Dresden park railroad: young people get involved

The Dresden Park Railway can continue to rely on young people. According to the Staatliche Schlösser, Burgen und Gärten gGmbH (SBG), 31 newcomers are starting their voluntary leisure time service as train conductors, conductors or supervisors at the beginning of the season. The nine to eleven-year-olds, including five girls, have prepared thoroughly for the job in recent weeks, said an SBG spokeswoman on Friday. At the traditional annual kick-off this Sunday, twelve young people who already have experience and have undergone further training will also be appointed assistants. "They will receive a silver cord for their service cap as a sign of recognition."

The first two mini-trains will then set off on the 5.6-kilometer route through the state capital's Great Garden. With its maiden voyage on June 1, 1950, the park railroad is one of the oldest in Germany. Less than a year later, it was the first pioneer railroad in the GDR - which was also regarded as a kind of training ground for the Reichsbahn. Currently, 193 young people between the ages of 9 and 18 work there on a voluntary basis. According to SBG, around 60 percent of the hobby railroaders later pursue a career that has something to do with rail transport.

In its 74th season, the park railroad will be touring Wednesdays to Sundays until the end of October, stopping at the five stations. The carriages are pulled by two battery-powered electric locomotives - in good weather, one of the steam locomotives is also used at weekends and on public holidays. In 2023, 234,000 guests took the opportunity to take a special tour through the 147-hectare green area. Thanks to the continuing interest in the miniature railroad, "we have enough new recruits", said the SBG spokeswoman. However, there was a shortage of train drivers, who have to be adults. After a long search, the 13 positions have now been filled. "Now we are looking for a station manager."