The dual nature of this rail terminal is much in evidence.  Even some dual-gauge narrow gauge trackage (600 mm and 750 mm, installed for display only).  In the distance, over the top of the handcar is the standard gauge yard, mainline and passenger depot.  An underground walkway allows for safe pasage between the two stations.

 

In the 1913 vintage narrow gauge depot you can buy tickets to visit the skansen (you must also buy an additional "photographer's ticket"  if you wish to take pictures) or to ride the train.    Also in the depot you can enjoy an extensive display of memorabilia.   For an additional fee you may run a velocipede type handcar up and down the track, and then be awarded your official handcar operator's certificate.  Well, of course I did.

 

Among the displays are a variety of uniforms, ticket validators,  tools,  locomotive plates, and Elk's Communist era depot sign.  Lot's of Marshall Plan mementos, too.

 

One of the more interesting displays in the yard is this snowplow.   It features a built in turntable which allows the plow to be turned anywhere, anytime.  Just behind it is a WWI era German Army  locomotive.

 

Here we see a more modern plow, the steam locomotive (Kp4-3760, Chrzanow, 1957) used for charter trains, and a Bulgarian built diesel.

 

Three generations of diesel railcars: '30's, '50's, and 70's.  The red & white car (MBdx2 produced in Romania by Bucuresti  in the 70's) is used for the passenger service operated between Elk and Kalinowo.

 

Other items of interest are the 1880's era standard gauge box car and a narrow gauge car built in the U.S. (that's all I know about it, but the station agent went to some trouble to show it to me).  Freight was transshipped by shoving standard gauge cars up the ramp in the background unto these narrow gauge cars where they were then secured for transport  to destinations on the narrow gauge system.  Wish I had a picture of that.

We have toured the Skansen, so now let's  ride the train!

 

  Home                                                                                         Trip