Czech diesel hauled trains substitute for DMUs

SINCE December the Valašské Meziříčí to Frenštát pod Radhoštěm / Frýdlant nad Ostravicí regional line in the south west of the Czech Republic has unusually seen regular loco hauled trains in place of nonavailable Class 842 DMUs. Most services have been worked by loco No. 714 226, although several ČD Class 742 locos have also worked occasionally (as has very rarely the booked DMU). Trains on the route likely to be loco hauled depart Valašské Meziříčí at 06.16, 08.36, 11.36, 15.36 and 19.32 – plus balancing inbound workings. The arrival of the summer months also means that multiple diesel hauled tourist trains are now running at weekends. Enthusiast-owned private operator KZC is running several trains from Prague at weekends using its Class 749 ‘Grumpy’ diesels or occasionally smaller alternative locos. ČD is operating trains aimed primarily for cyclists from Prague and Děčín using Class 714, or occasionally Class 742, locos.

KEITH FENDER No. 714226 arrives at Valašské Meziříčí on March 10 with the 13.28 from Frenštát pod Radhoštěm. After running round its two coaches, the loco worked Os13135 15.36 to Frýdlant nad Ostravicí.