The Railways of Northern Portugal 1976 – The end of Steam

At the March meeting David Mead took us on a visit to north Portugal in 1976 to witness the end of steam traction in the Porto area. We were given a brief history of Portuguese  railways and reminded that whilst most were built to the Iberian gauge there were also metre gauge lines. The narrow gauge railways were operated predominantly by Mallet locomotives. Some diesel railcars were introduced but were found to be unreliable. Some of the rolling stock seen in everyday use was positively vintage. Many services were mixed trains with both passenger coaches and freight wagons.

David’s travelling companions hired a car which enabled them to visit remote locations as well as ride on the trains. Lines visited included the Corgo line which ran from Regua to Vila Real and Chaves, the line from Porto to Guimaraes, and the route from Trindade to Porto which is now incorporated into the Porto metro system.

Visits were made to a number of motive power depots where rows of condemned locomotives could be seen. Staff on the railway were friendly and the sight of enthusiasts could almost be guaranteed to have smoke effects created for them.

Our thanks to David for an enjoyable evening in which he recalled one of his favourite holidays.