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Steam And Diesel Locomotives Resume Operation On The Historic Sorocabana Railway. Commemorative Rides In Sorocaba Revive Railway Tradition And Offer Unique Experiences To Visitors
The steam and diesel locomotives have resumed traversing the tracks of the historic Sorocabana railway, in the interior of São Paulo, in a special initiative marking Sorocaba’s 371 years. This initiative is promoted by Sorocabana – Railway Preservation Movement, which restored century-old machines to offer tourism and cultural rides.
The event not only celebrates the railway heritage of the region, but also rekindles public interest in rail transportation. The rides include short trips, museum visits, and the opportunity to closely see locomotives manufactured between 1891 and 1968, preserved as true relics of Brazilian industrial heritage.
Historical Rides And Special Programming
The trips began earlier this month and will have new departures this Friday (15) and Saturday (16). On Friday, the star will be the Baldwin steam engine No. 58, built in 1891, which will offer free rides at 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM. On Saturday, the Workers’ Train, powered by diesel, will make departures at 11 AM, 2 PM, and 3:30 PM.
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In addition to the ride, passengers on the Workers’ Train will be able to visit the Weaving Museum, located in the former Santa Maria Factory, inaugurated in 1892. Admission costs R$ 30 per person, with free entry for children up to six years old traveling on an adult’s lap. The proceeds help with the maintenance and repairs of the preserved locomotives and cars.
Route And Attractions During The Journey
The current route is two kilometers long and connects the departure station to the site of the old Vila Assis station, crossing the 103-meter-long Sorocabana River bridge. The journey, although short, is rich in history and offers beautiful landscapes for visitors.
According to Eric Mantuan, a representative of the association, the goal is to expand the route in the future to restore the connection between Sorocaba and Votorantim, revitalizing part of the original route of the Sorocabana Railway.
Preserved Collection With Rare Pieces
The Railway Memory Center houses a diverse collection of restored locomotives and cars that escaped the scrap yard. Among the pieces is the electric locomotive No. 2041, built in 1948 by General Electric, and the diesel-mechanical Whitcomb from 1942, which will return to operation to support the tourist rides.
The collection also includes diesel-electric models from GE/Caterpillar and GE/Cooper Bessemer (1948), a LEW locomotive (1968), and an electric Westinghouse (1948), as well as luxury and super-luxury passenger cars produced between 1951 and 1963.
Cultural Rescue And Tourist Potential
The resumption of operations of steam and diesel locomotives on Sorocabana is seen as an important step to value the historical heritage and promote tourism in the region. By offering immersive and educational experiences, the initiative brings the public closer to Brazilian railway history and encourages the preservation of this legacy.
And you? Have you ever taken a steam train or historic train ride? Do you think the reactivation of these locomotives can help tourism and the local economy? Share your opinion in the comments.
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