The Story of 'Alet' - Touwsrivier's Miniature Steam Locomotive
Touwsrivier, a town with a rich railway history, celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1977. To commemorate this milestone, the then South African Railways decided to build a special miniature steam locomotive named 'Alet'. This small locomotive was created as an attraction for the centennial celebrations.
The Origin of 'Alet'
'Alet' was designed as a miniature steam locomotive but without any pulling power. Although she has a firebox and a boiler, she can only produce smoke when coal is burned inside her. During the 1977 centennial festivities, she was placed on a truck and paraded through the town, with smoke billowing from her chimney. This unique spectacle attracted visitors from far and wide.
'Alet' Forgotten for 47 Years
After the celebrations, 'Alet' was placed at the South African Railways Recreation Club in Touwsrivier, where she remained for 47 years. Few people knew about her existence, and over the years, she suffered from vandalism and neglect. Her wooden coal tender disintegrated, and various parts were stolen for scrap metal.
A Turning Point for 'Alet'
With the removal of illegal occupants from the Old Touwsrivier Recreation Club, Touwsrivier Tourism led by Christiaan du Plessis and his dedicated team, decided to rescue 'Alet'. They contacted Transnet's Heriage Collection and arranged for her relocation to the historic Gideon Joubert Park at 50 Jane Street, Touwsrivier.
'Alet' Finds a New Home
Gideon Joubert Park is the perfect new home for 'Alet', where she now stands alongside her "mother" - the historic Class 23 steam locomotive named 'Touwsrivier'. This Class 23 locomotive is one of only two remaining in South Africa.
The Challenges of the Move
Moving 'Alet' was no easy task. Since she was too large to move in one piece, she had to be cut into sections. The pieces were loaded onto a truck with the help of a loader and then reassembled and welded back together at Gideon Joubert Park. During the process, her cabin roof collapsed due to rust, but fortunately, no one was injured.
Community Heroes Save 'Alet
With the help of community volunteers such as Uncle Willie Marais, Clemens Thomas, and Jason Prins, 'Alet' was restored. They rebuilt her nose, attached new number plates and lettering, created a platform to prevent her wheels from rusting, and built a new metal coal tender. Today, she is barely recognizable from the neglected piece of scrap metal she once was.
'Alet' Today - A Tourist Attraction
In her restored glory, 'Alet' is now a beautiful addition to Touwsrivier's tourims offerings. She proudly stands next to the Class 23 steam locomotive, attracting visitors from across the Breede Valley and beyond.
Acknowledgements
The success of this project would not have been possible without the selfless hard work of Christiaan du Plessis, his team, and dedicated community members. Their efforts have ensured that 'Alet' becomes a must-see part of Touwsrivier's heritage.
An Invitation to All
Everyone - especially children - is welcome to visit 'Alet' at Gideon Joubert Park, 50 Jane Street, Touwsrivier, and witness how this unique miniature steam locomotive has been given a new lease on life.
This story of community collaboration and determination demonstrates how special heritage assets can be preserved for future generations. 'Alet' is not just a locomotive, she is a symbol of Touwsrivier's history and community spirit.
Written by: Councillor Dr. J. Kritzinger, Local Economic Development, Tourism, Arts & Culture, BVM.
Translated by: C. van der Westhuizen
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07 May 2025 7:40 AM
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