Outeniqua Choo Tjoe
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The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe is the last remaining continually-operated passenger steam train in Africa, currently only operating between George and Mossel Bay as a result of mudslides which occurred in July 2006. The railway was completed in 1928, and links the towns of George and Knysna in the Western Cape, South Africa. Today, the 3 hour journey also stops in the towns of Wilderness, Goukamma, and Sedgefield. The scenic 67 kilometre route hugs the rugged coastline of the Garden Route before ending by crossing a bridge over the lagoon in Knysna.
It was declared an officially preserved railway in 1992, carrying about 40,000 passengers per year at the time. A decade later, it carried 115,000 passengers per year, 70% of whom were foreign tourists.
The trains are usually pulled by Class 24 steam locomotives, of 2-8-4 wheel arrangement with Vanderbilt-like "torpedo" tenders, although the task is occasionally handled by 19D steam engines. When dry conditions in the summer increase the risk of wildfires, diesel locomotives are used instead.
Unfortunately, due to recent heavy flooding in the area, the line has been damaged. It has been rescheduled to run between George and Hartenbos [1] until further notice.
In 2008, the train and the Kaaiman's River Bridge were featured in a television advertisement for Stella Artois.
