Gyermekvasút

Gyermekvasút
Train with children staff at Hűvösvölgy station
Overview
Status In service
Termini Széchenyi-hegy
Hűvösvölgy
Stations 7
Operation
Opened 1948
Owner Hungarian State Railways (MÁV)
Operator(s) Hungarian State Railways (MÁV)
Technical
Track length 11.2 km (7.0 mi)
Track gauge 760 mm (2 ft 5 1516 in)
Operating speed 20 km/h (12 mph)
Route map
0 Széchenyi-hegy
0.8 Normafa mh.
1.7 Csillebércformerly Úttörőváros
3.0 Virágvölgyex-Előre
4.5 Jánoshegy
5,7 Vadaspark mh.
Viaduct over Budakeszi út
6.7 Szépjuhásznéformerly Ságvári-liget
Kishárshegy mh.closed
8.7 Hárshegy
Tunnel
Viaduct over Nagykovácsi út
11.2 Hűvösvölgy

The Gyermekvasút (English: Children's Railway) or Line 7 is a narrow gauge railway line in Budapest, which connects Széchényi-hegy and Hűvösvölgy and is 11.2 kilometres (7.0 mi) long. The former name of the line was Úttörővasút (Pioneer Railway, in reference to the communist scouts), and now the official designation is MÁV Zrt. Széchenyi-hegyi Gyermekvasút. Except the train driver, all of the posts are operated by children aged 10–14[1] under adult supervision.[2] It is the world's largest Children's Railway.[3]

History

In 1947, the Hungarian State Railways (MÁV) company decided that a railway operated by children would be built. For the railway construction several sites were considered, including the neighbourhood of the Gödöllő Palace, Margaret Island, and the Népliget, but finally in 1948 the Hungarian Communist Party choose the Buda Hills. The construction started on 11 April 1948.

The first section, from Széchenyi-hegy to Előre station (now Virágvölgy) was inaugurated on 31 July 1948. The second section, to Ságváriliget (now Szépjuhászné), was completed one year later, and the last section, to Hűvösvölgy, was opened on 20 August 1950.[4]

During the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 the railway was closed but was not damaged. It reopened on 3 February 1957.[5]

A museum at Hűvösvölgy station displays some items from the Communist period.[6]

Stations

Station Connection
Széchenyi-hegy 60
Normafa 21 21A
Csillebérc 21
Virágvölgy
János-hegy
Vadaspark
Szépjuhászné 22 22A 222
Hárs-hegy
Hűvösvölgy 56 56A 59B 61

29 57 63 64 64A 157 157A 164 257 264

References

  1. http://www.lonelyplanet.com/hungary/budapest/sights/natural-landmarks/buda-hills
  2. "Introduction". gyermekvasut.hu. Retrieved 11 November 2011.
  3. http://www.gyermekvasut.hu/english/page.php?2
  4. http://www.gyermekvasut.hu/english/page.php?26
  5. http://www.gyermekvasut.hu/english/page.php?27
  6. http://visitbudapest.travel/activities/fun-things-to-do/childrens-railway/

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