Saturday, September 27, the County Council Brasov, in collaboration with the National Railways Company, organized the centenary of the railways Brasov ? Fagaras. Dozens of inhabitants participated at this event marked by brass band tunes. Following the initiative of the County Council president, Aristotel Cancescu, the 19th century train ?Dracula Express?, with its three cars towed by a ?Pacific?steam locomotive, circulated to Brasov - Fagaras and back.
Railway History
?In Brasov Railway Company, is one of the few realways which have reached a hundred years. It is a line built with great sacrifice, it has a rich history that deserves to be evoqued through a festive event. The train keeps mooving since a hundred years ago on Brasov - Fagaras railway and brings great economic and social services in the area. In World War I, the railway has been used a lot by the Austro-Hungarian army, and in World War II it served to transport the German armies and war materials?, stated Radu Bellu, railways historian.
A Railway Jewel
?Dracula Express? is a real jewel of the Romanian railways and has an inestimable value. The locomotive and the three cars have been all restored and refurbished thanks to a County Council's project. Their initial look has been fully conserved.The Pacific locomotive was built at Maffai plants in Germany in 1922. It is a unique piece in Europe. The hall-wagon was built in 1934 for King Charles II of Romania, at Astra plants in Arad. The class I second car was made in 1924 in Italy at Ernesto Breda plants in Milan. The last car, class I too, was part of the Pullman Orient Express trains that have circulated on Bucharest ? Paris distance, being highly appreciated for its comfort.
Present for the Inhabitants
As CC's president Cancescu stated, putting into service ?Dracula Express? train is part of a broader initiative to promote tourism in Brasov county: ?This centennial is an exciting and important event for Brasov. ?Dracula Express? train is our present for the inhabitants of Brasov. We also have another ambitious project: linking through a touring railway the localities Brasov and Bran: We deeply hope to achieve it within the next two years?.
Mihaela Chicomban
