Inchanga Railway Museum is located in the Old Station Master’s House, just across the tracks from the Inchanga Station.
The Station Master’s House is on a little hill giving a good view of the station.
The old photo was taken in 1900 when the station was a key stopping point for trains ferrying troops during the Anglo-Boer War.
The museum conjures the ghosts of young English soldiers, dreaming of victory against the Boers as they tumble from trains into ox wagons only to return in the tatters of shredded dreams and bodies.
Part of the station became a military hospital during the war.
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Long after that, the station had a very different use. It carried men from Durban, seeking pleasure from ladies of ill repute in Inchanga.
There is some interesting memorabilia in this little museum.
Some crockery on display was used by the British Royal Family during their trip to South Africa exactly 75 years ago.
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The station is now the base for the enthusiasts who lovingly restore and run the Inchanga Choo Choos or Umgeni Steam Trains. There was a great run between Kloof and Inchanga but the severe floods damaged the track and as with much of the infrastructure damaged, it is not the municipality fixing the line, but the public, and in this case, those supporting the Umgeni Steam Train. It is slow work but inch by inch they are making progress. All donations help!
The pretty station and museum are well preserved and worth a visit. Call ahead to the Umgeni Steam Railway, to check when open. It is always open on Market days.
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