A day in the spirit of the railway yard
Ilona Pietiläinen |
Photos: Ilona Pietiläinen @valkoinen_puutalokoti
The atmosphere at the Suolahti locomotive sheds is enchanting. It draws you back again and again. Anyone dreaming of a Lättähattu railcar ride can make it come true here. Anyone can rent time in the driver's seat. Imagine how it would feel to speed along the rails on a train that will surely also take you on a journey back in time.
Only one phone call was needed to set the mood for these photos, and our place on board was secured. From the neighbor's workshop goldsmith Sanna Hytönen was ready for an adventure with her twin boys. A mom's promise of a brisk little trip came true quite literally. Two rather lively young men made sure of that. So this train ride couldn't be scripted in advance. There was a bit - or even a lot - of running around before we hopped onto the train. At that time, safety was carefully ensured by the guarantee that the trains were stationary. A small break powered by homemade cinnamon buns was meant to calm things down - how it went, you can perhaps see from the rascals' antics in the photos.
At this point we can wish you a good trip; smiles ahead.
Doors opened into the buildings' hidden nooks - I held my breath as I listened to the history of the prison carriages. Incredible, the things the carriages in this yard have witnessed. As the towheaded kids dashed along the trackside, you could almost hear a train whistle singing in the air.
Give this a try - I'm sure the whisper of history is always there. Now I dream of renting a train for a group of friends, one that the rails carry onward.
Thank you to the Keitele Museum for this wonderful day. A great crew there does this work on a volunteer basis. There are also carriages waiting for a cleanup. Hopefully we'll see as many as possible at these volunteer days in the railyard's atmosphere. There will surely be nostalgia in the air then, too.
Thank you, Goldsmith Sanna Hytönen and the charming towheads - it was a joy to travel back in time with you.