The International Steam Pages


Steam in Mozambique - the Xai-Xai railway

An anachronism in its heyday, it's a miracle that the railway continues to run. Perhaps the consultants have overlooked it! Meanwhile it remains a useful employer in a country still battling to rebuild its ravaged economy. Two locos, both Baldwins, are operable - 2-8-0 No.06 and 2-6-2 No.05. No.082's overhaul seems to be going nowhere, but at least the loco has been sent away for repairs, never to return like sister 083. There is scant running rolling stock but Xai-Xai yard is full of coaches and freight bogies in varying stages of decay. With a bit of time, will and cash, assembling a full rake of restored stock is possible.

The tourist potential is excellent. Xai-Xai is on the sea and close enough to Maputo to make a weekend sortie viable. I understand the Transnico tour is expected here in late August. If all goes well, I think CFM will take note that they have a running tourist attraction in place. Do hope though, that there are no 'Cuban' incidents. Mozambique has already reacted badly to the revolting - and apparently limitless - behaviour of South Africa's 4X4-driving 'brandy-and-coke' brigade, for whom the fish-rich ocean off Xai-Xai and the incredible endless beach have become something of an attraction. We shall see.

By coincidence when I was putting this page together I got the following from Henry Posner III - the railway management in Mozambique say that "The railway will be developed as a national rail museum." 

These pictures are from Paul Ash:

Alco 2-6-0 No.082 before departure, Xai-Xai, March 1994. This loco was stripped for overhaul in February 1996. Progress since then has been non-existent. Of her sister engines, 081 lies derelict outside Xai-Xai shed, while 083 was sent to Maputo years ago for a full overhaul and has not been seen since.

082 gets out of Xai-Xai, March 1994

The only rush of the day as the crew board 082.

The only rush of the day as the crew board 082

Baldwin 2-8-0 No.06 heads home from Manjacaze, February 1996.

Baldwin 2-8-0 No.06 heads home from Manjacaze, February 1996.

Joao, 06's fireman, at the end of a long day.

Joao, 06's fireman, at the end of a long day.

06 coming home.

06 coming home.

It gets hot in Africa. On the road, cab windows wide open to let in every bit of air possible

It gets hot in Africa. On the road, cab windows wide open to let in every bit of air possible

Midday brew-up, 20km from Manjacaze

Midday brew-up, 20km from Manjacaze

Ambling across the Limpopo River valley, heading for Manjacaze. Feb 1996

Ambling across the Limpopo River valley, heading for Manjacaze. Feb 1996

082 gets out of Xai-Xai, March 1994

082 gets out of Xai-Xai, March 1994

082 gets out of Xai-Xai, March 1994

Road clear, March 1994

Road clear, March 1994

06 on shed, Xai-Xai. Feb 1996

06 on shed, Xai-Xai. Feb 1996

Coaling 082 the hard way. March 1994

Coaling 082 the hard way. March 1994


Rob Dickinson

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