us. These photos just don't do justice to the actual scene. The sun was behind us lighting up the train.

After a long lovely day at the Golf, we arrived back at the train to glasses of refreshing ice cold Champagne. No Lindsay is not greedy LOL, she picked one up for me :-)

This was our beds made up, chocolates each evening and all the bells and whistles.

Each night after dinner, everyone would retire to the lounge car for Cognac and cigars. Lindsay and I would go the the "Non smoking' lounge. There were two on the train. 

And that was the end to an absolutely awesome 2 nights and one day. Lindsay says this is one more item deleted from her bucket list. What more can I say.

For those wondering, the trip from Pretoria Station to Sun City is very short, however, throughout the night we were constantly moving. On the return trip, I activated a tracking device on my phone to see what was happening. Well, they took us around and around Pretoria, Via the North, then East, and in particular, even going around Centrarand just East of Kempton park. Below is a image of our track. Please excuse the two straight lines which are data errors.