TAKE A TRIP BACK IN TIME

It was the power of steam that drove the expansion of the British Empire during the Victorian Era, and the Cape Colony was no exception. The first steam-train line in the Cape was completed in 1862, and ran from Cape Town to Eerste River. Within a year, the route had been extended to include Stellenbosch and Wellington. Gradually, a network of railway lines spread throughout the province, managed by Cape Government Railways; while in the north, the Netherlands-South African Railway Company facilitated the expansion of the railway network in the-then independent South African Republic.

By the time the four provinces merged to form a nation in 1910, an expansive national railway system had effectively been established.

The Ceres Railway track was originally built at the turn of the 20th century, starting in July 1910 and was completed in May 1912. The line was built using second-hand material. Part of Ceres Rail Company’s mission is to help preserve and promote South African Rail Heritage, which involves restoring and refurbishing old locomotives and coaches. Currently we operate Class 19D locomotives #3321 and #3322 and a Class 19B locomotive #1412.

ON THE TRAIN

Rail is the perfect platform from which to absorb the grandeur of this fair Cape. Trains have a certain inextricable mystique about them. It is little wonder they’re often the setting for romantic rendezvous, murder mysteries and elaborate heists. Perhaps it’s the unstoppable forward momentum; the intimacy of the enclosed space or the sense of adventure and anticipation they evoke.

Our guests spend their time on the train doing what they enjoy best, whether mingling in the bar, reading a book, taking in the sights, catching up with family, or closing their eyes and letting their senses take them back to another place in time.

EVENTS & FUNCTIONS

Our trains are available for charters for your company events and other corporate functions. There are however a few things to keep in mind:

It is not cheaper for us to hire out only half a train, we still have the same costs to run the train
We are limited by where the railways run to and what other traffic might be on the tracks when we run
We are bound by very strict rules as to what may be done and even when the train may run.
Don’t let this scare you off though, we can create a memorable and unique event experience for you. When chartering the train for your events or transfers, there are many options for you to choose from.

The train can accommodate up to 240 passengers comfortably.
One of the coaches is a lounge car with a full cash bar service on board.
Waitrons for beverage service throughout the train can be arranged.

FILMING & PHOTOSHOOTS

Ceres Rail is able to assist the filming industry when they require locomotives, coaches or other related equipment. We can also help you with finding the perfect scenery backdrops along the various railway lines. The staff of Ceres Rail have provided the locomotives, coaches and other related equipment for some well known productions and are more than capable of assisting you. We have more than twenty years of experience between us in assisting with steam in film projects that have spanned from adverts to feature films and documentaries.

If you would like to see our train and equipment, please contact us to make an appointment. We will then gladly set up a site inspection with you.

FREIGHT

On Wednesday 2nd June 2021, Ceres Rail Company and our partner Transnet Freight Rail relaunched the freight service on the Wolseley – Ceres – Prince Alfred Hamlet branchline. The 26 km long branchline is rated to handle loads at a maximum of 16 tons per axle.

The core freight at present is fruit, exported in Refrigerated Containers (Reefers) and frozen Fruit Concentrate. The line moves mainly containerized traffic and contributes to the migration of rail friendly traffic from road to rail.

SEATING TYPES

DAY SITTER
Day Sitter seating is typical of your suburban commuter coaches used from the 1960’s into the 1980’s.
The environment onboard is one a jovial nostalgia.

COMPARTMENTS
Family Compartments are typical of your 4-berth sleeper coaches as used on First Class trains up to the late 1980’s. Our Family Compartments seat a maximum of 6 adults and most have a fold down table, two bunks, and two windows as well as a door for privacy.

BAR LOUNGE
The bar lounge is a relaxed environment in typical lounge seating configurations with seats that can be reconfigured as needed depending on bookings. The bar area can become quite lively on some trips.

COUPES
Family Coupes are typical of your 2-berth sleeper coaches as used on First Class trains up to the late 1980’s. Our Family Coupes seat a maximum of 3 adults (or 2 adults with 2 small children) and most have a fold down table, one bunk, and a window as well as a door for privacy.

LOUNGE
Lounge seating is a relaxed environment with seating on comfortable lounge suite couches and easy access to the bar and snack facilities.

OBSERVATION CAR
The Observation Car is the last coach in the train with a large rear window. A bar in the coach, with dedicated barman ensures that this seat is the best one in the house. Generally the coach is reserved for group bookings, but can be booked by individuals and smaller groups on occasion.