The Sierra Leone National Railway Museum Collection
The main collection in the Freetown museum comprises rolling stock and locomotives, all of which was built in the UK and shipped out to Sierra Leone over the past century. The stock, with the exception of part of one wagon, comes from the 2'6" gauge Sierra Leone Government Railway which ran from Freetown .
The collection has now been declared a historic heritage asset of the Sierra Leone people and cannot leave the country, thus benefiting the nation. Sadly, none of the locomotives can work due to missing parts, age, damage and value, and unfortunately without sufficient space for a running line or enough funds, a return to working order is not currently being considered. However, we are actively seeking assistance to restore the collection to a higher standard, and to develop interpretation around exhibits to tell the story of Sierra Leone and how the railways powered its development. Read more about the opportunities to get involved.
Also in the collection are a growing number of hardware assets, ranging from tickets, photographs, railway paperwork, headlamps and wage boxes. We're always on the look out to acquire more items for our collection, so if you think you know where we can find something please get in touch.
"Nellie"
0-4-0 Saddle Tank Locomotive
Built in 1915, Leeds, England
By Manning Wardle
Nellie is a firm favourite with our younger visitors. Built in 1915 and imported from Britain in World War One, she was used on the Fourah Bay Harbour construction project. She was later then used for shunting goods trains around Freetown for many years, and was thought to be working right up until final closure in 1975.
"Nellie the Engine" is a remarkable survivor - the oldest loco in the collection - she celebrated her 100th birthday in 2015.
Number 81
2-6-2 Tank Locomotive
Built in 1947, Leeds, England
By Hunslet
No. 81 was one of several similar locomotives used in the latter years on the line; this successful design proved to be a highly versatile workhorse. Her sister, No. 85, was exported back to Britain in the 1970s and is now restored on the Welshpool and Llanfair Railway. Our own No. 81 is missing a pair of wheels, but has been restored to basic cosmetic standards.
The diesels
105 and 108
123 and 133
All built by Hudswell, Clarke of Leeds
There are four diesel locomotives and one railcar in the collection.
All four locomotives were built by Hudswell, Clarke Ltd of Leeds and exported to Sierra Leone. The railcar was built by Wickham of Ware in the UK.
Number 73
Beyer-Garratt 4-8-2+2-8-4 articulated locomotive
Built in 1955 by Beyer, Peacock & Co Ltd in Manchester, England
At 66 tons unladen weight (70 tons with fuel and water) the Beyer-Garratts were the heaviest, most powerful engines to operate on the 2’ 6” gauge anywhere in the world. It is the last survivor of a batch of 14 built between 1955 and 1956, which were an instant success on the steeply graded, tightly curved Sierra Leone Railway. All were converted from coal to oil firing in 1959.
Restoration has proved this locomotive to be a hybrid. The front power unit with its water carrier was originally part of engine No 65. The remainder of the engine – frames, boiler and tender – are part of the original No 73.
This locomotive hauled the last ever passenger train on the Sierra Leone Railway on 17th November 1974.
"Queen’s coach"
Built 1961, Cline Town, Sierra Leone
This coach was built at Cline Town Works in 1961 for the Queen’s visit to Sierra Leone. It is not clear whether it was built on existing frames or whether it was built from scratch.
The interior included a sitting room, dining area and lavatory and the balcony was furnished with wicker chairs.
Sadly it was never used for the royal visit, as plans for the visit were changed, and Her Majesty didn’t travel on the railway.
During the civil war, the original sheet metal panels had been removed by locals desperate for materials to keep their homes safe and waterproof and it has been cosmetically restored using marine plywood.
"Governor's coach"
Built in 1913, Birmingham, England
By Metropolitan Carriage, Wagon & Finance Company
The Governor’s carriage was built by the Metropolitan Carriage, Wagon and Finance Co., of Birmingham, England, in 1913, under Crown Agents requisition No 1373, entitled “Saloon carriage”, and was intended for the colonial governor to travel in.
It was supplied in the British ‘royal’ plum and cream livery, with royal coats of arms on the sides. It was repainted in cream at independence in the early 1960s, and the insignia were replaced with the Sierra Leone coat of arms.
It had a sumptuously appointed interior, with fancy brass lamps with glass shades, a lavatory and kitchen, with armchairs, and very high quality interior woodwork. Some remnants of this woodwork remain, but it is hoped one day, to find a way to restore this carriage to its original glory.
"General Manager's Coach"
Built 1956, Cline Town, Sierra Leone
This is one of several saloons built for the use of senior railway officers when travelling along the line on inspections and for meetings. It was built in Cline Town in 1956, but like the Queen’s Coach, the aluminium panelling was removed during the civil war in the 1990s. The interior was equipped with living and sleeping quarters for the General Manager and his family.
"The Pay Coach"
Built 1908
The SLR Pay Coach No PC100 is adapted from an earlier railway carriage built in 1908, to include extra security and space for an armed police escort to travel inside. The original purpose of the carriage is unknown, however in this guise it was used to deliver railway workers’ wages to stations and depots along the line.
The entire railway work force of the Sierra Leone Railway knew where this carriage was at any given time!
