Class 12E Electric Loco

The class 12 Electric locos have an interesting history. They were originally built for a high speed commuter service between Pretoria and Johannesburg, called the 'Metro Blitz'. Spoornet purchases 5 of these locos, converted from class 6E1, to be used on the normal line between the two cities. The locos were built by Union Carraige and Wagon. The locos operated the service for a while, but it was found not to be viable, and the service was discontinued. The locos were then commisioned for use on the refurbished Blue Train.

This is a Class 12E no 12002, seen from the side. It was photographed at Klerksdorp, underway to Kimberley. Photographed at Klerksdorp, December 2002.

Here the connection between the 2 locos in this set can be seen. The locos are coupled semi-permanently, 2 sets, one spare. Notice tha rear end of the loco has been modified quite a bit from the original 6E series they were converted from. Photographed at Klerksdorp, December 2002.

This is the front of the loco. Interesting here, is the lack of MU hoses, or any braking hoses. The locos are built to only be used in one direction. Only the loco at the back end of the MU set, has all the connections to the rest of the train! However, having just said that, the loco IS still equipped with a front coupler! Also notice the lack of an opening front door. Photographed at Klerksdorp, December 2002.

The front loco in each set, is equipped with a video camera. The image from this camera is used in the train lounge and suite TVs, so that passengers can see what the driver is seeing. Photographed at Klerksdorp, December 2002.

This is a view from the other side of the loco. Photographed at Klerksdorp, December 2002.

A cab view of the driver position. This specific loco has had the speed-o-meter replaced with a meter marked up to 120Km/h. The other set (using number 12003 and 12004) are still metered up to 160Km/h from their 'Metro Blitz' days. Also notice the absense of sanding gear. Yes! this is a fully manual controlled train. Photographed at Klerksdorp, December 2002.

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	This is a Class 12E no 12002, seen from the side. It was photographed at Klerksdorp, underway to Kimberley. Photographed at Klerksdorp, December 2002.
	Here the connection between the 2 locos in this set can be seen. The locos are coupled semi-permanently, 2 sets, one spare. Notice tha rear end of the loco has been modified quite a bit from the original 6E series they were converted from. Photographed at Klerksdorp, December 2002.
	This is the front of the loco. Interesting here, is the lack of MU hoses, or any braking hoses. The locos are built to only be used in one direction. Only the loco at the back end of the MU set, has all the connections to the rest of the train! However, having just said that, the loco IS still equipped with a front coupler! Also notice the lack of an opening front door. Photographed at Klerksdorp, December 2002.
	The front loco in each set, is equipped with a video camera. The image from this camera is used in the train lounge and suite TVs, so that passengers can see what the driver is seeing. Photographed at Klerksdorp, December 2002.
	This is a view from the other side of the loco. Photographed at Klerksdorp, December 2002.
	A cab view of the driver position. This specific loco has had the speed-o-meter replaced with a meter marked up to 120Km/h. The other set (using number 12003 and 12004) are still metered up to 160Km/h from their 'Metro Blitz' days. Also notice the absense of sanding gear. Yes! this is a fully manual controlled train. Photographed at Klerksdorp, December 2002.