Bauchi Light Railway

Summary

The Bauchi Light Railway was a 2 ft 6 in (762 mm) narrow gauge railway built in 1914 to carry tin from Jos in Nigeria to the main line 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) railway at Zaria.[1]

History edit

The railway opened in sections 1912–1914, Jos-Bukuru (16 km or 9.9 mi) was widened to 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) narrow gauge in 1927, while the remainder closed 30 Sep 1957.[2] The track, locomotives and rolling stock from the Wushishi Tramway were used to build and operate the line.[3] Zaria is located to the north of Jos and the light railway was later rebuilt with a shorter connection to the main 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) gauge railway to the south. It also connected Bukuru. The line was 184 km (114 mi) long.[4]

Details edit

Rolling stock was equipped with ABC couplers.[5]

Two of the locomotives are preserved under cover with some carriages.[6]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ EB
  2. ^ Durrant, A.E., A.A. Jorgensen, C.P. Lewis. Steam in Africa, London, 1981, Hamlyn.
  3. ^ Moore, G. S. (1964) Narrow Gauge in Nigeria, The Railway Magazine, July pp. 578 – 581.
  4. ^ Mikes Rail History
  5. ^ "ABC Couplers". Archived from the original on 2009-05-21. Retrieved 2008-10-04.
  6. ^ "Nigerian Railway Corporation - Locomotives". Archived from the original on 2008-06-23. Retrieved 2008-10-04.

External links edit

  • BLR Locomotives 4 and 58 - scroll down
  • Automatic Buffer Coupler
  • Partial closure
  • Village Square