Rail transport in Morocco

Rail transport in Morocco is operated by ONCF. It is the continent's second highest developed rail transport system, after South Africa's.fact|date=April 2008

Narrow gauge lines

Morocco had from 1912 - 1935 one of the largest 600 mm gauge network in Africa with total length of more than 1700 kilometres. After the treaty of Algeciras where the representatives of Great Powers agreed not to build any standard gauge railway in Morocco until the standard gauge Tangier - Fez Railway being completed, the French begun to built military 600 mm gaugelines in their part of Morocco French Morocco.

In fact the first short narrow gauge railway in Morocco was a short 600 mm gauge line presented to the Sultan of Morocco in 1887 by the Belgian Government to connect his palace with his Jardin. With railway came two coaches and one steam locomotive ( Krauss 1744 / 1887 Ct-n2 )delivered via F.Weidknecht, Paris. This move was done to improve the Belgian trade possibilities with the Sultan with hope to build railways in Morocco.

The next narrow gauge railway was the Casablanca - Boussekoura - Berrechid 500 mm gauge railway built by the Decauville, which delivered also all rolling stock including locomotives to the line. Building started in May 1908 and - thanks to pre-fabricated complete sections of light track material, the 52 km line was completed in late July 1908. The trains reached a " formidable " maximum speed of 20 kph averaging only 12 kph between Casablanca and Berrechid.

The locomotives which worked the 500 mm gauge line have not been yet been identified. Some sources claims that the French transferred from Dakar three small surplus locomotives to Casablanca.

Decauville 428 / 1905 500 Bt-n2 Delivered new to Touzet Senegal

Decauville 432 / 1905 500 Bt-n2 Delivered new to Travaux publics du Senegal

Decauville 433 / 1905 500 Bt-n2 Delivered new to Travaux publics du Senegal

But many other railway history experts claims these to be the first locomotives:

Decauville 491 / 1907 500 / 600 B1t-n2 Delivered to Raguet et Heurtematte, Paris

Decauville 492 / 1908 500 / 600 B1t-n2 Delivered to Raguet et Heurtematte, Paris

Dacauville 493 / 1908 500 / 600 B1t-n2 Delivered to Raguet et Heurtematte, Paris

Chemins de Fer de Penetration du Maroc

During the Great War the French built also an 600 mm gauge line from Berrechid to Oued Zem. This line was opened in service:

Berrechid - Kasbah Ben Ahmed 25.02.1916 ( narrow gauge closed on 31.08.1923 )
Kasbah Ben Ahmed - Oued Zem 01.08.1917 ( narrow gauge closed on 12.07.1925 )

It was idented to continue the line from Oued Zem 44 km to Kasbah Tadla but this nevermaterialised.

To provide better travelling facitilities for local population in Casablanca area the French Gouvernement Cherifien helped to build a new 600 mm gauge line from Casablanca (Port ) along the Atlantic coast to Dar Bou Assa and turn toward at Bou Haj el Mehdi to
Foucauld. This local line was opened in 1923 and it served at least up to 1953. In Casablanca the section from Boulevard d´Anfa to Casablanca railway station was replaced bytrolley buss line.

As mentioned earlier, one penetration line from Dar Caid Tounssi to Magazan was built from Casablanca - Marrakech line. This branch line, opened in early 1928 gave the shortest possible outlet to the Atlantic Ocean from Marrakech. But at Magazan the port facitilities were poor and primitive, by all standards. When the standard gauge railway from Mechra Ben Abbou to Marrakech was opened on 07.11.1928 the narrow gauge line between Ben Guerire and Marrakech was closed. But the northern part Casablanca - Berrechid ( where the new standard gauge line run parallel with the narrow gauge line 52 km ) - Dar Caid Tounssi - Magazan line remained open until the new 142 km standard gauge line from Ben Guerire to Safi was opened on 07.05.1936.

The next penetration line was the 95 km Rabat - Souk el Abra des Schoul - Tiflet -
Dar Caid Bou Driss - Khemisset 600 mm gauge line running east of Rabat. This line had only a local importance but it made it possible to move the local products as well as the inhabitants in the morning train of the provincial capital to Rabat and their return during the same evening.

In addition a short branch line near Rabat was built from Bir - Tam - Tam to just built Abermoumou military garrison. This branch was completed in 1925.

There were in the early 1920's many local resistance against the French colonial administration in Morocco. Especially in the north, where Rif Cabyles under leadership of Abd El - Krim, who did not recognise the Sultan's position as ruler of all Morocco and demanded an independent state for Cabyles. This led to open revolt in 1925 - 1926 against theFrench and Sultan of Morocco. By the time there were 325.000 French soldiers trying to pacify the Rif unrest and revolts in French Zone of Morocco. The Great War delayedthe construction of the standard gauge Chemin de Fer de Tanger a Fes. This, and the unrest in Rif area made the French to build a 600 mm gauge railway in 1922 at first from Port Lyautey direct north of Petit Jean( now Sidi Kacem) to Mechra Bel Ksiri on the proposed Tanger - Fes Railway. This line was opened to traffic in 1923. In addition, after the Great War the French built new 600 mm gauge narrow gauge line to the heart of Rif region: Mechra Bel Ksiri - Dar Nouirat - Dar Jebelet - Oulad Dachia - Bou Amer - Dar Khabzine - Eddaaf - Dar el Haricha - Ain Dhafi. At Ain Dhafi the branch line was built via Dar Echchaouia to Muslim holy city of Ouezzane. The " main line " Ain Dhafi - El Ajafna - El Hasba - Maarif - Amery - Dar Ouled Abdallah - Dar Beni Biad - Dar Charf - Sbaa el Regel - El Jorf - Touissa - Talba - Kouared - Oulad Hammuu - Douiouar - Sidi Ouane - Dar Bou Madene - Ermouch - Ain Aicha. Mechra Ben Ksiri to Ouezzane was opened in 1924 and Ain Dhafi - Ain Aicha next year in 1925. With this narrow gauge railway the French transferred troops and supplies during the Rif rebellion. The whole railway was closed by 1935, but the remnants of it were still visible in 1950's because the line was not used in many places as local roads.

Perharps the most famous and "mysterious" of the 600 mm gauge narrow gauge railways in Morocco was the Chemin de Fer Guercif a Outat el Hadj et Midelt. It started from Fes - Oudja line and run south - west along the River Mouloula ( or Mulula ) valley near the east bank of the river course. The whole railway line was: Guercif - Ain Fritissa - Ouninet - Mahirija - Ait Guettara - Fort Oued el Amar - Fort Mouigens - Meski - Fritissa ( Ouled Jerrar ) - Ain Reguioune - Tissaf - Outat Oulad el Hajd. This section was completed and opened for military service during the Great War in 1918. The Outat Oulad el Hadj - Oudad Keddou - Fort Teggour - Moulay Yakoub Ben Sehel Shrine - Station de El Habat el Hamra - Missour - Metlili - Tamdafelt Isserarene - Tamdafelt - Ait Bial - Saida - Ait Zeggou - Amersid - Boua Sidi - Zebzat - Midelt was completed in 1920. The total length of the line was 280 km 33 km longer than Casablanca - Marrakech main line.

A French source gives later opening dates, but these dates might be dates when the line wasopened for common carrier public service, not only for military service.

Guercif - Mahiridja 24.08.1919

Mahiridja - Guettara 29.10.1919

Guettara - Outat El Hadj 19.01.1921

Outat El Hadj - Missour xx.xx.1923

Missour - Midelt xx.xx.1930

There are several photographs showing trains and locomotives at Midelt railway station during 1920's, and one official photograph with title " Midelt Gare " from 1920.

There were three lime stone quarries around Midelt and later branch lines were built to the quarries, but little is known them because the whole line was closed by the end of 1935. ( One other source give the closing date 05.07.1936.) This line served many French Foreign Legion Forts. There were also many colonial troops from West Africa, mainly from French Soudan. Many of the soldiers had taken their wives with them to Morocco and they settled to station settlements along the this railway line such as Midelt, Missour and Outat Oulad el Hadj. The trains were packed with French officers, Foreign Legioners, Senegalese soldiers and their women, local tradesmen, even some " blue men ", the Tuaregs, French business men from Algeria and Morocco and French administrative personnel. Really a cosmopolitan society of travellers, really unique in railway world of narrow gauge lines. When the line was opened in 1920 the Midelt railway station was still 12 km away from Midelt in an empty valley without any settlement around it. Only later it was extended near to old town of Midelt.

Chemins de fer Militaires du Maroc

This line formed the northrern part of the Casablanca - Marrakech narrow gauge line.In 1913 the Casablanca - Berrechid section was regauged by the French to 600 mm gauge. This section was opened to public service on 27.03.1916. The Berrechid - Kasba Oulad Jadi - Dar Khalifa - Dar el Abizat - Souk el Arba des Aounat - Dar Caid Tounssi section was competed in 1915 ( 109 km south of
Casablanca). Tar Caid Tounssi - Dar el Atatra - Dar el Hadj Abbou - Dar Ahmed Ben Brahim - Dar Cheik Rahel - Jebel Rhouikrane - Maison du Caid - Souk es Sebt - Der el Toualeb - Ben Guerire section was completed in September 1919. The final section from Ben Guerire to Marrakech was opened on 29.09.1920.

This narrow gauge line, as well as all other 600 mm gauge lines in French Morocco, hada short life. Last narrow gauge train left Marrakech on 06.11.1928. Later also a branch line was built to tiny Mazagan ( Harbour ) running from Dar Caida Tounssi ( which become a railway junction ) through Dar Oulad Bou Aiba, Dar Oulad Zouara, and Dar el Maatga. This line was opened in early 1928.

The French started also to build 600 mm gauge railway north of Casablanca. Rabat 89 km and Port Lyautey -now Kenitra- 128 km was reached in 1913. The opening dates of this line were:

Casablanca - Fedala 01.03.1912 ( narrow gauge closed on 20.04.1925 )

Fedala - Rabat 01.12.1912 ( narrow gauge closed on 20.04.1925 )

Rabat - Sale 15.01.1913 ( narrow gauge closed on 04.04.1923 )

Sale - Oued Beht 15.07.1913 ( narrow gauge closed on 04.04.1923 )

Oued Beht - Port Lyautey 15.04.1913 ( narrow gauge closed on 04.04.1923 )

Oued Beht - Dar Bel Hamri 25.05.1913 ( narrow gauge closed on 04.04.1923 )

Dar Bel Hamri - Meknes 15.06.1914 ( narrow gauge closed on 31.05.1923 )

Meknes - Fes xx.07.1915 ( narrow gauge closed on 30.09.1923 )

Puente sobre el Oued Bou Regreg 16.08.1919 ( narrow gauge closed on ? )

At Port Lyautey the " main line " turned toward east, the main target for the French military was a rail connection, even with 600 mm gauge railway, with their Algerian Railways at Oudja ( also spelled Udjda ), where the French military had built from Algerian side an 87 km 1055 mm gauge line from Tlemcen via Marnia. This Chemin de Fer de Marnia a Taourirt was completed by 1911. The 560 km line from Port Lyautey to Oudja was a piece of French high quality engineering work in difficult terrain. Specially the 364 km Fes - Oudja line was difficult to built. The railway had to go over narrow passage between Rif mountains in the north and the Altas mountains in the south. The 600 mm gauge line had to be built with heavy gradients and sharp curves to reach - from both sides - the Touahar Pass. East of Fes the narrow gauge line followed the route Fes - Station de Sidi Harazem - Station d´Ain Sbit - Station de Touaba - Dar el Mouelda - Fort Bou Zemlane - Station de Chbabat - Kasba Beni Mtir - Sidi Abdallah - Station de Oulad Amlel - Tamlroust - Touahar Pass - Station de Bab Mezouka - Fort Taza - Station de Msoun - Station de Safsafat - Guercif - Station de Seflet - Station de El Agreb - Station de Goutirir - Chreia - Taourirt - Station de Oued Metlili -El Aioun - Naima - Oudja. Construction started simultanelously from both Fes and Oudja. When the 600 mm gauge line was completed, it was then possible to travel by train from Morocco via Algeria to Tunisia. The passenger had to change trains at Oudja and Tlemcen for a year to 1916 due different gauges at first in use between Tlemcen and Oudja until the line was regauged by Chemins de fer l´Ouest Algerien to standard 1435 mm gauge to Oudja.

The French source gives opening dates for sections of Oudja - Fes line:

Oudja - El Aioun 15.12.1912 ( narrow gauge closed on 31.01.1932 )

El Aioun - Taourirt 15.04.1913 ( narrow gauge closed on 31.01.1932 )

Taourirt - Guercif 27.08.1913 ( narrow gauge closed on 31.01.1932 )

Guercif - Kasba Msoun 25.03.1914 ( narrow gauge closed on 14.05.1933 )

Kasba Msoun - Taza Ladjeraf 14.07.1915 ( narrow gauge closed on 14.05.1933 )

Taza Ladjeraf - Bab Merzouka 01.09.1917 ( narrow gauge closed on 14.05.1933 )

Bab Merzouka - Col de Touahar 10.07.1918 ( narrow gauge closed on 14.05.1933 )

Col de Touahar - Sidi Abdallah 27.05.1918 ( narrow gauge closed on 14.04.1934 )

Sidi Abdallah - Fes 31.07.1921 ( narrow gauge closed on 14.04.1934 ) This 948 km Marrakech - Casablanca - Port Lyautey - Fes - Oudja line becomeknown Chemins de fer strategiques du Maroc and the branch lines diverting from the line as
Chemins de fer de penetration du Maroc. These lines were mostly built - with exception of
Guercif - Outat el Hadj - Midelt, which was started in 1916 and completed in 1920 - during the period of 1921 - 1925.

Others

Finally, there was in Morocco a little known, totally isolated short 12 km 600 mm narrow gauge line from Agadir to Auone. It was built after the Agadir Incident to strengthen the French military presence in Agadir. Nothing else is known of it. Remnants were still visible in 1960's.

Locomotives delivered to French Morocco for 600 mm gauge lines

Decauville 581 / 1910 600 C1t-n2 Perchot, Casablanca, Maroc

Decauville 617 / 1911 600 C1t-n2 Perchot, Casablanca, Maroc

Decauville 620 / 1912 600 C1t-n2 Consortium Marocain, Rabat

Decauville 1501 - 1516 / 1912 600 Ct-n2 Ecole de Ch. de F. f. Ch. de Fer Militaires du Maroc

Decauville 1517 - 1541 / 1913 600 Ct-n2 Ecole de Ch. de F. f. Ch. de Fer Militaires du Maroc

Decauville 1544 - 1546 / 1913 600 Ct-n2 Ecole de Ch. de F. f. Ch. de Fer Militaires du Maroc

Decauville 1547 - 1554 / 1914 600 Ct-n2 Ecole de Ch. de F. f. Ch. de Fer Militaires du Maroc

Decauville 1555 - 1558 / 1914 600 Ct-n2 Gouvernement Cherifien, Maroc f.

Decauville 1688 - 1697 / 1917 600 Ct-n2 Ecole de Ch. de F. f. Ch. de Fer Militaires du Maroc

Decauville 1720 - 1730 / 1917 600 Ct-n2 Ecole de Ch. de F. f. Ch. de Fer du Maroc Oriental

Decauville 3002 - 3003 / 1915 600 Ct-n2 Ecole de Ch. de F. f. Ch. de Fer du Maroc Oriental

Decauville 3005 - 3006 / 1916 600 Ct-n2 Ecole de Ch. de F. f. Ch. de Fer du Maroc Oriental

Decauville 3007 - 3008 / 1917 600 Ct-n2 Ecole de Ch. de F. f. Ch. de Fer du Maroc Oriental

Decauville 3009 - 3020 / 1918 600 Ct-n2 Ecole de Ch. de F. f. Ch. de Fer du Maroc Oriental

Decauville 3021 - 3028 / 1920 600 Ct-n2 Ecole de Ch. de F. f. Ch. de Fer du Maroc Oriental

Decauville 6000 - 6006 / 1914 600 C´C-n4 Ecole de Ch. de F. f. Marnia - Taourirt, Maroc

Decauville 6007 - 6008 / 1915 600 C´C-n4 Ecole de Ch. de F. f. Marnia - Taourirt, Maroc

Decauville 6010 - 6011 / 1916 600 C´C-n4 Ecole de Ch. de F. f. Marnia - Taourirt. Maroc

Decauville 6012 - 6017 / 1917 600 C´C-n4 Ecole de Chemins de Fer f. Maroc No 6012 - 6017

Decauville 6018 - 6022 / 1919 600 C´C-n4 Ecole de Chemins de Fer f. Maroc No 6013 - 6022

Decauville 6023 - 6027 / 1920 600 C´C-n4 Ecole de Chemins de Fer f. Maroc No 6023 - 6027

Decauville 6028 - 6032 / 1921 600 C´C-n4 Ecole de Chemins de Fer f. Maroc No 6028 - 6032

Decauville 6033 - 6036 / 1922 600 C´C-n4 Ecole de Chemins de Fer f. Maroc No 6033 - 6036

Schwartzkopff xxxx / 1931 600 1C+C1 petroleo - electrique Prototype Regie des. Chemins de Fer No 7000

Decauville 7001 - 7003 / 1927 600 1C+C1-h4 Regie des Ch. de Fer f. Guercif - Midelt

Decauville 7004 - 7006 / 1928 600 1C+C1-h4 Regie des Ch. de Fer f. Guercif - Midelt

Decauville 7007 - 7008 / 1927 600 1C+C1-n4 Regie des Ch. de Fer f. Guercif - Midelt

Decauville 7009 - 7010 / 1928 600 1C+C1-h4 Regie des Ch. de Fer f. Guercif - Midelt

Note: Decauville catalogue 1853 - 1953 says that also Nos 7001 - 7010 were built by Schwartzkopff ( BMAG ), Berlin.

Societe Alsacienne, Mulhouse 7178 - 7089 / 1921 Et-n2 C.F. a voie de 600 Maroc No 5001-5012

Weidknecht 891 - 895 / 1912 2Ct-n2 600 C.F. Casablanca - Rabat No 1 - 5

Weidknecht 896 - 900 / 1912 2Ct-n2 600 C.F. Marnia - Taourirt W1 - W5

Weidknecht 901 - 910 / 1913 2Ct-n2 600 Ch. de F. Militaires du Maroc

Weidknecht 953 - 962 / 1914 2Ct-n2 600 Ch. de F. Militaires du Maroc

Borsig 7701 / 1910 Ct-n2 Soc. Anon.d.Ateliers de Constr. de Hal f. Casablanca, Maroc

Borsig 7787 / 1912 Ct-n2 Soc. Anon.d.ateliers de Constr. de Hal f. Casablanca, Maroc

Jung 1561 / 1912 Bt-n2 Consortium Marocain

Jung 1777 - 1778 / 1911 Bt-n2 Consortium Marocain

Jung 1948 / 1912 Bt-n2 Leipziger & Co, f. Morocco

Orenstein & Koppel 3546 / 1909 Bt-n2 600 Massanet, Marokko

Orenstein & Koppel 6219 / 1913 Bt-n2 600 Casablanca, Marokko

Orenstein & Koppel 6223 / 1913 Bt-n2 600 Casablanca, Marokko

Orenstein & Koppel 6951 / 1913 Ct-n2 600 Schneider & Co, f. Marokko

Orenstein & Koppel 6952 / 1913 Ct-n2 600 Schneider & Co, f. Marokko

Orenstein & Koppel 7229 - 7230 / 1914 600 Ct-n2 Perchot, Marokko f. CF Militaires

Baldwin 41897 - 41902 / 1915 2Ct-n2 600 French Government f. Morocco No 101 - 106

Baldwin 41937...44473 / 1915 - 1916 600 B-Bt-n4 " type Pechot - Bourdon " 20 locomotives:

Baldwin 42020 / 1915 B-Bt-n4 French Army No 130 ( via Algeria )

Baldwin 42042 / 1915 B-Bt-n4 French Army No 132 ( via Algeria )

Baldwin 42045 / 1915 B-Bt-n4 French Army No 155 ( via Algeria )

Baldwin 42047 / 1915 B-Bt-n4 French Army No 157 ( via Algeria )

Baldwin 42049 / 1915 B-Bt-n4 French Army No 159 ( via Algeria )

Baldwin 43333 / 1915 B-Bt-n4 French Army No 210 ( via Algeria )

Baldwin 43956 / 1915 B-Bt-n4 French Army No 272 ( via Algeria )

Baldwin 43979 / 1915 B-Bt-n4 French Army No 282 ( via Algeria )

Baldwin 44115 / 1916 B-Bt-n4 French Army No 291 ( via Algeria )

Baldwin 44167 / 1916 B-Bt-n4 French Army No 304 ( via Algeria )

Baldwin 44225 / 1916 B-Bt-n4 French Army No 306 ( via Algeria )

Baldwin 44248 / 1916 B-Bt-n4 French Army No 313 ( via Algeria )

Baldwin 44316 / 1916 B-Bt-n4 French Army No 316 ( via Algeria )

Baldwin 44317 / 1916 B-Bt-n4 French Army No 317 ( via Algeria )

Baldwin 44318 / 1916 B-Bt-n4 French Army No 318 ( via Algeria )

Baldwin 44319 / 1916 B-Bt-n4 French Army No 319 ( via Algeria )

Baldwin 44321 / 1916 B-Bt-n4 French Army No 321 ( via Algeria )

Baldwin 44409 / 1916 B-Bt-n4 French Army No 325 ( via Algeria )

Baldwin 44421 / 1916 B-Bt-n4 French Army No 337 ( via Algeria )

Baldwin 44467 / 1916 B-Bt-n4 French Army No 348 ( via Algeria )

Baldwin 44178 - 44182 / 1916 2Ct-n2 600 French Government f. Morocco No 107 - 111

Baldwin 51569 - 51573 / 1919 2Ct-n2 600 French High Commissar, Morocco No 112 - 116

Baldwin 47704...49980 / 1917 - 1918 600 B-gasoline mechanical 50 hp used mainly on Guercif - Midelt 280 km line.

Crochet xxx - xxx / 1915? BB type 14L60 (DL) Comp. des Ch. de. fer. du Maroc Oriental 5 locomotives

Narrow Gauge Railways in Former Spanish Morocco

There have been narrow gauge railways which used 1000 mm, 750mm and 600 mm gauges.

The older rail network was in Melilla - Nador area, only later to join with another, the Ceuta - Tetuan railway line and short harbour construction lines at El Puerto de Larache ( Larache Harbour ) on the Atlantic sea board.

After the Treaty of Algeciras signed on 07.04.1906, where the northern part of Morocco was placed under Spanish administration under the Los Protectorados de Marruecos the Spanish started to develop this mineral rich area. An company La Compania Transatlantica had been formed in Spain as early as in 1881 by a company A.Lopez y Cia. The main idea was to develop the harbours in northern Morocco to carry more Spanish - Moroccian trade via harbours of Larache, Tanger, Ceuta and Melilla. At Melilla a new company Junta de Orbas del Puerto de Melilla started at ones extensive building of harbour to carry mineral traffic overseas, mainly to Spain. With new harbour installations the company built also 750 mm gauge local 4.1 km harbour line from Melilla Harbour to Sidi - Musa, later extended to the total length of 7 km as demanded by Spanish military.

Junta de Orbas del Puerto de Melilla and Compania Transatlantica were merged together to form a new company Junta de Fomento de Melilla on 16.12.1911.

La Compania Espanola de Minas del Rif was founded on 21.07.1908. It had obtained mining rights at Idem, Beni - Sidel and Mazuza areas. The company built an extensive railway networkin the Melilla area. The 1000 mm gauge main line Melilla - Beni Ensar - Tizi Tavessart - Atalyon - Nador - Segagnan - San Juan de las Minas - Minas de Jebel Uisai ( Ulad Canem ) 31,5 km was the first common carrier railway in Spanish Morocco between Melilla and San Juan de las Minas. In spring 1914 La Compania Espanola de Minas del Rif operated three daily passenger trainsto Nador of which two continued to San Juan de las Minas with corresponding return workings to Melilla.

Another company, the El ferrocarril Nador - Tistutin built a 1000 mm gauge 36 km Nador - Tinequemart - Zeluan - Monte Arruit - Tistutin - El Batel line.

There was continuous unrest in the area and the Rif Cabyle rebellionists attacked against the railways. The Spanish Army concentrated nearly 100.000 soldiers to pacify the Rif area and built an extension westward from El Batel. At first El Batel - Dar Driuch - Laababda - Zoco el Had, El Batel - El Aasel - Dar Mohan - Ulad Candusi, Dar Driuch - Ben Tiep and Laababda - Dar Tafersit lines were operated by locotractors which could haul 200 tons with three locotractors. Later, when El Batel -
Dar Driuch 23.5 km, El Batel - Ulad Candussi - Dar Quebdani 23 km, Dar Driuch - Tafersit 12 km had been decided to be built to standard 600 mm gauge field railways the Spanish Army bought a number of surplus former German built World War One locomotives and rolling stock from Germany. When the area was finally pacified in 1926 the lines were lifted and the rolling stock transferred elsewhere.

There were also two other companies which operated their own mining railways. The Compania del Norte Africano and the Compania Minera Setolazar, both of 600 mm gauge. Both companies had common locomotive shed at Beni Ensar. Their 600 mm gauge line run parallelwith Compania Espanola de Minas del Rif 1000 mm gauge line between Nador and MelillaHarbour.

Farther west the Junta de Obras del Puerto de Ceuta was founded on 20.10.1904. It built Ceuta Harbour and later a short branch line from Ceuta to nearby Benzu. The company used 1000 mm gauge line.

The Ferrocarril Ceuta - Tetuan was founded on 15.09.1912 to connect Ceuta to Tetuan with 41 km 1000 mm gauge railway. The line was opened on 17.03.1918. Ferrocarril Ceuta - Tetuan built stations at Ceuta ( 0.5 km ), Miramar ( 2.9 km ), Castillejos ( 8.0 km ), Dar Riffen ( 11.1 km ), Negro ( 13.8 km ), Rincon del Medik ( 24.9 km ), Malalien ( 38.1 km ), andterminal station Tetuan ( 41.0 km ).

When Spanish General Alfau occupied Tetuan ( or Tettuan ) in 1913 it was decided to build an 18 km 600 mm gauge railway to Rio Martin using the trackbed of the former lifted standard gauge railway. The 10 km Ferrocarril Tetuan - Rio Martin y prolongaciones was opened on 20.05.1915 for public service. The extensions south to Benkarrir and Zina 18 km was opened on 31.03.1921 and west to Laucien 8 km, when the railway bridge at Mogote was finally completed, on the same day.

The Austrian company Sager & Wörner had obtained from the Spanish Government the contract to build the harbour installations at Larache on the Atlantic coast in 1911. The harbour was built in 1911 - 1914 but the Great War delayed the 34 km standard gauge railway line to Larache to 1922.

Compania del Norte Africano 600 mm gauge industrial railway served the lead mines at Monte Afra with company's Melilla - Nador - Monte Afra line on the north coast. This company was founded on 21.08.1907. The length of this lead carrier was 19 km.

Narrow Gauge Locomotives delivered to Former Spanish Morocco

ALCo 57068 / 1917 1000 2C-h2 17x20 48 Spanish Colonies No 1 " CEUTA "

ALCo 57069 / 1917 1000 2C-h2 17x20 48 Spanish Colonies No 2 " MIRAMAR "

ALCo 57070 / 1917 1000 2C-h2 17x20 48 Spanish Colonies No 3

ALCo 57071 / 1917 1000 2C-h2 17x20 48 Spanish Colonies No 4

ALCo 57072 / 1917 1000 2C-h2 17x20 48 Spanish Colonies No 5

ALCo 57073 / 1917 1000 2C-h2 17x20 48 Spanish Colonies No 6

Avonside 1917 / 1900 1000 Ct-n2 ex FC de Sierra Nevada, sold to Minas del Rif " MELILLA "

Borsig 5915 / 1906 600 Bt-n2 Arthur Koppel AG, Berlin f. Tanger, Marokko

Borsig 8204 / 1911 1000 1Ct-n2 Ferrocarril Nador - Tistutin No 1 " TISTUTIN "

Borsig 8205 / 1911 1000 1Ct-n2 Ferrocarril Nador - Tistutin No 2 " TAUNIA "

Carels 270 / 1887 750 Ctr-n2 ex Baix Emporda, Tranvia del Bajo Ampurdan a Palamos No 2 -> FC Minas del Rif

Couillet 1253 / 1899 600 Bt-n2 ex Chemins de Fer Espagne sp. Maroc, Melilla

Couillet 1254 / 1899 600 Bt-n2 ex Chemins de Fer Espagne sp, Maroc, Melilla

Falcon 144 / 1887 1000 C-n2 originally Ct-n2 origin unknown 1909 to FC Nador - Tistutin No 6 " EUSKALLERIA "

Henschel 16023 / 1918 600 Bt-n2 ex Tigris Kriegsbahn No 101 delivered 1921 to Spanisch Marokko

Henschel 16024 / 1918 600 Bt-n2 ex Tigris Kriegsbahn No 102 delivered 1921 to Spanisch Marokko

Henschel 16029 / 1918 600 Bt-n2 ex Tigris Kriegsbahn No 107 delivered 1921 to Spanisch Marokko

Henschel 16031 / 1918 600 Bt-n2 ex Tigris Kriegsbahn No 109 delivered 1921 to Spanisch Marokko

Henschel 16032 / 1918 600 Bt-n2 ex Tigris Kriegsbahn No 110 delivered 1921 to Spanisch Marokko

Henschel 16043 / 1918 600 Bt-n2 ex Tigris Kriegsbahn No 121 delivered 1921 to Spanisch Marokko

Henschel 16044 / 1918 600 Bt-n2 ex Tigris Kriegsbahn No 122 delivered 1921 to Spanisch Marokko

Henschel 16045 / 1918 600 Bt-n2 ex Tigris Kriegsbahn No 123 delivered 1921 to Spanisch Marokko

Henschel 16047 / 1918 600 Bt-n2 ex Tigris Kriegsbahn No 125 delivered 1921 to Spanisch Marokko

Henschel 16048 / 1918 600 Bt-n2 ex Tigris Kriegsbahn No 126 delivered 1921 to Spanisch Marokko

Henschel 16051 / 1918 600 Bt-n2 ex Tigris Kriegsbahn No 129 delivered 1921 to Spanisch Marokko

Henschel 16056 / 1918 600 Bt-n2 ex Tigris Kriegsbahn No 134 delivered 1921 to Spanisch Marokko

Henschel 16057 / 1918 600 Bt-n2 ex Tigris Kriegsbahn No 135 delivered 1921 to Spanisch Marokko

Henschel 16061 / 1918 600 Bt-n2 ex Tigris Kriegsbahn No 139 delivered 1921 to Spanisch Marokko

Henschel 16063 / 1918 600 Bt-n2 ex Tigris Kriegsbahn No 141 delivered 1921 to Spanisch Marokko

Henschel 16069 / 1918 600 Bt-n2 ex Tigris Kriegsbahn No 147 delivered 1921 to Spanisch Marokko

Henschel 16070 / 1918 600 Bt-n2 ex Tigris Kriegsbahn No 148 delivered 1921 to Spanisch Marokko

Henschel 16072 / 1918 600 Bt-n2 ex Tigris Kriegsbahn No 150 delivered 1921 to Spanisch Marokko

Henschel 16073 / 1918 600 Bt-n2 ex Tigris Kriegsbahn No 151 delivered 1921 to Spanisch Marokko

Henschel 16074 / 1918 600 Bt-n2 ex Tigris Kriegsbahn No 152 delivered 1921 to Spanisch Marokko

Henschel 17891 / 1920 1000 1C1t-n2 Minas del Rif, Melilla

Henschel 17892 / 1920 1000 1C1t-n2 Minas del Rif, Melilla

Henschel 18298 / 1921 1000 1D1t-n2 Minas del Rif, Melilla No 206

Henschel 18299 / 1921 1000 1D1t-n2 Minas del Rif, Melilla No 207

Henschel 18300 / 1921 1000 1D1t-n2 Minas del Rif, Melilla No 208

Henschel 19228 / 1922 600 Dt-n2 Metallges. Frankfurt am Main f. Spanisch Marokko

Henschel 19229 / 1922 600 Dt-n2 Metallges. Frankfurt am Main f. Spanisch Marokko

Henschel 19230 / 1922 600 Dt-n2 Metallges. Frankfurt am Main f. Spanisch Marokko

Henschel 19251 / 1922 1000 Ct-n2 Metallges. Frankfurt am Main f. Spanisch Marokko, f. FC Nador - Tistutin No 251

Henschel 19252 / 1922 1000 Ct-n2 Metallges. Frankfurt am Main f. Spanisch Marokko, f. FC Nador - Tistutin

Henschel 19961 / 1923 750 Ct-n2 Minas del Rif No 11, Spanisch Marokko

Henschel 20053 / 1924 1000 2D2t-n2 Minas del Rif, No 203 Melilla, Spanisch Marokko

Henschel 20314 / 1924 600 Dt-n2 Spanisch Marokko ( according to other information to Poland )

Henschel 20481 / 1925 600 Dt-n2 Commandancia de Ceuta, Spanisch Marokko

Henschel 20492 / 1925 1000 Ct-n2 Delegation de Romento, Spanisch Marokko

Henschel 20493 / 1925 1000 Ct-n2 Delegation de Romento, Spanisch Marokko

Henschel 20534 / 1925 1000 Bt-n2 Delegation de Romento, Spanisch Marokko

Henschel 20535 / 1925 1000 Ct-n2 Delegation de Romento, Spanisch Marokko

Henschel 21235 / 1928 600 Dt-n2 Ferr. Sideguza, Madrid f. Spanisch Marokko

Henschel 21236 / 1928 600 Dt-n2 Ferr. Sideguza, Madrid f. Spanisch Marokko

Henschel 21237 / 1928 750 Ct-n2 Minas del Rif No 12, Spanisch Morokko

Henschel 21238 / 1928 750 Ct-n2 Minas del Rif No 13, Spanisch Marokko

Henschel 21425 / 1929 750 Ct-n2 Minas del Rif No 14, Spanisch Marokko

Henschel 22474 / 1934 1000 2D2t-n2 Minas del Rif, No 204 Spanisch Marokko

Henschel 23278 / 1936 1000 2D2t-n2 Minas del Rif, No 205 Spanisch Marokko

Kerr Stuart 1160 / 1911 1000 1C-n2 Minas del Rif " GENERAL MARINA "

Kerr Stuart 1161 / 1912 1000 1C-n2 Minas del Rif " ESPANA "

Krauss 1747 / 1887 750 Ctr-n2 ex Tram Bajo Amburdan - Palamos No 5 -> sold Minas del Rif

Krauss 1748 / 1887 750 Ctr-n2 ex Tram Bajo Ambyrdan - Palamos No 6 -> sold Minas del Rif

Krauss 6370 / 1911 900 Bt-n2 Sager & Wörner, Munchen f. Hafenbau Larache, Spanisch Marokko

Krauss 6660 / 1912 600 Bt-n2 Sager & Wörner, Munchen f. Hafenbau Larache, Spanisch Marokko

Krauss 6662 / 1912 600 Bt-n2 Sager & Wörner, Munchen f. Hafenbau Larache, Spanisch Marokko

Krauss 6708 / 1912 600 Bt-n2 Sager & Wörner, Munchen f. Hafenbau Larache, Spanisch Marokko

Manning Wardle 1882 / 1915 Ct-n2 1000 Minas del Rif " KELAYA "

Manning Wardle 1883 / 1915 Ct-n2 1000 Minas del Rif " GENERAL AIZPURU "

MTM 80 / 1913 1000 1C-n2 Ferrocarril Nador - Tistutin No 101

MTM 81 / 1913 1000 1C-n2 Ferrocarril Nador - Tistutin No 102

MTM = La Maqiunista Terreatre y Maritima SA, Barcelona

La Meuse 3340 / 1929 600 1D-n2 S.A. Minera Setolazar, Maroc Espagne

La Meuse 3341 / 1929 600 1D-n2 S.A. Minera Setolazar, Maroc Espagne

La Meuse 3342 / 1929 600 1D-n2 S.A. Minera Setolazar, Maroc Espagne

La Meuse 3343 / 1929 600 1D-n2 S.A. Minera Setolazar, Maroc Espagne

La Meuse 3344 / 1929 600 1D-n2 S.A. Minera Serolazar, Maroc Espagne

La Meuse 4401 / 1941 1000 Dt-n2 built for Krauss - Maffei f. Spanisch Marokko

La Meuse 4402 / 1941 1000 Dt-n2 built for Krauss - Maffei f. Spanisch Marokko

Orenstein & Koppel 2388 / 1907 750 Bt-n2 Obras del Puerto Melilla

Orenstein & Koppel 2389 / 1907 750 Bt-n2 Obras del Puerto Melilla

Orenstein & Koppel 2642 / 1912 600 Dt-n2+2T Mining exploration Massenet KLA Compania del Norte Africano, " ARFA I " Spanisch Marokko

Orenstein & Koppel 2643 / 1912 600 Dt-n2+2T Mining exploration Massenet KLA Compania del Norte Africano, " ARFA II " Spanisch Marokko

Orenstein & Koppel 3546 / 1909 600 Bt-n2 Messenet Marokko f.

Orenstein & Koppel 3625 / 1909 1000 Minas del Rif, Melilla, Spanisch Marokko

Orenstein & Koppel 4830 / 1911 1000 Compania Espanola de Minas del Rif

Orenstein & Koppel 4848 / 1911 600 Compania Transatlantice, Melilla, Spanisch Marokko

Orenstein & Koppel 5072 / 1911 750 Junta del Torento de Melilla, Spanisch Marokko

Orenstein & Koppel 5089 / 1912 1000 Empresa Constructora del Puerto de Ceuta, Marokko " CEUTA 1 "

Orenstein & Koppel 5365 / 1912 600 Spanische Regierung ( Span. Marokko )

Orenstein & Koppel 5496 / 1912 1000 F.C. de Nador et Tistutin No 3, Spanisch Marokko

Orenstein & Koppel 5497 / 1912 1000 F.C. de Nador et Tistutin No 4, Spanisch Marokko

Orenstein & Koppel 5963 / 1913 1000 Empresa Constructora del Puerto de Ceuta, Marokko " CEUTA 2 "

Orenstein & Koppel 6089 / 1913 600 Spanisches Kriegsministerium Madrid, f. Span. Marokko

Orenstein & Koppel 6355 / 1913 600 Spanisches Kriegsministerium f. Span. Marokko

Orenstein & Koppel 6602 / 1913 600 Spanische Matokko

Orenstein & Koppel 6794 / 1914 1000 Ct-n2 Auststellung Lyon, sp. FC Nador a Tistutin No 5 " NADOR " Orenstein & Koppel 6647 / 1913 600 Ministerio de la Guerra, Spanisch Marokko

Orenstein & Koppel 6951 / 1913 600 durch Schneider & Co, nach Marokko

Orenstein & Koppel 6952 / 1913 600 durch Schneider & Co, nach Marokko

Orenstein & Koppel xxxx / 1916 600 Dt-n2 Compania del Norte Africano No 11 " YOUKSEN I "

Orenstein & Koppel xxxx / 1916 600 Dt-n2 Compania del Norte Africano No 12 " YOUKSEN II "

Orenstein & Koppel 8096 / 1919 600 Bt-n2 Transatlantic GmbH, Melilla, Spanisch Marokko

Orenstein & Koppel 8097 / 1919 600 Bt-n2 Transatlantic GmbH, Melilla, Spanisch Marokko

Orenstein & Koppel 8098 / 1919 600 Bt-n2 Transatlantic GmbH, Melilla, Spanisch Marokko

Orenstein & Koppel 10327 / 1922 600 Dt-n2+2T Kriegsministerium Madrid, f. Spanisch Marokko

Orenstein & Koppel 10328 / 1922 600 Dt-n2+2T Kriegsministerium Madrid, f. Spanisch Marokko

Orenstein & Koppel 10329 / 1922 600 Dt-n2+2T Kriegsministerium Madrid, f. Spanisch Marokko

Orenstein & Koppel 10330 / 1922 600 Dt-n2+2T Kriegsministerium Madrid, f. Spanisch Marokko

Orenstein & Koppel 10331 / 1922 600 Ct-n2 Kolonialministerium Madrid, f. Spanisch Marokko

Orenstein & Koppel 10523 / 1923 1000 Ct-n2 Compania Espanola de Minas del Rif, Span. Marokko

Orenstein & Koppel 11036 / 1925 1000 Bt-n2 Empresa Constuctora Puerto de Ceuta " CEUTA 3 "

Orenstein & Koppel 11977 / 1929 600 Bt-n2 Compania Espanola de Minas del Rif, Marokko

Orenstein & Koppel 12028 / 1929 1000 Bt-n2 Empresa Constructora Puerto de Ceuta " CEUTA 4 "

Orenstein & Koppel 12029 / 1929 1000 Bt-n2 Empresa Constructora Puerto de Ceuta " CEUTA 5 "

Orenstein & Koppel 12257 / 1931 1000 Ct-n2 Ste Nationale d´Travaux Publics, Ceuta, Marokko

Orenstein & Koppel 13109 / 1938 600 S.A. Minera Setolazar, Bilbao f. Spanisch Marokko

Narrow Gauge Motor Locomotives and Motor Wagons Delivered to Former Spanish Morocco

Deutz 6665 / 1925 750 B type ML 116-Tr Compania Espanola de Minas del Rif

Deutz 6666 / 1925 750 B type ML 128-F Compania Espanola de Minas del Rif

Deutz 6667 / 1925 750 B type ML 128-F Compania Espanola de Minas del Rif

Deutz 7001 / 1926 750 B type ML 128-F Compania Espanola de Minas del Rif

Deutz 7002 / 1926 750 B type ML 128-F Compania Espanola de Minas del Rif

Deutz 7003 / 1926 750 B type ML 128-F Compania Espanola de Minas del Rif

Deutz 7687 / 1927 750 B type MLH228-F Compania Espanola de Minas del Rif

Deutz 7688 / 1927 750 B type MLH228-F Compania Espanola de Minas del Rif

Deutz 7689 / 1927 750 B type MLH228-F Compania Espanola de Minas del Rif

Deutz 7690 / 1927 750 B type MLH228-F Compania Espanola de Minas del Fif

Deutz 8528 / 1928 750 B type MLH233-F Compania Espanola de Minas del Rif

Deutz 8530 / 1928 750 B type MLH233-F Compania Espanola de Minas del Rif

Deutz 8531 / 1928 750 B type MLH232-F Compania Espanola de Minas del Rif

Deutz 8574 / 1929 750 B type MLH232-F Compania Espanola de Minas del Rif

Deutz 8575 / 1929 750 B type MLH232-F Compania Espanola de Minas del Rif

Deutz 9343 / 1929 750 B type MLH232-F Compania Espanola de Minas del Rif

Deutz 9344 / 1929 750 B type MLH232-F Compania Espanola de Minas del Rif

Deutz 9345 / 1929 750 B type MLH232-F Compania Espanola de Minas del Rif

Deutz 9679 / 1930 750 B type MLH230-F Compania Espanola de Minas del Rif

Deutz 9680 / 1930 750 B type MLH230-F Compania Espanola de Minas del Rif

Deutz 9681 / 1930 750 B type MLH230-F Compania Espanola de Minas del Rif

Deutz 11577 / 1934 750 B type MLH332-F Compania Espanola de Minas del Rif

Deutz 11578 / 1934 750 B type MLH332-F Compania Espanola de Minas del Rif

Deutz 11579 / 1934 750 B type MLH332-F Compania Espanola de Minas del Rif

Deutz 11861 / 1934 1000 BB type OMD130-F Compania Espanola de Minas del Rif No 301

Deutz 12779 / 1935 750 B type MLH332-F Compania Espanola de Minas del Rif

Deutz 15606 / 1936 750 B type MLH332-F Compania Espanola de Minas del Rif

Deutz 23202 / 1938 750 B type MLH332-F Compania Espanola de Minas del Rif

Deutz 23203 / 1938 750 B type MLH332-F Compania Espanola de Minas del Rif

Orenstein & Koppel 25549 / 1955 MVO 600 B Compania Espanola de Minas del Rif

La Meuse 5363 / 1957 600 B Compania Minera Setolazar, Beni Enzar, Melilla

Deutz 57891 / 1965 750 B type GG66-B 750 Compania Espanola de Minas del Rif

Deutz 57892 / 1965 750 B type GG66-B 750 Compania Espanola de Minas del Rif

General Motors 38364 / 1971 1000 CoCo type GL22CU Societe d´Exploitation des Mines du Rif General Motors 38365 / 1971 1000 CoCo type GL22CU Societe d´Exploitation des Mines du Rif

CUA xxx / 1943 1000 B´2 Motor wagon f. Ferrocarril Ceuta a Tetuan No ACM-1

CUA xxx / 1943 1000 B´2 Motor wagon f. Ferrocarril Ceuta a Tetuan No ACM-2

MAN 141144 / 1955 1000 B´2 Motor wagon f. Ferrocarril Ceuta a Tetuan No 1

MAN 141145 / 1955 1000 B´2 Motor wagon f. Ferrocarril Ceuta a Tetuan No 2

CUA = Christop & Unmack Aktiengesellschaft, Deutschland.