Syria 27.9.2008: The CF Damas-Hama et prolongements (DHP) was the once strategic international railway between Beirut and Damascus. It is today, sadly reduced to a 13km stretch north of the Syrian capital, over which a Fridays-only "tourist" train is advertised in most tourist literature, but in reality there is reported to be little patronage. However, the train was turned out for the tour group, headed by the sole working locomotive, a venerable, oil-fired 2-6-0T, No. 130-755 formerly of DHP Class D. She is seen here with three ancient 4-wheel coaches at the southern terminus of Damascus, Dumar.
Roger Griffiths; roger.griffiths@hotmail.com