Friends of the Rail Forum

Today, Saturday 17th March 2012, Friends of the (Nairobi) Railway Museum (FORM) held a meeting at the museum.

We were able to take stock of the progress that we have made. The large steam crane has been rescued, and we have also rescued a cabinet full of old EARH crockery (some of it reputedly used by the Queen) from the restaurant at the station. The new extension to the museum is just about finished, and the entire asbestos roof has now been replaced. FORM has been allocated an office in the old section of the museum at the station end.

Much of the discussion centred around 3205, a historic diesel mechanical shunter (complete with clutch and four speed gearbox), and whether we can do a full restoration to working condition or whether it will just be a cosmetic renovation. Much will depend on how much money we raise... which led us to the other main part of our discussion - how we can attract more members and raise more funds.

It was mentioned that there will probably be short steam charters in April, May and July 2012, and an overseas tour early in 2013.

Photos by John Ashworth

Well done John.

A fascinating set of pics - history in the making I suppose!

I wish I was there as I can detect the newly found enthusiasm!

Not the most glamorous part of museum operations, but the new, clean, modern toilets are now in use, which makes for a more pleasant visitor experience.

Photos by John Ashworth, 23rd March 2012

Nice one there John. Keep up the good but hard work that lies ahead. Nice to see enthusiasm from afar.

We've received some interesting information about 3205, that the engine was started as recently as 2005 and that the main problem is the starter motor. That's good news and may mean that she can be restored to working order more easily than we feared.