Built in 1957, originally as CD-6 and CDS-6, and named Zambezi, the Bar, Lounge and Staff car of the set (CDS-6) was numbered 666 and the Kitchen and Diner (CD-6) was numbered 667, They were sister cars to the CD-5/CDS-5 set named Kafue that had been built the year before.
In 1962 the CDS-6 was rebuilt, with the staff accommodation removed and replaced by extra dining seating. The bar and lounge section was retained. Because of this rebuild, the end of the CDL-6 coupled to the CD-6 was reversed, as the staff accommodation was originally on the outer end of the set. At some stage the tongue and groove exterior was clad, but sense was seen, and the cladding was removed.
Used mainly on the Bulawayo/Johannesburg limited express service, the cars would be in the consist from Bulawayo, coming off at night at Artesia in Botswana to return to Bulawayo following day on the crossing service. They were sold to Geoff Cooke in the 80s for use on his African Rail Safaris train, at which point the interiors were rebuilt again. They are now museum stock and are still to be seen on special excursions
These cars are arguably some of the best looking to ever run on southern African rails
Faithfully reproduced in their 1962 rebuild form, this set is a must for any Rhodesia Railways modeller. Supplied unpainted, but with a detailed interior. Bogies, wheels, couplers and screws are included. The model also features accurate underframe equipment and accurate roof vent spacing and arrangement.
As these cars never ran separated, they are sold as a set; the price includes both cars.
