Volunteers, professionals and railway enthusiasts from the Zvolen Locomotive Depot’s Historical Technology Club recently organised the 14th edition of the Steam Locomotive Grand Prix in Zvolen, with the support of ZSSK Cargo, ZSSK and ZSR.

The event, held on 8 September, was opened by a procession of M131.1 diesel railcars (also known as Hurvinek) used in the Czech Republic and Slovakia between 1948 and 1984 for regional passenger transport. The competing steam engines came from Hungary, Austria and in particular Slovakia. The crews’ locomotive handling skills were tested in seven different rounds of the competition. The competition was held alongside several other events highlighting the rich history of the railways, which were attended by many railway fans.

Next year, railway workers in Slovakia will commemorate 165 years since the first steam train to arrive in the country was hauled from Vienna to Bratislava. To celebrate this occasion the organisers of the 15th edition of the Steam Locomotive Grand Prix would like to welcome steam engines from various countries across Europe.