This book is a photographic tribute to a remarkable branch line railway, that from Sterkstroom to Maclear in the Eastern Cape system of South African Railways. That said, the term ‘branch line’ is, perhaps, somewhat misleading. This was a railway fully 278 kms long which, in the latter years of steam operation, could see fourteen trains a day : some ‘short’ workings and others running right through, including a full passenger train in each direction. Trains were sometimes double headed according to loadings and/or operational requirements.

The line was operated from three sub-sheds, with all the locomotives having to return to Queenstown (the parent shed) for periodic washouts and maintenance, which - in the case of the pair of locomotives based at Maclear - was some 336 kms distant. In the latter years of steam the Class 19Ds dominated on this steeply graded scenic line which passed through remote countryside and provided a stern test for these 4-8-2s.

Passenger, freight and mixed trains are featured in this book, with some 45% of the photographic content pertaining to the 'real steam' S.A.R. era, with specialised photographic charters making up most of the balance. Brief historical details of this remarkable line are provided throughout the appropriate sections of the book, together with anecdotal comments and the expected caption details, quite extended in many instances. 132 pages, nearly 200 photographs. The book serves as a memorable souvenir for those who knew steam on the Maclear line and an adequate substitute for those who did not.