The history of the Hilton Train Station is an interesting one, and one that doesn’t get enough appreciation. The property still belongs to Transnet, who reportedly did not have the funding to keep it maintained, so after a committee was formed by the local community, efforts were made to see what was possible with this historical beauty! Its heritage is now preserved by Hilton Steam Heritage Association, which started in April 2011.
The abandoned, dilapidated station was slowly repaired by a group of volunteers and local businesses. They painted buildings, cleaned up the property, and improved the site’s conditions. It has grown from a small museum to include various businesses that use the renovated structures and railway wagons. The income from these new ventures allows the Hilton Steam Heritage Association to upkeep the maintenance of the property.
But, let’s go back right to the beginning…
The railway line that runs through the Hilton Train Station is part of the original line from Durban to Johannesburg, which opened in 1884, however, the actual station only opened four years later in 1888. A second line was opened in 1916 to accommodate the increase in train lengths and weight. This line ran through the same area where the Hilton Siding Centre now stands and it comes out by Groenkloof Road, which is where the rainbow bridge is located.
A third railway line was opened in 1960 in an effort to accommodate train lengths and reduce gradients. This line runs along the Cedara Tunnel entrance to the forests located behind Linpark High School in Pietermaritzburg. The tunnel is 6.2 kilometres long with a reported record of being the longest tunnel in the southern hemisphere until the 13-kilometre-long Cape Hex River Tunnels were built.
The Hilton railway line served as a secondary line until 1987 when it closed due to the severe floods and a washaway located around Sweetwaters. The line that ran from Hilton to Cedara served until the late 1990s. Reportedly, a volunteer group kept the steam trains in operation until 2006, utilising a workshop where Build It is now. Just a few years after this, the Hilton Steam Heritage Association took the station under their wing, wagons and all! They now have several locomotives (or ‘locos’) at the Hilton Train Station, namely 1 Class 1276, 19AR 696, 19B 1402, 15AR 1963, H2 314, and the old Sheldon breakdown recovery crane 184 from Masons Mill.
There are a few other interesting historical details surrounding the train station. Firstly, it has a connection to The Knoll homestead, which is now the Historic Guest Farm. In 1925, The Knoll was owned by David Anderson Hendrie, who was also the Locomotives Superintendant for the Natal Government Railways and the Chief Mechanical Engineer for the South African Railways. He designed locomotives and coaches, which included the 1 Class type mentioned above. David’s grandson donated several historical items that are now viewable in the museum at the Hilton Train Station.
Another fun fact: the 19B locomotive reportedly pulled the British Royal Tour Train in 1947. The station has also been the site for two groundbreaking movies that used the space to film train scenes, namely Cry, the Beloved Country (1995) and Ghandi (1982).
Today, you can visit the businesses that call Hilton Train Station home. Opened in September, Whistle Stop Cafe is in the heart of the station, offering delicious treats and great coffee. Situated at the silver wagon, House of Nuts has the best dried fruit and nuts in town. You have to visit the vintage ice cream shop, Moo Moo’s Ice Cream, converted from the station’s storeroom. They offer a variety of homemade artisan ice creams, delicious milkshakes and pancakes.
There is also a museum in the main building and a goods shed with restored furniture. Sag’s Spot stocks a collection of local goods like preloved clothing, plastic decorative mats, bean bags, runners, bonsai in a box, and so much more. The owner also sews, creating items like wheaty bags, doggie beds, make-up bags, and aprons.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the Hilton Train Station and celebrate the rich history that lies between its tracks. While it may not be operational today, it is nonetheless worth a visit to get the feel of the olden days, with a modern-day twist.