Another image courtesy of my friend at the Malta Study Circle. A lovely array of rollingstock awaits departure from Valletta.

The small gang of young hawkers sit chatting round a bench in the low winter sun. The open veranda seats on first class carriages seem popular with lounging gentlemen; One of these, the one with the double roof, was formerly the Governor’s carriage but this had been converted for more general use by this time. The original carriages are easily distinguished next to the taller and longer carriages bought after Government take over.

Also of note is the structure of the bridge below the track and behind the piers supporting the later platform structure. The last arch is set lower than the others, with a sloping top, buttressing the next arch against the city ramparts. The arrangement seems to have been a compromise with the military authorities after the timber bridge, easily mined or burned in the event of attack, was replaced by something more permanent. It appears that the last bay incorporated a drop-ditch with structure at track level that could be destroyed easily, preventing any would-be attackers taking advantage of the easy access into the city.