Antique trains which usually reside in the Swedish Railway Museum are being rolled out in the south of the country in a bid to clear heavy snow from the lines. According to a report by Sveriges Television (SVT), the old DA locomotives have been dusted off and put back into motion to help boost resources and clear tracks between Mjolby and Alvesta.
The two trains were built in the 1950s and, unlike modern models, they are equipped with heavy-duty ploughing machinery. A 100-year-old snowplough is also joining forces with the relics, stationed by the line in nearby Nassjo where it is ready to be called into action if required.
Speaking about the old-school machinery, Henrik Reuterdahl from the Swedish Railway Museum in Gavle said, “These are made of stern stuff which can take the winter and we are very happy to be able to help to keep the railways running.”
This year’s harsh winter, which has brought the coldest December weather to Sweden for 110 years, is sending the cost of maintaining the country’s roads and railways soaring. According to the preliminary estimates of the Transport Administration, the cost of snow removal from Sweden’s roads alone will increase by around SEK 100 million (USD 14.63 million) compared to previous years.
“We have not been able to battle the snow with salt as it has been colder than minus eight degrees Celsius in most parts of the country,” said Par Gustafsson at the administration. “But we will not pinch on the winter – it will cost what it costs,” he added.
Photo: Hans Runesson