Identifier: cassiersmagazi2719041newy (find matches)
Title: Cassier's magazine
Year: 1891 (1890s)
Authors:
Subjects: Engineering
Publisher: New York Cassier Magazine Co.
Contributing Library: Smithsonian Libraries
Digitizing Sponsor: Smithsonian Libraries

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Immediately after passingSouth Coast Junction, which placemarks the termination of the double-track section of the railway, the lineenters on a stretch with a ruling grad-ient of 1 in 30 for trains from Durban;this is known as Jacobs Ladder.The views obtained from the train atthis place are very fine, including, asthey do, bush and fruit-clad hills, theBay of Durban, and the Bluff; butthe line winds about in an extraordinaryfashion, and the curves, combined withthe gradients, make the task of an en-gine driver with a heavy train anythingbut an easy one. The rise extends almost continuouslyas far as Bothas Hill (31 ?4 miles), pastPinetown, where the waterworks forDurbans water supply are situated, partof the climb being negotiated amidstthe wildest of mountain scenery. Inthe neighbourhood of Bothas Hill theline is situated in several places on plat-forms cut from the hillside and windingin all directions to minimise the severityof the ascent. After a short descent 94 CASSIERS MAGAZINE
Text Appearing After Image:
THE RAILWAYS OF NATAL 95 and a tunnel 180 feet long, which pre-sented considerable engineering diffi-culties in its construction, the rocky-country is left behind for the time andpasturage is entered upon. At Cato Ridge (44^ miles) extensivestorage sidings are provided, extendingrather curiously, though no doubt con-veniently, in all directions. At Thorn-ville Junction (59% miles) the Rich-mond branch makes connection with themain line. A few miles on a fallinggradient, and Pietermaritzburg, the cap-ital, is reached, the station at this placebeing the second largest in the colony.The Richmond branch trains, two mixed daily in each direction, pro-ceed through to Pietermaritzburg, anduse a long bay at that station. AtPietermaritzburg the Greytown branchleaves the main line. Continuing, immediately the capitalis left, climbing on severe grades recom-mences for main line trains, 1 in 30 be-ing again the ruling gradient, the linewinding through cutting after cuttingamid beautiful scenery.

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