The civic association Children's Railway Košice, which operates the Košice Children's Historical Railway, received a grant from our Together for the Region program in April. With the amount of €3,000, we supported their project called Safe Road: Installation of Protective Tarpaulins for Historic Wagons of the Children's Railway.
The civic association is backed by Mr. and Mrs. Lehotský (pictured with USSK President Jim Bruno), for whom the Košice Children's Historical Railway is a matter of the heart. And of course, many other people and volunteers, without whom the operation of this unique railway would not be possible. Zuzana Lehotská talked about the implementation of the project.
"We have been dealing with the idea of protective tarpaulins since the new reconstructed wagons came to us. Due to limited funds, we were looking for grant calls suitable for this purpose. In the end, we managed to install the protective tarpaulins thanks to your grant. They protect some of the most popular open carriages made of wood that would deteriorate over time and weather conditions. We are glad that this autumn and winter, open wagons deposited outdoors will be at least partially protected."
However, protective tarpaulins also have another function. During the ride, they protect the passengers themselves from bad weather or cold. At the same time, from solid particles spontaneously escaping from the chimney of the steam locomotive, which could irritate their eyes.
Part of the grant was used for educational materials and the purchase of T-shirts, jackets and windbreakers for members of the Young Railwaymen Club.
"In Slovakia, it is the only club of young railway workers – volunteers at all. It brings together volunteers from the ranks of primary and secondary school students. Under the leadership of experienced railway workers, they participate in the operation of the railway in the roles of young guides or dispatchers. With printed clothing and reflective elements, we want to distinguish them from visitors and thus return the modern uniform to the children's railway. In this way, we build a sense of responsibility and belonging in children and young people. Educational materials educate children from the club and the public and strengthen awareness of safe operation on the children's railway. The Club of Young Railway Workers was established in 2012 and over the years we have managed to "educate" and motivate several dozen young people who currently work as professionals in rail and other public transport, or are successful in another industry," said Zuzana Lehotská.
The Children's Railway is close to many of our colleagues, who are its long-time fans and participate in brigades here, either individually or as part of our volunteer event Metallurgists for Košice.
"The support from U.S. Steel Košice has been very intense for several years, also thanks to the long-standing tradition of volunteer brigades, a charity Christmas stand, and financial support. Thanks to it, we were able to support the activities of the Young Railwaymen Club, revitalize the surroundings of the railway, reconstruct wagons and locomotives, including the oldest steam locomotive U36 003 - Katka, which commemorates 140 years this year. It is the oldest operated steam locomotive in the surrounding countries, which runs according to the timetable - also thanks to the steelmakers," concluded Zuzana Lehotská from the Children's Railway.
