We’ve recently been sent an amazing photo, one new to the history of the Malta Railway. We’re indebted to Robert Galea-Naudi for his permission to publish it here.

Mr  Galea-Naudi informs us that it was part of a large collection of glass negatives inherited from his father, but only this one records a scene on the railway. Although with some condition issues, it’s clear that the scene is Notabile station, looking to the west end of the platform back towards Valletta.

It’s unclear which of the original Manning Wardle engines is depicted, but it’s in close to original condition, despite the removal of the vertical pre-heating apparatus from either side of the smokebox. The open veranda-style footplate canopy has yet to be refitted as an enclosed cabin.

A general dating of the photo can be made by inspecting the background detail. The railings around Notabile station were added hurriedly in 1892 to address safety concerns about overcrowding and safety ahead of L-Imnarja in June. They appear here to be new, perhaps even yet to be complete.   

Uniforms of the three train staff on the left also look to be in generally immaculate condition. The angle of the sun and vegetation in the background might be interpreted to show  early spring. Perhaps then, this was taken near the rec0mencement of railway services after the Government takeover?