Narrow Gauge in Iran

[rogerfarnworth]

This article focusses on the first railway line built in Iran. It was an 800mm gauge line between Tehran and Rey and operating from 1888 to around 1960-61.

 

http://rogerfarnworth.com/2020/03/23/railways-in-iran-part-1-tehran-to-rey-1888

 

I have been reading old copies of the Railway Magazine from the 1950s and 1960s. The old small format magazines somehow seem more attractive than the glossy larger format modern magazines, perhaps that is a sign of ageing!

In the January 1963 edition of the magazine there is a long article about the railways of Iran which is based on a visit in 1961 to Iran by M.H. Baker MA.

Until the 1930s, Iran was relatively isolated, but from around 1865 various European Countries had sought concessions to construct railways but the Imperial government continued to value isolation above integration.

 

Although there is reference int he article to further artciles about Iranian railways, the lines which were built after this one were to a gauge of 5ft, so do not qualify as narrow gauge!

[rogerfarnworth]

This post focuses on a narrow gauge system, some 40 miles in total length, which served the Abadan Oil Depot and refinery in Iran. Available information is sparse. ....

 

http://rogerfarnworth.com/2020/11/19/railways-in-iran-part-11-anglo-persian-oil-company-ltd