Kriegsloks: Standard and Narrow Gauge Steam in Bosnia-Hercegovina 2023

The economic situation of the coal mines in Tuzla is so dire that for many years not even the purchase of second-hand diesel locomotives could been considered so they had no choice but to keep their steam locomotives in active service. In the winter of 2023, the mines of the Kreka administration were completely out of operation because the wages for December had not yet been paid. It’s a miracle that even in 2024, ‘Kriegsloks’ can still be seen in daily service. However, their operating radius is severely limited as they only shunt in the mine areas, now that the trains to the interchange yards are in the hands of state railway diesel locomotives.

We are visiting the last steam locomotives in genuine use, (i.e. the last non-tourist steam) in Europe. However, since shunting operations alone are not very productive photo-wise, we have chartered a series of special trains to take the locomotives onto the beautiful lines around the coal mines. So we can enjoy the open and mountainous countryside as well as action set against industrial backdrops. Also of interest are the railway stations, as some of them have remained almost unchanged for decades.

Itinerary

The tour starts and ends at Sarajevo airport However, Wizzair operates direct flights to Tuzla from several countries. You could choose a Wizzair flight and then just take a taxi to our tour hotel. The day of arrival is October 18^th, 2024. You should arrive not later than 14:30 hrs. The day of departure is October 23^rd, 2022. Flights after 2 pm can be reached.

We only run freight trains as specials. We will travel in a Gbs (two-axle, covered freight wagon). We’ll have a small step leader to ease boarding of the freight wagon. In the wagon we’ll place some benches for seating.

Line descriptions

The administration of the Kreka power plant (and some of the coal mines serving this power plant) is in Tuzla. The depot for all locomotives used in the mines is located in Bukinje, close to Tuzla and next to a now closed deep mine. Here we will meet the last 2-10-0 war locomotives of the German Reichsbahn class 52, the Yugoslavian 33s. There are also some long dumped 62s in the depot. Locomotives of the class 33 are still used for shunting duties in the coal mine stations in Dubrave and Šikulje, both open cast mines. We’ll visit the locomotives in the mines and watch them shunting. The surrounding railway lines are leading through a mountainous countryside and offer some nice photo opportunities. To take pictures on these state railway lines we’ve chartered freight trains. We’ve also planned some night photography.

We will also visit the workshop for heavy overhauls is in Bukinje. It is difficult to predict whether or not one of their locomotives will be under heavy overhaul when we visit the site. However, the chances are not bad, as an overhaul usually takes many months. This is because of the low number of maintenance staff available.

In Banovići, the coal mine occasionally uses steam locomotives for shunting wagons in case a diesel failed or there is a high demand in performing shunting duties. Usually a diesel does the work. Besides their lass 62, the last serviceable in Bosnia, we may also see the Škoda locomotive (class 19). Furthermore, there is a 144R (0-8-0, Fives, Lille) in desolate condition.

After we completed our tour program there is a private organisation of a steam charter on the narrow gauge line of Banovići. It’s planned to run a works train up the line. If you’re interested in taking part please let us know together with your registration.

Small Print

Bosnia-Herzegovina is a civilised country with a hospitable population despite their difficult history. Perhaps, their mentality is different from the rest of Europe, but remember we go to the Balkans aware their very different historical background.

Taking photos of railway facilities, engines and rolling stock is sometimes still seen with some suspicion. We therefore have will apply for a permit for each location. As soon as you show up with an official permit, all the gates and doors usually open and you are warmly welcomed, allowed to take photos everywhere and there is even extra shunting possibilities once in a while!

Bosnia-Herzegovina was “ethnically” divided after the civil war, but we will hardly notice the border to the “Republic of Srpska” as there are no check posts or other border controls. The hotels may leave something to be desired in some places. Tourism has not yet really got going again after the war and the division of the country, so investment in a tourism infrastructure in the coal-mining areas is not high on the list of priorities. However, the food supply is plentiful and good even if vegetarian food is somewhat more difficult to find because meat in all its variety is the major part of almost every meal.

Citizens of the Schengen countries and Switzerland only need an identity card to enter the country. However, we advise you to carry a passport with you, because we sometimes needed the passport number to obtain the permits at the coal mines in the past. Fro British citizen and other nationalities outside the Schengen agreement a passport is the document you should carry with you. For some nationalities even a visa is required.

Charter buses, as on all our trips, apply to the local standard, which may differ from EU expectations, but they are always quite comfortable and safe.

You should allow for rain. Please bring clothing to cover bright blue skies and rain and temperatures in the range of zero to plus twenty-five. You may choose to bring a tripod and remote shutter release as at some locations we hope to capture atmospheric night shots.

The trip is specially designed for photographers and videographers for whom a good picture is more important than a sumptuous meal in a top restaurant 50 km away. We have planned on half board; we will hardly have time for lunch.

When we visit the scheduled operation, there are sometimes longer waiting times until a shunting movement takes place. The locomotives can stand much more than they move. However, we can always help things on a little. There can be no financial compensation for steam locomotives that do not run. We are in the age of fading steam activities; the risk of a total failure of steam at one place or another cannot be ruled out. The Kreka mines will very likely allocate their best locomotive to our charter trains. There is usually no chance to change locomotives every day because their technical state is not the best. But of course this is not our first trip to the Balkans, and so far it has always been very worthwhile. The only risk-free place is at home sitting on the sofa! Only that's not half as exciting!

Please note that hotels, buses and even the trains do not have to be EU-compliant. That is why we are travelling there. We will be travelling to a country where environmental and health and safety concerns are still not fully developed. It is important to point out the dangers of using and staying near the railways and other means of transport. It is recommended that you take out both accident and health insurance. The Kreka Mining Company, the Banovići Mining Administration, the local organiser nor FarRail Tours are liable in any circumstance for accidents, damage or inconvenience resulting from delays, etc.

Price

Bosnia-Herzegovina
80 Years and no End in Sight? 'Kriegsloks' in Bosnia	25 to 35 participants	£2,570
18.10.2024 – 23.10.2024	15 to 24 participants	£2,870
	Single room surcharge	£150
Registration Deadline: 24.07.2024

'Kriegsloks' on Mine and Mainline-Service

War-time locomotives in Bosnia-Herzegovina 18.10. – 23.10.2024

Itinerary

Line descriptions

Small Print

Price