Syria 28.9.2008: In the distance, modern Syria encroaches upon the desert, as 2-8-2 No. 262 (Hartmann 4031/1918) nears Dera'a and the end of the tour group's visit to Syria. This locomotive's crew literally saved the trip simply through hard work and determination to provide the promised steam haulage. The loco itself, 90 years old and careworn, could not be praised enough for delivering a consistently excellent performance.
Roger Griffiths; roger.griffiths@hotmail.com