Re: Steam charter on Sardinia NNG

There's currently only one working steam loco on the Sardinian narrow gauge - 2-6-2T no 400 built by Reggio Emilia in 1931. It runs only very infrequently, usually only on the very scenic line between Mandas and Arbatax. There are quite a lot of photos and reports of it on the internet. Mine are at [www.internationalsteam.co.uk]. There are numerous other steam locos either preserved or dumped on all three of the island's narrow gauge lines and also a good museum at Monserrato in the northen outskirts of Cagliari. As John mentions Bernd Seiler's forthcoming brief tour there only takes in the standard gauge line which runs on the western side of the island and is one of the relatively small number of lines in Italy where steam specials now operate. However Bernd's schedule ought to allow time for a visit to the Monserrato museum and maybe also to Mandas shed where no. 400 is normally now based and also the 95cm gauge trams which now run on the line's tracks within Cagliari.

The other narrow gauge line in Italy which has at least potentially active steam locos is the Ferrovie della Calabria, down in the "toe" of the Italian mainland. This scenic railway is another 95cm gauge one and is still an important means of transport with modern diesels running on superbly maintained track. The system includes a rack section near the southern terminus of its principal route. They reckon to operate a steam tourist service on one of their lines through the mountains on Saturdays during the summer. However their last working steam loco, 0-8-0T no. 353 built by Borsig in 1926, was withdrawn in need of repair at the end of 2008. There have been reports that it's back in service now but the railway's website still carried a note that the steam trains are currently suspended - see [www.ferroviedellacalabria.it]. Some of my photos and notes are at [www.internationalsteam.co.uk]. If you're in Italy the system is well worth visiting even when the steam trains aren't running.

James