Maintenance supervisor George Kurowski said the complex processes and technical challenges are involved in preserving heritage steam locomotives at a railway workshop [1].
These efforts are critical because the specialized knowledge required to operate and repair steam engines is disappearing as the workforce ages. Without rigorous maintenance and restoration, these historic machines face permanent decay or decommissioning.
Kurowski said that keeping these trains operational requires a combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern engineering. The work involves meticulously maintaining the boiler and mechanical components to ensure safety and functionality, a process that demands constant vigilance.
While some organizations successfully restore these engines, others struggle with the financial burden. In 2024, an Eskom spokesperson said, "We simply cannot afford the upkeep of these historic machines" [2]. Consequently, the company sought bidders to lease five of its heritage steam locomotives [3].
Despite these costs, volunteer-led projects have seen success. A volunteer coordinator for the 557 Restoration Company said they fired up engine 557 for the first time since the 1950s on Nov. 8, 2025 [4]. This project demonstrates that dedicated community effort can overcome the technical hurdles of long-term dormancy.
Other high-profile locomotives continue to draw public interest through active tours. Union Pacific’s Big Boy steam locomotive visited Ogden on July 22, 2024, as part of a westward-bound tour [5]. Such events highlight the enduring appeal of steam technology and the necessity of the maintenance work Kurowski describes.
Preservationists must balance the desire for authentic restoration with the reality of available parts and funding. Because many original manufacturers are no longer in business, teams often have to custom-fabricate components to keep the engines on the tracks [1].
“"We simply cannot afford the upkeep of these historic machines,"”
The divide between Eskom's struggle to fund its fleet and the success of the 557 Restoration Company illustrates a shift in heritage preservation. While state-owned or corporate entities may find the cost of steam maintenance prohibitive, the transition toward volunteer-led and non-profit models may be the only viable path to ensure these industrial artifacts remain operational rather than becoming static museum pieces.
