A friend of mine with an interest in all things middle-east is preparing a project that covers the construction and utilization of the Trans-Iranian Railway, which was greatly aided American locomotive builders (specifically ALCO) in its expanding years. The trouble is, so much of what covers the railway has to do understandably with the political state of affairs in the country rather than the technological or mechanical influence the railroad may have had on the relationship between Iran and the United States and, in general, the progress of the railroads and transportation post Allied-take over.

Can anyone shed a light on the growth of mid-eastern railroading post WWII or point me towards literature that focuses on the modernization of the railway in this part of the world and what American influence (motive power, practices, etc) may have done to shape its formation? Also, as American locomotive builders would supply their locomotives to Iraq, Iran, the USSR etc -- would there be any support system that would be sent along after it? Were these countries relegated to kit-bashing, reverse-engineering, etc rather than phone up an American builder for help?

Any assistance is greatly appreciated.

KL