by Frank Beeton
M
oving
atters
Frank Beeton scans the transport world for news pertinent to the Logistics Sector.
manufacturer is targeting this new design mainly at local
gold and platinum mines which currently operate ex-Transnet
mainline units, and reports that two prototypes are currently
on test at a Free State location.
Grindrod’s New Shunter
Back in May, we reported on Transnet’s placing of
orders for 1 064 new locomotives, at a total cost
of R 50-billion. The orders went to companies
based in Canada (240 units), the USA (233 units)
and China (591 units).
moving matters
A
t the time, we questioned the desirability of placing
most of the order on Chinese manufacturers,
given their relative lack of experience in building
locomotives for African conditions, and the apparently small
unit price advantage. We also noted the role that Transnet
Engineering’s Pretoria and Durban facilities would be playing
in the assembly of these imported units, and the fact that
this organisation has aspirations to become an original
equipment supplier to rail operations throughout Africa.
More recently, we have read about the new South Africanbuilt Cape Gauge shunting and short-distance dieselelectric locomotive unveiled by RRL Grindrod Locomotives
at the Rovos Rail site in Pretoria. Designated RS7S3C, this
unit is powered by a 522 kW Caterpillar diesel, is capable
of a 150 kN continuous tractive effort, and 200 kN starting
tractive effort. It weighs 60 tons, and features a digital
control system, slow speed loading, and an air-conditioned
driver’s cab. Priced at around $US 750 000 per copy, the
Transnet Buys Used
Locos
W
e also noted a news report that Transnet Freight
Rail had purchased 34 preowned diesel-electric
locomotives from Australian company Aurizon.
The locomotives are “about 20 years old”, and are to be
used on general freight duties in the Bloemfontein area, as a
| Wheels in Action
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RRL Grindrod has claimed that it builds the lowest-cost
diesel-electric locomotives in the world. Its 26 000 m²
Pretoria plant was recently upgraded to a production
capacity of 100 units per annum, and plans are in place
to reach an 80% local content level by the end of 2014.
Business is currently done primarily with the private sector in
Africa outside of our borders, and, in addition to the shunter
detailed above, the company also builds 3000-3600 hp,
110 ton, mainline diesel-electric units. Some 80 of these
larger units have been sold to-date. RRL Grindrod also offers
its clients maintenance, supply and distribution of parts, and
technical support/training services.
Given the foregoing, we find it difficult to understand why
RRL Grindrod was not included in the Transnet acquisition
programme, which includes some 1 400 new locomotives.