Page 450 - Sierra Leone to 1961 - The Collection

Sierra Leone Railway

History of the Railway

The first section of the railway was built from 1896, with the first
limited service commencing on 18 March 1899. Construction
continued for several years, with the main line reaching
Moyamba in 1901, Bo in 1903 and the terminus, 227 miles
from Freetown, at Pendembu being reached on 29 June 1908.
The branch line from Bauya through Makeni to Kamabai, a
distance of 103 miles, was opened on 12 February 1916. The
demise of services began with closures from 1968 onwards. The
final train ran in November 1974.

From the earliest days, the trains were used to carry mail, with
Travelling Post Offices being recorded from 1907. These offices
sold stamps and received mail.

Restoration of Rolling Stock Letter box on side of a TPO carriage.
Note EIIR cipher.

The 2ft 6in gauge locomotive and carriages still in use in 1974 were sold for scrap by the Sierra Leone
authorities. One engine, No. 85, and four carriages were purchased by the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway
in 1975. After restoration they were again running from 19 August 1979.

Sierra Leone Engine No. 85 after restoration at Llanfair.