We gave got our steam timetables for 2010 already and I would like to invite anyone to come and visit the two Czech Narrow Gauge Railways particularly the SZD. If you come from the U.S. narrow gauge world you will be particularly welcome, and while I cannot promise, if we have enough notice on the SZD we will try and do some photo runbys for you.
The three best steam programmes for 2010 will be in Czech Republic, Poland and Germany. Over the next few months I will bring you details of them as they come to hand and any of them are well worth a visit and you should mark them in your calendar. All three countries will have scheduled steam.
It is worth noting in passing that the Czech Republic has, arguably, the best steam program in Europe and next year you should plan for a visit between June and September. Apart from two scheduled service steam lines Tremesna v Slesku to Osoblaha and Jindrichuv Hradec to Nova Bystrice - both narrow gauge - every weekend sees standard gauge steam all over the country. Details of all Ceske Drahys steam services are in their timetable and all Czech steam services can be found on www.zelpage.cz. Come and see for yourself.
SZD 2010 STEAM TIMETABLE
SLEZSKE ZEMSKE DRAHY will operate as follows with a buffet car on all trains:
Every Saturday and Sunday from June 26 to August 29, 2010 departing Tremesna v Slezsku at 1045 and returning from Osoblaha at 1445.
Additional trips will operate June 1, 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24 and 25 June. Also July 5 and 6.
To be confirmed is the big double header day when U 46.002 will join U57.001 and this is provisionally fixed for June 18 and this is the day you should plan to come. It is always a superb day with magnificent photo opportunities.
JHMD 2010 STEAM TIMETABLE
Jindrichuv Hradec to Nova Bystrice
Depart Jindrichuv Hradec at 0925 and 1505 due Nova Bystrice at 1125 and 1708.
Return train leaves Nova Bystrice at 1210 and 1753 due Jinrichuv Hradec at 1350 and 1931.
These operate daily from July 1 to August 29, 2010.
Additional Trips operate on May 1, June 5, 12, 19 and 26, Sept. 4, 11, 18 and 25, Oct. 30.
This train leaves Jindrichuv Hradec 1050 due Nova Bystrice at 1247.
The return train leaves Nova Bystrice at 1418 due Jinrichuv Hradec at 1559.
Jindrichuv Hradec to Cernovice u Tabora
0955 every Monday from July 5 to August 30 due Cernovice at 1148.
The return train departs Cernovice at 1405 and is due in Jindrichuv Hradec at 1544.
Additional trips will operate June 1, 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24 and 25 June. Also July 5 and 6.
All JHMD steam trains have a buffet car.
In the meantime may we wish all our narrow gauge friends in the U.S. a very Happy and Prosperous 2010 and I hope to have the opportunity to visit you people and see how you do things this year. We envy your narrow gauge railroads.
If you want further information (in English) you are welcome to call me at +353-87-240-5550.
Michael Grimes
