Syria 25.9.2008: 2-8-2 No. 262 (Hartmann 4031/1918) and 2-8-0 No. 91 (Hartmann 3040/1907) are seen over grapevines as they transit the curving masonry Bridge No.13 in the Yarmuk Gorge. This highly dramatic stretch of railway sees no traffic at all except for very rare enthusiasts’ specials. Therefore, much care had to be exercised as the 100-years old track was not in good condition. Indeed, the next day, No.262’s tender was derailed higher up the gorge, only being rescued after a 4-hour battle with jacks, rocks and tree trunks!
Roger Griffiths; roger.griffiths@hotmail.com