I finally found a good quality version of this old postcard of Birkirkara station on the Malta Railway. I’ve had one version of it for many years, but it was heavily retouched by the publisher, and not very reliable in the details.

The card was posted in 1914 and shows the station after rebuilding in 1910. It takes in the view along the platforms in the direction of Valletta as a train approaches from the capital.

There’s plenty of activity on the opposite platform, suggesting another train is shortly arrive from Mdina. There were limited locations where trains could pass each other, most of the line being single-track.

The image is clear enough to be able to recognise the engine as being one of the three small locos bought from Manning Wardle of Leeds in 1883.

One day, perhaps, a photographic version of tis view might be found, rather than the poorer-quality printed postcards.