The steam engines
Huge and black in the yard.
Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net). — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net). — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net). — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net). — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net). — CC BY-SA 4.0
Nairobi's Railway Museum stands next to the railway station and shows items from the defunct East African Railways. It opened in 1971 and is an enjoyable stop for families and train lovers, where you can walk among huge black steam locomotives and old passenger coaches in an open yard. Kenya Railways runs it, and it remains connected to the rail network, making it easier to move exhibits. Locomotive 301 on display appeared in the 1985 film Out of Africa. Three working steam locomotives are kept inside the railway works and can be seen only by appointment, and have not run for several years. You start in a small stone building, then step out to tracks lined with engines and coaches, along with equipment such as cranes and old workshop machines. A small train with a petrol engine and wooden coaches was added in 2011, so ask if it is running. City towers rise behind the yard in a fine contrast. It is 6.4 km in a straight line from Karura Forest and close to central Nairobi, so it fits easily into a city tour. Climb on engines only where allowed, and watch for metal parts and the uneven gravel. Bring a hat, as the yard has little shade. Stay with children, and check opening times before you go.
Huge and black in the yard.
Seen in Out of Africa.
On the tracks outside.
Next to Nairobi railway station
Yes, they enjoy the engines, but watch the metal parts and gravel.
Three are in working order, kept in the works and seen only by appointment.