Exhibited loco operates again

2008.02.12 (kisvasut.hu)

Second L-60 (LOWA Ns3f) locomotive operates again in Hungary. This machine was exhibited in Kecskemét between 1994 and 2007. It has been renewed in Királyrét during the last few months. This small loco will operate between Szob and Márianosztra soon.

A vizsgamenet Szokolyán
Fotó: Kovalcsik Tamás (2008.02.12.)

L-60 (Ns3f) locomotives were produced in East-Germany in 1953. Six of them arrived in Hungary, five worked on several agricultural narrow gauge systems (Gazdasági Vasutak, GV). Their original engines were replaced with Hungarian made Csepel 6 cylinders D613 ones, their driving cab was changed for a new type (like C-50s driving cab). These vehicles were heavier than C-50s, and their small number made them repair difficult. Two of them (61103 - later D04-601, and 61105 - later D04-602) were transported to the Forestry Railway of Szilvásvárad in the late 60s, others were scrapped. Survivers worked here till the 1980s when two Mk48 locomotives arrived from the closed down "hegyközi kisvasút". D04-602 is still in Szilvásvárad, but it is used only occassionally. D04-601 was moved to Kecskemét when it was exhibited in a narrow gauge collection near the terminous of the narrow gauge railway. The technical condition of the exhibited vehicles have deteriorated in the last few years. Finally D04-601 was transported to Királyrét last September. It was renewed there, their old Csepel engine was replaced for a new MAN one, it got air-pressure brakes. Finally this small loco was tested by the National Traffic Authority of Hungary on 12.02.2008 and got a permission for regular traffic. It will be transported to Szob at the end of February with two new passenger coaches (they were built in Királyrét, too). It will be the first locomotive of the rebuilt Szob-Márianosztra railway which will be opened in the spring of 2008.

Pictures of the examination of the loco on 12.02.2008.
Technical site of L-60s (only in Hungarian)