THE SANDSTONE STEAM AND COSMOS FESTIVAL.
Sandstone Estates, situated near Ficksburg in the Eastern Free State, will be opening its doors for its annual Steam and Cosmos Festival from the 9th to the 13th April 2008.  The Estate is home to the Sandstone Heritage Trust collection of Agricultural exhibits, Classic Military vehicles and Transport Collection, as well as the world renowned 2 ft gauge Sandstone Steam Railway.  All will be contrasted against an expected display of Cosmos all over the Estate.

A full programme of narrow gauge action will be offered on the railway.
Up to 15 different locomotives will be operating during the Festival including three recently restored examples,

1).  Kerr Stuart No.4063, built in 1924, which was originally Illovo Sugar Estates No.3.
2). O&K No.2510, built in 1907, which originally operated at Huletts Sugar in Kwa Zulu
     Natal, but will be remembered by many as being plinthed outside the old 'Train Restaurant' in Midrand.
3). The third locomotive is the ex Beira Railway "Lawley" No.BR25 which is reunited with its sister loco
     No.BR7 for the first time in over 50 years. These two historic locomotives will be double headed during the weekend.

For modern traction enthusiasts, Sandstone Estates will unveil its recently restored 230hp Bagnall Diesel locomotive which was originally supplied to Rustenburg Platinum Mines in 1961.  The Steam and Cosmos Festival will not just confine visitors to trains and flowers. The Sandstone Classic Military Vehicle collection will be on display and giving demonstrations. A highlight of the weekend will be the launch of the restored Sherman tank of World War 2 vintage which will be on display and demonstrated throughout the weekend.  To add more excitement the Sandstone transport and agricultural collection will be open to visitors, so everyone is promised a weekend of heritage excitement and nostalgia.  Catering and refreshments will be available throughout the Festival.