The last steam

On line Novo mesto – Semič was the last drive of a steam locomotive in Slovenia

NOVO MESTO, 14^th May (1978) – With a funeral song of Band Novo mesto and with words: »Good-bye and stay well, one more time give us your hand, never forget us if oil will run short!« have they accompanyed the last steam locomotive in Slovenia to her earned retirement. That's how this locomotive has ended 85 years of steam locomotives of Dolenjska when she has driven many guests for the last time from Novo mesto to Semič.

The crew of locomotive 25-019 that was composed of Jože Cesar, Branko Ivanež and Silvo Kovačec will be written in the history of railways with golden letters.

On the ceremonial in front of railway station Novo mesto, where the decorated locomotive has driven the last time on the platform, was a smaller ceremonial where they gave gifts to the most worthy of esteem. At this important occasion of our railways had a speach Bogdan Mazovec. He described the hard way of development the railways on Dolenjska.

A similar festivities as it was in Novo mesto, they have also prepared in Semič.

Source: Delo, 14^th May;   Author: Slavko Dokl