"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. | |
Only two Pm36 class locomotives were built. This is the only survivor. | |
After arrival in Wrzesnia, passengers had a short break, while the railway police kept a watchful eye on things. | |
The locomotive is run around the train. | |
Pm36-2 awaits departure with a full head of steam. | |
The fireman is pondering the work ahead of him, wondering is a record will be set... | |
The fireman is pondering the work ahead of him, wondering is a record will be set... | |
The countryside becomes a blur as we pick up speed... | |
At 125 kilometers per hour, lineside electrification masts become transparent. | |
Following the record-breaking run, we are stopped by a red signal at the entry to Poznan station. | |
"Piekna Helena" rests in Poznan station, her high-speed gallop behind her. Now it's back to slow local trains to Wolsztyn! | |
"Helena's" huge drivers show a locomotive built for speed. | |
All photographs are copyright 20012006 by Jeffrey Dobek. Photographs may not be reused or reproduced without the permission of the photographer.
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