Repatriating La Moye - has anyone heard anything?

[eldomtom2]

Recent news that most of Eskom's preserved steam locomotives have been left to rot in a corner of a yard has apparently raised interest within Eskom for working with outside partners to preserve the locomotives. A month ago there was an article in Jersey's Rural magazine about islander Alexander Sparrow, who wished to repatriate La Moye to Jersey. Supposedly Eskom was willing to lease the locomotive for £8.5k, and he was looking to raise £55k to cover that as well as shipping and restoration costs. That is all I can find on the matter - Sparrow does not appear to have an online presence outside a LinkedIn page, has not seemingly given any more interviews, and an email sent to the article's included email (supposedly run by Sparrow) has not received a response. It's a long shot, but does anyone know anything about the matter?

 

[4SubAsociation]

I seem to recall something was mentioned in Steam Railway magazine a few years back. Apperently the group who own in SA are not interested was what i last heard. Here is a BBC artcile mentioning it at the time.

BBC - Jersey train at risk from thieves in South Africa

news.bbc.co.uk

 

[eldomtom2]

That was ten years ago and is not really relevant to the current situation.

 

[yorkie]

Reopened to enable @eldomtom2 to post an update

 

[eldomtom2]

An update on the situation; a few months ago Eskom put a bid out to find organisations willing to take La Moye and four of Eskom's other steam locos for a five-year lease. However it appears they are only interested in South African organisations, so that seems to put a bit of a kibosh on the idea of repatriation.

INVITATION TO TENDER FOR A NEW FIVE-YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT OF HERITAGE STEAM LOCOMOTIVES X 5, ,... | EasyTenders

easytenders.co.za

Scope of Work – Leasing of Eskom heritage locomotives

Eskom requires interested organisations to lease either or all five heritage steam locomotives for a period of ten years with an option to renew.

The locomotives are:

I. Avonside

II. Komati

III. La Moye

IV. Henschel

V. Hunslet

The successful organisation will be responsible for the following:

1) Collection and transportation of the locomotives from Eskom Rotek Industries in Rosherville, Germiston, Gauteng to the chosen site is for successful bidder’s cost

2) The successful bidder will be responsible for the maintenance of the locomotives. None of the locomotives may be modified in such a way that it reduces their historical value

3) The organisation must be in good financial standing.

4) The organisation must insure the locomotives to cover damage due to theft, defacement, natural disasters, acts of “God”, and fire.

5) Interested organisations must be members of HRASA (Heritage Railway Association of South Africa) in good standing and be registered with South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA).​

 

[renegademaster]

You think eskom wouldnt be picky whose money they take considering they cant keep the lights on half the day