Broad Gauge Steam in Portugal 2022

Having requested a report more than 3 years ago, it was nice to finally get one from Paul Stanford.

I travelled with it on Sunday 2nd October 2022 and it was absolutely excellent. 

Departure was at 15,28  from Regua with large tank loco 0186, hauling 5 beautifully restored four wheel open coaches. Calls at Pinhao on the outward trip and reverse. Then on arrival at Tua the loco is turned and watered. There was time for drinks and photography at Tua.

At the time of writing (6th October 2022) there are several more weekends of steam working, through the month. The train was fully sold out on Sunday; advance booking is key - I booked two weeks before last Sunday and was told we had the last two seats. 

The locomotive is superbly maintained - crewed by CP staff and showed a good turn of speed and worked very professionally . It is diesel oil fired - I figure that helps overcome any fire risk. 

At Tua, the large barn building that houses 'preserved' narrow gauge rolling stock was being re-roofed last week. There is a railway museum at Tua - 2 euros entry, or 1 euro on production of the steam train ticket.