A steam locomotive comes home

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Here is the locomotive you've all been waiting for!
It has finally come to rest beside the 1915 Ottoman Turkish Beer Sheva train station.

Isn't it a beauty?!

Just outside the newly-restored but not yet officially opened train yard is Atatürk Plaza.
You can see the bust of Atatürk and the obelisk commemorating the 298 Turkish soldiers who were killed on the Beer Sheva front in World War I.
See more about this in my post about the annual Australian Light Horse Commemoration Day. 

During Sukkot holiday the compound was open for just a few days.
Engine 70414 Compound guides were proud and excited to explain the history and also about the restoration work.
Site director Chen, in the photo, said their crew was stoked whenever a train-washing day came around, like after a muddy rain.   (Well, she didn't use the work stoked but I think it is appropriate for a coal-burning steam engine.)

In the coming posts I will try to explain how and why this steam engine had a circuitous route, from England to Palestine, through the Suez Canal to Turkey, to Great Britain, and finally back to Beer Sheva.
It is a long story and involves a secret operation.
But meanwhile I'd like you simply to feast your eyes on 70414 and enjoy!
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(Linking to Our World Tuesday.)
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Reflections on the development of Beer Sheva

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Reflected in the century-old Turkish train station's window  are modern buildings of Beer Sheva. 

 And on the other side of the street, more high-rise residential buildings.
I'm sure the Ottoman Turks who started to build Beer Sheva towards the end of the 19th century never dreamed it would grow into Israel's second largest city (in terms of area).
Today it spreads across more than 117 square kilometers.

At least some of the apartments still have balconies.
I wonder what a unit costs here.
In Israel most people own their own residence; renting is less common.

Wedged in between the two rows of modern buildings is the Train Yard.
Here from the station balcony (where the first three photos were taken) you can see some of the authentic train cars and two more of the original structures that have been beautifully restored.
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(Linking to Whimsical Windows, Delirious Doors and to  James' Weekend Reflections .)
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National heritage site: the Turkish railway station

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From across this empty lot in Beer Sheva you can get an unobstructed photo of the new/old Train Yard and the 99-year-old train station, albeit from the back.
The grand opening of this new cultural venue will be in November, but last week we got in on one of the several days of practice run. 

You already saw pictures of the young lady in fancy period costume who was welcoming the visitors.
An ensemble of musicians on oud, drum, and violin bowed in the Oriental style added to the old Ottoman Turkish ambiance in the train compound. 

In coming posts I'll show you the beautiful old steam locomotive and all.
If you want a sneak preview, please enlarge the sign and have a read.
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Welcoming tourists in style

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A young lady in period costume welcomed visitors to the newly restored Turkish Railway Station in Beer Sheva.
It was built by the Ottoman Turks in 1915. 

The national heritage site will be officially opened in three weeks.
Meanwhile the staff did a few-days practice run during the Sukkot holiday week.
The welcomers and guides and musicians were all very welcoming.
The Train Yard - Engine 70414 Compound is a beautiful place now.
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(Linking to Shadow Shot Sunday.)
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