Pilot trip: Costa Brava Tourist Train

In November 2011, the CEHFE organised the pilot journey for the proposed future Costa Brava Tourist Train, hauled by Guadix's locomotive 140-2054 and crewed by military train drivers. The formation consisted of a J-type van and two 'Costa' coaches. They were followed at a block-section distance by a consist of locomotives in case a hypothetical rescue was needed.

The smoke from a steam engine—which for once was not oil-fired—smelt like heaven and created a breathtaking sight.

Here we see the train just after leaving Figueres, with the sun trying to break through what had previously been a dense fog.

Although I could have gone closer to Portbou, where the scenery is much more spectacular, I chose a spot as close as possible to the starting point. This allowed me to enjoy the locomotive's lack of draft, which made it possible to see this beautiful plume of smoke.