World Railways

Èeské dráhy Steam with Valašská spolecnost historických kolejových vozidel
One has to hand it to Czech Railways for the way they support heritage steam. They cooperate fully and every week during the summer there is steam somewhere. This September 7, 2008 the webmaster was fortunate enough to travel from Veseli Nad Moravou to Nemotice in Eastern Moravia in the Czech Republic and then up the disused branch to Koryčany. It was a fantastic day out and literally thousands turned out to show their support.

One cannot recommend too highly going to the Czech Republic to avail of the steam days which, incidentally, are at normal fares.

For anyone wishing to contact Valašská spolec nost historických kolejových vozidel, the address and phone is:
Jiráskova 470, 757 15 Valašské Mezirící
telefon: 00 420 972 774 120

The route taken followed the service branch from Veseli nad Moravou to Nemotice on the Brno line and then the train travels up the 5 km disused branch to Koryčany.

Waiting to depart from Veseli nad Moravou station. This service was a scheduled service of České dráhy being the 0920 Veseli to Nemotice and Koryčany.

433.002 is a very famous steam locomotive. Here is a closeup.

The magnificent departures board at Veseli showing the train. Unfortunately as there has not been a passenger train for Koryčany for some time the board does not have it in its repertoire and had to settle for Nemotice!

The correct boards were attached to every coach.

The train had six passenger coaches and a van. This is the passenger coach exterior.

This is one design of the passenger coach interior.

This is the other design of the passenger coach interior

The passengers were all extremely good looking.

The Van used.

Closeup of then side of 433.002. Note the Valasské Meziríci depot plate. The entire train and crew are based in this depot.

Typical photo underway.

Train was standing room only and at every station people in their hundreds came out to see it. Here we are entering Vracov.

Another view of the platform with well wishers and photographers on the bank. These people value their heritage.

Conductor dispatching from Vracov.

Closeup.

Typical underway scene with engine smoking well.

Another huge crowd at Kyjov.

Away Again.

A number of the train crew were in traditional uniform complete with dispatching trumpets and the subject for many photos.

Busy Guard.

Experience written all over.

Stationmaster at Kyjov .

The station itself.

Scenic countryside.

People stopped to wave outside their homes...

and along the roads.

Leaning into the corners.

Another view.

Oh, Dear! Why is the train delayed? Guard comes to investigate.

Well, well, well! No toilet on these vintage trains so stop everything for baby!.

The smile says it all!

The traditional guard had whistle, bell and trumpet, no less!

Another staff member.

Traditional ticket collectors uniform.

Stationmaster at Nemotice.

The station.

Discussing a binding brake problem.

While waiting the local passes through being an immaculate 854 set.

Closeup.

Nemotice Stationmaster in classic pose leaning back checking the entire train before giving the right of way.

Photo time at Nemotice.

Crowds everywhere.

Taking water is courtesy the local fire brigade.

It would not be a complete day out without a picture of the webmaster.

Front truck.

Side View.

Motion.

Closeup.

Onto the branch.

Another view.

Class 742 diesel view of the branch.

Driver.

And hatless.

Obviously a disused branch.

So stop at every crossing.

Nevertheless not too bad.

THE FOLLOWING PICTURES OF THE TRAIN CREW WERE TAKEN AT NEMOTICE.

Vlkos Station

Its Stationmaster

Another shot

Bzenec Station

Its Stationmaster

Another shot

Meanwhile an immaculate Class 842 passes through with the local train.

The local driver.

The traditional semaphore upper quadrant signals still operate.

Another local going the other way.

Meanwhile back at the engine...

Fireman starts work.

Interior

Another shot

Decent sized coal.

Classic position.

The branch does not see much maintenance.

A happy group.

Beautiful Scenery.

Trains Eye View!

To be on a working steam locomotive is one of life's great experiences.

Getting ready to run around at Koryčany.

Running around.

The Old Mill.

Road out town.

It was fair day in Koryčany.

End of the branch.

Track still in good nick.

Closeup.

As it was.

Closeup.

At the station.

The diesel Class 742.

With driver.

Panel Closeup.

Built like a tank.

Manufacturers Plate

Km from Nemotice

Teh almost abandoned station.

Out to see the last train for a year or so leave.

Oh, Oh! We seem to have forgotten the crew who chase after the departing train!

They are catching up! Czech Railways always leave on time.

Followed by some late passengers.

Approaching Nemotice on the return.

Getting Closer.

Goggle 754-067-7 goes through in the opposite direction with passenger train to Brno. This class is being re-engined and refurbished.

Another beautifully turned out Goggle 754-075-0.

Refurbishment Plate.

Manufacturers plate. These were arguably the best built diesels in the world.

Yet another Goggle. 754-044-6. Yet another livery. CD have so many liveries now it is unbelievable.

433.002 Another livery on a Class 362 - one end, that is.

The other end makes it look a different locomotive.

The side.

A class 851.

Class 810.

Class 814, rebuilt 810.

Updated : 18th. September 2008