Blue Train mess

[dabbler]

...and the train running out of diesel in 2007.

Oh wow.... Where did it run out? Middle of the Karoo?

 

[BigAl-sa]

I find this story quite odd. I have been on the blue train a while ago and read that all the coaches are connected, and due to the build cannot be easily detached. Besides the kitchen was somewhere in the middle coach.
http://www.africasafari.co.za/Blue_Train/facts.htm


The service was excellent. Staff really go out of there way to help, with 7 star service, so even if the kitchen was left behind or disfunctional, i dont think KFC would be the meal of choice. I find the allegation quide hard to believe- sorry.

I also find it hard to believe. The links between the coaches are very tightly sealed as can be seen in this pic:



so hooking up and changing coaches is not trivial. I can't see it happening even in SA, as the dining car is setup even before the train leaves the station:



Trip courtesy of Dstv

 

[TheGuy]

With the price of petrol in Zimbabwe, you may as well take the train..

I heard Rovos is marginally better, but the 5 star train thing just doesnt do it. Rooms and everything else is small, narrow and cramped (as you would expect it to be). I'd prefer a 5 star hotel or camp: Ulusaba, Sabi etc

I've done the Rovos trip and it's an awesome experience. Will definitely recommend it

 

[bokka1]

Definitely an urban legend. Do you really think there is conductor on the Blue Train? LOL.

 

[Mars]

Definitely an urban legend. Do you really think there is conductor on the Blue Train? LOL.

Of course there is.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conductor_(transportation)

 

[BigAl-sa]

Definitely an urban legend. Do you really think there is conductor on the Blue Train? LOL.

Yip, he's called the train manager on the Blue Train.

 

[dabbler]

Air-hostess - for planes
Ground-hostess - for trains

 

[Kompete]

I've heard this story second hand and wonder if anyone can confirm it.

Recently the luxury blue train left Johannesburg with all its 5 star guests on board - only they forgot to hook up the kitchen or dining room coach. Halfway to Cape Town the conductor realises the mistake, stops the train at some godforsaken town and treats everyone to Kentucky. The same guests could not return on the blue train as something broke and they were then flown back to Johannesburg. Also - the guests did not get a refund after this fiasco.

Questions: Surely the kitchen staff would realise they are left behind and ask the control room to call the train back within a few minutes.
or
The railways can send a locomotive with the units to catch up.
or
Dinner and breakfast can be booked at decent restaurants in town along the way.
and
A full refund is paid.

I cannot believe such a prime attraction will drop to such standards?

Come on, you should know that's a BS story. The train sets off with everyone in the bar/dining room drinking champagne.

 

[Bismuth]

Come on, you should know that's a BS story. The train sets off with everyone in the bar/dining room drinking champagne.

Heh, or not, if they forget to connect it!

B

 

[Peder]

for a moment i thought it could be true till i thought a while how would you forget the kitchen carriage behind halfway to capetown without anyone noticing, sounds like a real urban legend...

 

[ice_cubes]

The only two incidents have been a crash in 2005 and the train running out of diesel in 2007.

and that incident in centurion some time late last year or early this year? I think
or was it Rovos? cant remember!

 

[bokka1]

Of course there is.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conductor_(transportation)

No, in South African terms a conductor is somebody who checks the train tickets.