This Ansaldo-built 442 steam locomotive is still in use in Eritrea for transporting cargo from the port city of Massawa to the capital Asmara almost 2.5 km higher. It's also used as a tourist attraction as the climb is one of the steepest (with 3%+ grades) and most spectacular one can make with a steam train in the world. (Noah Hafra pic)
The Eritrean Railway, the only one in the country, was constructed between 1887 and 1932 during the Italian Eritrea colonial era. Originally it also connected to Bishia. The line was partly damaged by warfare in subsequent decades, but was rebuilt in the 1990s. Vintage equipment is still used on the line, including the 442 class: four still exist of which three are in running order.
No comments:
Post a Comment