THE HISTORY OF OUR BUSHTRACKS EXPRESS AND ROYAL LIVINGSTONE EXPRESS CARRIAGES

The Bushtracks Express and Royal Livingstone Express are gateways to an era of elegance and innovation in rail travel. Among these storied carriages, the Wembley Dining Car stands out as a symbol of South African railway heritage, boasting a rich history that spans continents and decades. This car, alongside others in the collection, offers passengers not only a journey through stunning landscapes but a chance to experience the legacy of a golden age of rail travel.

A Milestone in Design

The Wembley Dining Car was part of the A22 series, a revolutionary design in the world of railway catering vehicles. Prior to these cars, dining cars on the South African Railways (SAR) were single units that combined the dining saloon and the kitchen. The A22 design separated these functions into two distinct vehicles, offering a more refined dining experience. These twin cars became known as the “Hendrie Twins,” named after the SAR’s Mechanical Engineer, Hendrie.

While other A22 dining cars were built in South Africa, Wembley - originally named Umhlatuzi - was constructed in 1923 by the Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Co. in England. Upon completion, it was showcased at the British Empire Exhibition in London from 1924 to 1925, a fitting tribute to the innovation behind its design. After completing its exhibition duties, the car was shipped to South Africa and entered service on May 19, 1926. In recognition of its international role, it was renamed Wembley, with an oval nickel-plated plaque marking its connection to the Exhibition.

From Glory to Neglect

Despite its remarkable beginnings, the Wembley Dining Car's journey was far from smooth. After being set aside by the Railway Museum for preservation, it was left in a siding in Pretoria, where it suffered severe damage. Vandalism took its toll, with teak columns sawed off and valuable fittings stolen. Left to rot, it seemed as though this iconic car might fade into history without a trace.

Restoration and Revival

Wembley’s fate took a turn when it was saved by Christopher Tett of Bushtracks Africa and Rohan Vos of Rovos Rail, who had a vision for its restoration. Under the guidance of Bushtracks Africa and through the craftsmanship of Rovos Rail’s workshops, Wembley was completely refurbished. The restoration returned the car to its original elegance, ensuring its place as a tribute to a golden era of rail travel.

Today, the Wembley Dining Car stands as a remarkable reminder of both the innovation of its time and the dedication required to preserve such historical treasures. More than just a dining car; it’s a living piece of history that continues to offer guests a chance to step back in time, reliving an era of railway grandeur.

The Locomotives that Pull the Train

Maintaining historic steam locomotives requires careful preservation, and sourcing spare parts can be a challenge. To ensure their longevity, we use them sparingly and have since added a diesel locomotive, affectionately named the Funkey Monkey, to assist in alleviating the load on our steam engines.

Occasionally, our steam locomotives—Locomotive 156 and Locomotive 204—still take the lead, offering passengers a rare chance to experience the power and elegance of vintage rail travel.

• Locomotive 156 is a 10th Class engine built in 1922 for the Zambezi Sawmills Limited, the largest private railway network in the world. It was originally used to pull timber-laden carriages along the Mulobezi Line from the forests of Mulobezi to Livingstone. Renowned wildlife artist David Shepherd rescued and restored the locomotive to its former glory before donating it to National Heritage. Bushtracks Africa later restored it to full working order, allowing it to once again pull passengers through history.

  
  

• Locomotive 204, a 12th Class built in 1924, is another piece of living history. Refurbished by Bushtracks Africa in 2008, it currently alternates with Loco 156 to pull the Royal Livingstone Express, continuing to connect passengers with the past.

A Journey Through Time

The Bushtracks Express and Royal Livingstone Express offer more than just an escape from the present, they take passengers on a journey through the history of railway history. These carriages serve as a vivid reminder of the craftsmanship and legacy that no longer defines rail travel today. Each carriage carries a story, and with every journey, passengers experience a living history that ties the past to the present in a voyage of discovery.

Contact us at reservations@bushtracksafrica.com if you would like to know more about these activities, or add them to your travel itinerary.