A previous pictorial feature focused on the short-lived train service in Malta, which terminated operations in 1931. But some permanent structures survived the bankruptcy of the company that ran the railways.

Wied il-Ħemsija railway bridge, near the Museum station.

Not long ago, I came across an incomplete album of over 50 photographs taken in 1967 that meticulously documented a number of structural relics of the railway era. The photographer, obviously knowledgeable and passionate about train lore, did not record his or her name.

Museum station from the platform side in 1968

I thank any reader who helps me identify the camera artist.

Most of the images in the present feature come from this monographic collection.

Mdina railway tunnel in 1968

To build a railway from scratch involved considerable architectural and engineering investment, some of it aspiring to permanence. Enemy action damaged the Valletta terminus, eventually demolished to make way for one of the earlier Kingsgate projects and today, included, in the footprint of the Piano parliament building. But tunnels, embankments, bridges, cuttings and stations survive to this day in varying degrees of disrepair.

"Some railway structures acquired new lives and identities"

Mdina railway station in 1967

The original metal tracks over wooden sleepers have, as far as I know, disappeared almost entirely. So have all the coal-fired locomotives. 

The railway cutting and overbridge leading to Attard in 1967

Trains booking office, Attard, in 1967

Some railway structures acquired new lives and identities, like the Mtarfa Museum station, now morphed into a restaurant, advertising itself through bright red windows and nostalgic promotion cards.

Large stone flowerpots were especially carved and monogrammed for railway stations. One survivor in 1967.

Other leftovers of the railway era remain but less eye-catching, such as the large stone troughs with identifying monograms commissioned for greening up stations, display boards for timetables and routes, even a train wagon demoted to serve as a ticketing booth.

Birkirkara railway station in 1967

Others, more ephemeral – company uniforms, signalling devices, tickets, advertising posters, stop signs – now survive as sought-after collectors’ items.

Two railway museums enrich Malta, one in Attard and another in Birkirkara.

A promotion postcard showing Engine No 8 issued by the Stazzjon Restaurant, Museum station, Mtarfa.

All images from the author's collections.

Old timetable display board on the Ħamrun railway station in 1967