Steam Trains to Return to Eastern Slovakia for Anniversary Commemoration

Kosice/Presov, April 22 (TASR) - Railway enthusiasts and volunteers from eastern Slovakia are finishing their preparations for launching rides of four historical steam trains on a route between Kosice, Presov and Velky Saris (Presov region), TASR learnt on Monday. The historical trains will take passengers along the route, which celebrates the 150th anniversary since the beginning of talks on its construction. The trains will service the line on May 8, the state holiday, hauled by a unique 93-year-old steam locomotive called 'Ventilovka', manufactured in 1926 in Austria. The locomotive spent the majority of its service life in Germany, but in 2016 ended up in the hands of historical railway afficionados in the Czech Republic. It will be lent to volunteers of the Children's Railway Kosice and Slovak Railway Society to not only relive history but also to promote tourism in eastern Slovakia. The event enjoys support from the Presov region and Kosice mayor Jaroslav Polacek. mf/mcs