Re: NG in Romania one more

Yes, these were from the June 1-7th trip. Logging is still going strong, with 2 diesel powered trains 6 days a week (normally nothing operates on Sunday, so we had our first charter to the end of the line on Sunday, 1 June).

Future is iffy. The RG Holz (owners) have reportedly purchased two more used NG diesels. Good thing, as the two mainline units currently are on their last legs. The steam owener has recenly aquired 2 more steamers, so they have 3 operable, 2-3 more under rebuild.

In the summer there is also a 6x weekly steam powered passenger/tourist train, plus almost daily operaton of #3, a self propelled railpassenger car (looks like a rail passenger car, not a road car). Plus work "truck/goose". The newer looking van type conversions are actually privately owned vehicles that opeate as taxis up and down the line. They dodge the trains at various sidings. Apparently you buy one, take a test, and pay the state and owners an annual fee. Operation is coordianted though their dispatcher by radio. A real mix of modern and old. Note that the one railvan (red) acutally had a roller bearing truck on the front!

Future is unknown. The EEU has strict safety rules, kind of like a cross between OSHA and FRA, and nothing on this railroad comes close to meeting any type of minimum safety rating. Every car/disconnect has bent or missing safety appliances (weak/missing brakes, missing steps, bent handrails, etc), and the diesels are moving deathtraps. I have photos of wheel flanges worn down to almost razor thin. We had only one derailment of a log bogie on our train, but looking at the ties this is a daily occurance. The crew was very adept at using the rerailers they brought along.

For now the owners are not too keen on running antoher charter for a year or so, but keep your ears to the ground. Well worth a one week trip, inspite of the 16 hours and 4 segment air trip, and 4 hour bus ride to get there.

Richard Reiff - Pueblo