Coach Refurbishment: Workshop Dream Team

A journey aboard Rovos Rail is a unique adventure, where every detail of the train exudes the golden age of leisure travel. What many passengers don’t see, however, is the behind-the-scenes effort of the dedicated team that brings these classic trains back to life.  

Having vintage coaches travelling thousands of kilometres each year requires a dedicated crew of electricians, plumbers, carpenters, painters, welders, air-con specialists and general handymen to keep them in good, working order. To ensure their hard work is sustained, an energetic maintenance crew join the trips and see to any rattle, leak or wobble that might occur. 

Coach painting, polishing and carpentry works are ongoing so the workshops are buzzing which is music to our ears. The precision, care, and craftsmanship that go into maintaining and refurbishing each coach is a testament to their exceptional work and devotion. 

Overseen by workshop manager Marko Aucamp, the workshop crew comprises 60 workmen who are all experts in their fields. 

Their hard work and skills ensure that the fleet of plush vintage trains are functional works of art able to safely and reliably traverse thousands of kilometres across Southern Africa. 

Rovos Rail’s private train station, Capital Park in Pretoria is home to the in-house workshop which is always a hive of activity, continually expanding and upgrading its fleet with numerous coaches being reconstructed at any one time.  

The headquarters is about 60 acres in extent and in addition to the workshop it houses 16 different departments that all work busily behind-the-scenes so that every beautifully renovated train is perfectly equipped for each trip.   

The seamless operation of Rovos Rail is a direct result of the unwavering commitment from every department and individual, each one contributing to creating and running a luxury hotel on wheels. From the skilled workshop team to the meticulous front-line staff, each person is a cog in the wheel of the Rovos operation, playing an integral role in delivering a world-class experience. It is this dedication to excellence that ensures every journey aboard Rovos Rail is nothing short of extraordinary, reinforcing its reputation as the premier luxury train service in the world. 

Written by Linda Sparks