Steaming Through Wolsztyn

‘A unique phenomenon … it has real working steam trains’

For over twenty years, The Wolsztyn Experience provided an opportunity for railway enthusiasts to support and promote the last days of main line steam in Poland.

When Jeff Nicholls signed up for a week’s Experience in 2002, it was to become the first visit of many. Returning year after year, Jeff worked side by side with the Polish crews, learning the essential skills of firing and maintaining their beloved engines.

But the Experience extended far beyond simply driving steam locomotives. This is also a story of branch lines and narrow gauge, freight and passenger trains, diesel and electric power, and the Polish crews and characters who made the railway their life’s work.

The personal story of the highs and lows, the humour and surprises of steaming through Wolsztyn …