Syria 24.9.2008: Oil-fired 2-8-2 No. 262 (Hartmann 4031/1918) was eventually able to get onto the tour group's train for Bosra. The old gentleman seen at left, dressed in grey and wearing a white cap, was the 90-years old, former senior driver at Dera'a shed, and over the next few days he accompanied the tour group in an "advisory" position to the steam locomotive crews. He spoke fairly good English and from the few anecdotes overheard, we could have spent many days with him, as he relived the glories of the railway lines of the area, when steam was almost the only source of motive power. We all wished him many more years of remembrance and advice!
Roger Griffiths; roger.griffiths@hotmail.com