Bulgaria (Sept. 2002)

Bulgaria is not a well-known country for steam-travelers. First of all because there is no steam in use and most of the interesting lines are electrificated. A second reason are the travel-conditions: Poor roads, expansive fuell and high criminality are making traveling difficult.

But there are also some good reasons to go there: A fascinating german based railway with lots of german engine-types, the steam-enignes of the former strategic reserves and some engines preserved for museum. But you have to hurry up: Many steam-engines were cut down the last years and it will go on this way...

Bojcinovci: Only one steamer can be observed here - 15.215 (German class 52). It's one of the BDZ museum locomotives; out of use, but in good condition...

Latest news: The engine is back for special services since September 2002!

15.215 (06.10.97)   15.215 (06.10.97)
15.215 at the depot Bojcinovci   Typicaly Bulgarian...

Pernik: Formerly known for it's impressive 1'F'2h3t - engines today the mine has only diesel locomotives in use. The last to remember these glory days is the rusty 15.172...

45.06 (19.03.1994)   15.172 (06.10.1997)
In 1994 the big 45.06 was already dumped at Pernik (preserved for museum)...   The last steamer: 15.172 in Oktober 1997...