Majuba pass on the Natal mainline between Newcastle and Volksrust is a major climb up to the highveld. These photos are taken from a hill overlooking “Trowe’s Viaduct” at the start of the climb. CORRECTION: After some input from Eugene Armer and looking at the maps again this is not Trowe’s Viaduct but the one lower down with no name or even a number. To get to this photo spot is a real slog up the hill, but is well worth it as it is one of the few spots I have found that give a good view of the complete train as well as having regular traffic. The pass continues with several more viaducts and tunnels until it reaches the town of Volksrust. Volksrust used to be a major railway town in the days of steam but the railway bypasses the town completely now.
Motive power on the Natal mainline is mainly class 18E 3kv DC locomotives that were rebuilt from class 6E1s. The Natal mainline is the rail corridor between the port of Durban and Johannesburg, featuring a variety of cargo such as containers, cars and fuel.
When I first arrived at the location there was very little activity and then the white road/rail maintenance truck came down the pass so I presume there was some issue further along the line as soon after a steady flow of trains up the pass commenced.
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