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The Photo Gallery of Polish Railways

"Beautiful Helen's" record run

On Wednesday, May 30, 2001, PKP Pm36-2 broke its previous steam speed record, achieving 125 km/hr. on a stretch of track between Swarzedz and Antonin, while running from Wrzesnia to Poznan. The 1937-built 4-6-2 was overhauled this spring at the Gniezno works, and normally is assigned to local trains operating from Wolsztyn. The high-speed run was sponsored jointly by the PKP and the Wolsztyn Experience, which has named the locomotive "Piekna Helena/Beautiful Helen".

Join us for a photographic report of the record run:

 

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The first part of the trip from Poznan to Wrzesnia was tender-first, due to the lack of a turntable at Wrzesnia. Here, the special trains is ready to depart from Poznan.
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Only two Pm36 class locomotives were built. This is the only survivor.
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After arrival in Wrzesnia, passengers had a short break, while the railway police kept a watchful eye on things.
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The locomotive is run around the train.
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Pm36-2 awaits departure with a full head of steam.
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The fireman is pondering the work ahead of him, wondering is a record will be set...
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The fireman is pondering the work ahead of him, wondering is a record will be set...
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The countryside becomes a blur as we pick up speed...
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At 125 kilometers per hour, lineside electrification masts become transparent.
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Following the record-breaking run, we are stopped by a red signal at the entry to Poznan station.
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"Piekna Helena" rests in Poznan station, her high-speed gallop behind her. Now it's back to slow local trains to Wolsztyn!
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"Helena's" huge drivers show a locomotive built for speed.
Special seat reservationTicket for the record run
 

All photographs are copyright 2001–2006 by Jeffrey Dobek. Photographs may not be reused or reproduced without the permission of the photographer.

 

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