Eritrea: Mallets in the Mountains
Railroads in the African country of Eritrea are experiencing a remarkable revival. Using only local skills and labor, the railroad line has been rebuilt from the port of Massawa through Ghinda to the capital, Asmara, and there are plans to restore the route to Keren and Agordat. During this journey, the 440 class 'Mallet' steam locomotive and the two 442 class ' mallets' were in action along with the Littorina power car. Although the railroad currently operates only special trains and charters, plans are for modern freight service in the future.
The footage is in 4 parts, Massawa to Ghinda 33.5 minutes, Ghinda to Arbaroba 24 minutes, Arbaroba to Asmara 46 minutes and Diesel Traction (including the Littorina) 14.5 minutes making a total running time of 118 minutes.
Update from the producer: Since this footage was prepared (and initially released as a double DVD), the railway has not developed according to plan and neither the freight traffic not the extension to Agordat has happened. The actual state of the railway and whether steam specials can still be run, is a bit unclear but seems unlikely.
This footage was shot on a FarRail tour in March 2009. With thanks to Bernd Seiler, Hans Hufnagel and all the railway staff.
Credits: John Raby
Railroads in the African country of Eritrea are experiencing a remarkable revival. Using only local skills and labor, the railroad line has been rebuilt from the port of Massawa through Ghinda to the capital, Asmara, and there are plans to restore the route to Keren and Agordat. During this journey, the 440 class 'Mallet' steam locomotive and the two 442 class ' mallets' were in action along with the Littorina power car. Although the railroad currently operates only special trains and charters, plans are for modern freight service in the future.
The footage is in 4 parts, Massawa to Ghinda 33.5 minutes, Ghinda to Arbaroba 24 minutes, Arbaroba to Asmara 46 minutes and Diesel Traction (including the Littorina) 14.5 minutes making a total running time of 118 minutes.
Update from the producer: Since this footage was prepared (and initially released as a double DVD), the railway has not developed according to plan and neither the freight traffic not the extension to Agordat has happened. The actual state of the railway and whether steam specials can still be run, is a bit unclear but seems unlikely.
This footage was shot on a FarRail tour in March 2009. With thanks to Bernd Seiler, Hans Hufnagel and all the railway staff.
Credits: John Raby
