THE old Henschel NG56 locomotive and its four wagons that have been on display at the Alte Feste Museum in Windhoek will be restored to their original condition.

This was made possible by a generous donation of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, who recently donated N$285 500 to the Namibian Institute for Mining and Technology (NIMT). The funds will be used for the material needed for the project.

According to the principal of NIMT's engineering trade wing, Ralf Bussel, the project is expected to take a year.

"By the end of 2013 the train will be as good as new - but not in working condition," he said.

The restoration will be done partly by the trainees of engineering trade wing, such as the welding; and partly by NIMT's building and civil trade wing, who will be responsible for the carpentry aspect.

Three wagons are made mostly from wood, while the locomotive and coal wagon will need mostly welding and metal work done on them.

The locomotive and wagons were transported via abnormal load from Windhoek to Arandis in September.

Bussel could not comment as to the fate of the Henschel after restoration work has been completed.

"I can't say whether it will go back to Windhoek or not, or how and where it will be relocated again. All I can say is that it will probably be made available for public viewing again," he said.