Railway Herald
This image taken within Zapaden Park takes train spotting to a whole new level. Sitting comfortably father and son look on as SIEMENS Smartron 80-042 CZAR SIMON THE GREAT speeds through heading north with BDZ PP train service FAST 5616 (13:40) Petrich to Sofia Central on 20th October 2024. During this period the Class 80 Smartrons were being seen on various routes away from the Sofia to Burgas and Varna services for which they were intended. During 2024 recently acquired second-hand badly needed air-conditioned coaching stock was introduced on main line services from Sofia to the Black Sea resorts but unfortunately the electrical systems of this new stock are not compatible with that of the SIEMENS Class 80 electric locomotives. Hence many Varna and Burgas services have reverted to SKODA haulage with the Smartrons appearing on what can best be described as lesser routes.
Stephen Ginn
