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{{Infobox rail
[[File:Thessaloniki train station.jpg|thumb|right|[[New Railway Station, Thessaloniki]] (1962)]]
'''Hellenic State Railways''' or '''SEK''' ({{lang-el|Σιδηρόδρομοι Ελληνικού Κράτους}}, ''Sidirodromi Ellinikou Kratous''; Σ.Ε.Κ.) was a Greek public sector entity (legal person of public law, {{lang-el|Ν.Π.Δ.Δ.}}) which was established in 1920 and operated most [[Railways of Greece|Greek railway lines]] until 1970.
|railroad_name = Hellenic State Railways or SEK<br> {{nobold|({{langx|el|Σιδηρόδρομοι Ελληνικού Κράτους}})}}
|other_name = Chemins de fer de l'État Hellénique
|logo_filename = File:The_logo_of_the_defunct_Hellenic_State_Railways_(1920-1970).svg
|logo_size = 150px
|locale = [[Greece]]
|headquarters = 1–3 Karolou St., 104 37, [[Athens]]
|start_year = {{Start date and age|1920|03|18|df=yes}}
|end_year = {{end date and age|1970|12|31|df=yes}}
|predecessor_line =
|successor_line = {{ubl|[[Hellenic Railways Organisation]]}}
|gauge = {{RailGauge|SG}}<br>{{Track gauge|750mm|lk=on}}
|old_gauge = {{Track gauge|1000 mm|lk=on}}<br>{{Track gauge|600 mm|lk=on}}
|electrification =
|length = {{Convert|302|km|mi|abbr=on}}
|website =
}}
'''Hellenic State Railways''' or '''SEK''' ({{langx|el|Σιδηρόδρομοι Ελληνικού Κράτους}}, ''Sidirodromi Ellinikou Kratous''; Σ.Ε.Κ.) was a Greek public sector entity (legal person of public law, {{langx|el|Ν.Π.Δ.Δ.}}) which was established on 18 March 1920 by the law 2144/20 and operated most [[Railways of Greece|Greek railway lines]] until 1970.


==History==
==History==
The Hellenic State Railways took over the standard gauge railway line from [[Piraeus]] to [[Papapouli]] at the pre-1912 borders, the extension from Papapouli to [[Platy, Imathia|Platy]] and most of the former Ottoman railway lines that were within the Greek borders after 1919. These lines were:
The Hellenic State Railways took over the [[Standard-gauge railway|standard gauge]] railway line from [[Piraeus]] to [[Papapouli]] at the pre-1912 borders, the extension from Papapouli to [[Platy, Imathia|Platy]] and most of the former Ottoman railway lines that were within the Greek borders after 1919. These lines were:


* ''Piraeus, Demerli & Frontiers Railway'' ({{lang-el|''Σιδηρόδρομος Πειραιώς-Δεμερλή-Συνόρων}}), also known as ''Larisaikos''
* ''Piraeus, Demerli & Frontiers Railway'' ({{langx|el|Σιδηρόδρομος Πειραιώς-Δεμερλή-Συνόρων}}), also known as {{lang|el-Latn|Larisaikos}}
* Part of the former ''Thessaloniki & Monastir Railway'' ({{lang-fr|Chemin de fer de Salonique à Monastir}} or SM)
* Part of the former ''Thessaloniki & Monastir Railway'' ({{langx|fr|Chemin de fer de Salonique à Monastir}} or SM)
* Part of ''[[Chemins de fer Orientaux]]'' or CO, between Thessaloniki and Idomeni. The line from Alexandroupolis to Ormenio was transferred to the [[French-Hellenic Railway Company]] ({{lang|fr|''Chemin de fer Franco-Hellenique'', CFFH}}) of Evros ({{lang-el|''Γαλλοελληνική Εταιρεία Σιδηροδρόμων'' or ''ΓΕΣ''}}) which was absorbed by SEK much later, in 1954
* Part of {{lang|fr|[[Chemins de fer Orientaux]]}} or CO, between Thessaloniki and Idomeni. The line from Alexandroupolis to Ormenio was transferred to the [[French-Hellenic Railway Company]] ({{lang|fr|Chemin de fer Franco-Hellenique}}, CFFH) of Evros ({{langx|el|Γαλλοελληνική Εταιρεία Σιδηροδρόμων}} or {{lang|el|ΓΕΣ}}) which was absorbed by SEK much later, in 1954
* The section of ''Thessaloniki-Constantinople Railway'' ({{lang-fr|Jonction Salonique-Constantinople}} or JSC) between Thessaloniki and Alexandroupolis.
* The ''Thessaloniki-Constantinople Link Railway'' ({{langx|fr|Jonction Salonique-Constantinople}} or JSC) operating the [[Thessaloniki–Alexandroupoli railway|Thessaloniki–Alexandroupolis railway]].
[[File:Simplex petrol locomotive on the military Decauville line (600 mm gauge) Sarakli-Stavros in Central Makedonia (Greece) during WW1.jpg|thumb|Simplex petrol locomotive on the military {{RailGauge|600mm|lk=on}} gauge line Sarakli-Stavros during World War 1]]
* The 66&nbsp;km long ''Sarakli-Stavros'' line, a former military line (600&nbsp;mm) constructed during [[World War I]].
* The 50&nbsp;km long Skydra local railway, a former military line (600&nbsp;mm) constructed during [[World War I]] and initially operated until 1936 by a company called ''Local Railways of Macedonia'' ({{lang-el|''Τοπικοί Σιδηρόδρομοι Μακεδονίας''}}).
* The 66&nbsp;km long ''Sarakli-Stavros'' line, a former military line ({{RailGauge|600mm|lk=on}} gauge) constructed during [[World War I]] (see also: [[Perivolaki – Nea Zichni railway line]]).
* The 50&nbsp;km long Skydra local railway, a former military line ({{RailGauge|600mm|disp=1}} gauge) constructed during [[World War I]] and initially operated until 1936 by a company called ''Local Railways of Macedonia'' ({{langx|el|Τοπικοί Σιδηρόδρομοι Μακεδονίας}}).


After World War II the Hellenic State Railways absorbed most other Greek railways, including:
After World War II the Hellenic State Railways absorbed most other Greek railways, including:
Line 16: Line 33:
* [[Piraeus, Athens and Peloponnese Railways]] (1962), which had already absorbed other minor metre gauge railways.
* [[Piraeus, Athens and Peloponnese Railways]] (1962), which had already absorbed other minor metre gauge railways.
* [[Thessaly Railways]] (1955), including Pelion railway.
* [[Thessaly Railways]] (1955), including Pelion railway.
* The French-Hellenic Railway Company (Chemin de fer Franco-Hellenique) of Evros (1954).
* The French-Hellenic Railway Company (Chemin de fer Franco-Hellenique) of Evros (1954).


Only ''Ellinikoi Ilektrikoi Sidirodromoi'' (E.I.S., later [[Athens-Piraeus Electric Railways]]), operator of Piraeus-Kifissia railway and Piraeus-Perama light railway, and the private mining and industrial lines remained independent.
Only ''Ellinikoi Ilektrikoi Sidirodromoi'' (E.I.S., later [[Athens-Piraeus Electric Railways]]), operator of Piraeus-Kifissia railway and Piraeus-Perama light railway, and the private mining and industrial lines remained independent.
Line 27: Line 44:


* The [[Kozani-Amyntaio railway line|Amyntaio-Kozani]] branch (1955).
* The [[Kozani-Amyntaio railway line|Amyntaio-Kozani]] branch (1955).
* The 15&nbsp;km long line from [[Strymon]] to [[Kulata]] (1966), connecting the Greek and Bulgarian railway networks.
* The 15&nbsp;km long line from {{ill|Strymonas railway station|lt=Strymonas|el|Σιδηροδρομικός Σταθμός Στρυμώνος}} to [[Kulata]] (1966), connecting the Greek and Bulgarian railway networks.
* Another 25&nbsp;km long branch line from [[Nea Zichni]] (Mirini) to [[Amfipoli|Amphipolis]] (1931), which was later abandoned and the track was lifted in 1970.
* Another 25&nbsp;km long branch line from [[Nea Zichni]] (Mirini) to [[Amfipoli|Amphipolis]] (1931), which was later abandoned and the track was lifted in 1970.
* Conversion of the line between Athens and [[Oinoi|Inoi]] to double track.
* Conversion of the line between Athens and [[Oinoi|Inoi]] to double track.
Line 33: Line 50:
A contract was signed in 1928 for a new line connecting [[Kalambaka|Kalampaka]] to [[Kozani]], but the project was abandoned in 1932 due to lack of funds.
A contract was signed in 1928 for a new line connecting [[Kalambaka|Kalampaka]] to [[Kozani]], but the project was abandoned in 1932 due to lack of funds.


The Greek railway system (both infrastructure and rolling stock) suffered serious damages during World War II (especially in 1943-1944) and did not become fully operational until 1950. However the viaduct of Achladokampos in Peloponnese, destroyed in 1944, was rebuilt only in 1974.
The Greek railway system (both infrastructure and rolling stock) suffered serious damages during World War II (especially in 1943–1944) and did not become fully operational until 1950. However the viaduct of Achladokampos in Peloponnese, destroyed in 1944, was rebuilt only in 1974.


In 1960 the line from Larissa to Volos, of the former [[Thessaly Railways]], was converted to standard gauge and was connected in Larissa with the line from Athens to Thessaloniki.
In 1960 the line from Larissa to Volos, of the former [[Thessaly Railways]], was converted to standard gauge and was connected in Larissa with the line from Athens to Thessaloniki.
Line 40: Line 57:


==Rolling stock==
==Rolling stock==
Until 1962 the Hellenic State Railways used a variety of steam locomotives from various sources. Some of them belonged to the pre-1920 networks, a number were acquired as part of foreign aid programs after the war and a small number was procured.
Until 1962 the Hellenic State Railways used a variety of steam locomotives from various sources. Some of them belonged to the pre-1920 networks, a number were acquired as part of foreign aid programs after the war and a small number was procured.


Conversion to diesel traction began in the early 1960s. The first [[diesel locomotive]]s were delivered in 1962 and included 30 Krupp Y60 shunters (Class A-101), 10 ALCo DL532B (Class A-201) and 10 ALCo DL500C (Class A-301). They were followed by classes A-221, A-321, A-351, A-401 and A-411 for the {{RailGauge|sg}} ([[standard gauge]]) network and classes A-9101, A-9201 and A-9401 for the {{RailGauge|1}} ([[metre gauge]]) networks.
Conversion to diesel traction began in the early 1960s. The first [[diesel locomotive]]s were delivered in 1962 and included 30 Krupp Y60 shunters (Class A-101), 10 ALCo DL532B (Class A-201) and 10 ALCo DL500C (Class A-301). They were followed by classes A-221, A-321, A-351, A-401 and A-411 for the {{RailGauge|sg|allk=on}} network and classes A-9101, A-9201 and A-9401 for the {{RailGauge|1000mm|allk=on}} networks.


[[Diesel multiple unit]]s were first introduced in 1936 and became more common in the 1950s and 1960s. Steam locomotives were slowly phased out but were still in limited use in December 1970.
[[Diesel multiple unit]]s were first introduced in 1936 and became more common in the 1950s and 1960s. Steam locomotives were slowly phased out but were still in limited use in December 1970.
Line 48: Line 65:
===Steam locomotives===
===Steam locomotives===


The following table shows steam locomotives acquired by the Hellenic State Railways between 1920 and 1969. They also continued to use an assortment of older types of locomotives inherited from the previous Greek and Ottoman railway companies.<ref>{{cite web | title=HSR steam locomotives | url=http://orion.math.iastate.edu/jdhsmith/term/slgrhsru.htm | year=2005–2007 | author=J.D.H. Smith | accessdate=2008-06-09 }}</ref>{{sfn|Zartaloudis|Karatolos|Koutelidis|Nathenas|1997|pp=172–173}}{{sfn|Durrant|1972|pp=51–54}}
The following table shows steam locomotives acquired by the Hellenic State Railways between 1920 and 1969. They also continued to use an assortment of older types of locomotives inherited from the previous Greek and Ottoman railway companies.<ref>{{cite web | title=HSR steam locomotives | url=http://orion.math.iastate.edu/jdhsmith/term/slgrhsru.htm | year=2005–2007 | author=J.D.H. Smith | access-date=2008-06-09 }}</ref>{{sfn|Zartaloudis|Karatolos|Koutelidis|Nathenas|1997|pp=172–173}}{{sfn|Durrant|1972|pp=51–54}}


{| class="wikitable" style=text-align:center
{| class="wikitable" style=text-align:center
Line 123: Line 140:
| [[0-6-0T]]
| [[0-6-0T]]
| 20
| 20
| [[Davenport Locomotive Works]],<br>[[Vulcan Iron Works]],<br>[[H. K. Porter, Inc.]]
| [[Davenport Locomotive Works]],<br>[[Vulcan Iron Works]],<br>[[H.K. Porter]]
|
|
| 1945–1946
| 1945–1946
Line 420: Line 437:
| [[0-10-0]]
| [[0-10-0]]
| 20
| 20
| [[Ateliers de Tubize]],<br>[[Forges Usines et Fonderies Haine-Saint-Pierre |Haine St Pierre]],<br>[[Société Anonyme Saint-Léonard à Liège|St. Léonard]]<br>[[Ateliers de construction de La Meuse|La Meuse]]
| [[Ateliers de Tubize]],<br>[[Forges Usines et Fonderies Haine-Saint-Pierre|Haine St Pierre]],<br>[[Société Anonyme Saint-Léonard à Liège|St. Léonard]]<br>[[Ateliers de construction de La Meuse|La Meuse]]
|
|
| 1929
| 1929
Line 442: Line 459:
| [[2-10-0]]
| [[2-10-0]]
| 40
| 40
| [[Lokomotivfabrik der StEG|StEG]] (10),<br> [[Škoda Works]] (30)
| [[Lokomotivfabrik der StEG|StEG]] (10),<br>[[Škoda Works]] (30)
|
|
| 1925–1927
| 1925–1927
Line 498: Line 515:
|-
|-
| [[File:20090212-Thessaloniki-A104.jpg|120px]]
| [[File:20090212-Thessaloniki-A104.jpg|120px]]
| A-101
|[[OSE class A.101|A-101]]
|
|
| 0-6-0 dh
| 0-6-0 dh
| 30
| 30
| Krupp
| [[Krupp]]
| 1962–1967
| 1962–1967
| [[DB Class V 60|Y60]]
| [[DB Class V 60|Y60]]
Line 513: Line 530:
| Bo-Bo de
| Bo-Bo de
| 10
| 10
| [[ALCo]]
| [[American Locomotive Company|ALCo]]
| 1962
| 1962
| [[ALCO DL532B|DL532B]]
| [[ALCO DL532B|DL532B]]
Line 519: Line 536:
|
|
|-
|-
| [[File:04.11.92 Αμύνταιο-Amyntaio A.304 (15083193706).jpg|120px]]
|
| A-301
| A-301
|
|
| Co-Co de
| Co-Co de
| 10
| 10
| [[ALCo]]
| [[American Locomotive Company|ALCo]]
| 1962
| 1962
| [[ALCO DL500C|DL500C]]
| [[ALCO DL500C|DL500C]]
Line 535: Line 552:
| Co-Co de
| Co-Co de
| 7
| 7
| [[ALCo]]
| [[American Locomotive Company|ALCo]]
| 1967
| 1967
| [[ALCO DL543|DL543]]
| [[ALCO DL543|DL543]]
Line 546: Line 563:
| Co-Co de
| Co-Co de
| 26
| 26
| [[Alsthom]]
| [[Alstom|Alsthom]]
| 1967
| 1967
| CC AD 2100C1
| CC AD 2100C1
Line 557: Line 574:
| Co-Co de
| Co-Co de
| 10
| 10
| [[Siemens]]-[[Arnold Jung Lokomotivfabrik|Jung]]
| [[Siemens Mobility|Siemens]]-[[Arnold Jung Lokomotivfabrik|Jung]]
| 1966
| 1966
|
|
Line 563: Line 580:
|
|
|-
|-
| [[File:OSE 420 Paleofarsalos 1995.jpg|120px]]
| [[File:06.11.92 Λάρισα Larísa A422 (5803673957).jpg|120px]]
| A-411
| A-411
|
|
Line 607: Line 624:
| Co-Co de
| Co-Co de
| 10
| 10
| [[Alsthom]]
| [[Alstom|Alsthom]]
| 1967
| 1967
| CC AD 1600A1
| CC AD 1600A1
Line 628: Line 645:
===Diesel multiple units===
===Diesel multiple units===


The Hellenic State Railways bought their first DMUs in 1936 and acquired larger numbers in the 1950s. Additional [[metre gauge]] multiple units were ihnerited from networks absorbed in SEK.
The Hellenic State Railways bought their first DMUs in 1936 and acquired larger numbers in the 1950s. Additional [[metre gauge]] multiple units were inherited from networks absorbed in SEK.


{| class="wikitable" style=text-align:center
{| class="wikitable" style=text-align:center
Line 659: Line 676:
| A1-1A+2-2
| A1-1A+2-2
| 16
| 16
| [[FIAT]]
| [[Fiat]]
| 1950
| 1950
|
|
Line 670: Line 687:
| A1-1A+2-2
| A1-1A+2-2
| 10
| 10
| [[FIAT]]
| [[Fiat]]
| 1958
| 1958
|
|
Line 718: Line 735:
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
{{refbegin}}
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite book | last=Durrant | first=A. E. |year= 1972 |origyear=1966| title=The Steam Locomotives of Eastern Europe |
* {{cite book | last=Durrant | first=A. E. |year= 1972 |orig-year=1966| title=The Steam Locomotives of Eastern Europe |
publisher=David and Charles | location=Newton Abbot, Devon, UK | pages=50–60 | isbn=0-7153-4077-8 |ref=harv}}
publisher=David and Charles | location=Newton Abbot, Devon, UK | pages=50–60 | isbn=0-7153-4077-8 }}
* {{cite web | last=Smith |first=J. D. H. | year=2005–2007 | title=HSR steam locomotives | url=http://orion.math.iastate.edu/jdhsmith/term/slgrhsru.htm | accessdate=2008-06-09 }}
* {{cite web | last=Smith |first=J. D. H. | year=2005–2007 | title=HSR steam locomotives | url=http://orion.math.iastate.edu/jdhsmith/term/slgrhsru.htm | access-date=2008-06-09 }}
* {{cite book | last1=Zartaloudis | first1=I. | last2=Karatolos | first2=D. | last3=Koutelidis | first3=D. | last4=Nathenas | first4=G. | last5=Fasoulas | first5=S. |last6=Filippoupolitis | first6=A. | year=1997 | title=Οι Ελληνικοί Σιδηρόδρομοι (Hellenic Railways) | publisher=Μίλητος (Militos) | isbn=960-8460-07-7 |language=Greek |ref=harv}} It is the only extensive and authoritative source for the history of Greek railways.
* {{cite book | last1=Zartaloudis | first1=I. | last2=Karatolos | first2=D. | last3=Koutelidis | first3=D. | last4=Nathenas | first4=G. | last5=Fasoulas | first5=S. |last6=Filippoupolitis | first6=A. | year=1997 | title=Οι Ελληνικοί Σιδηρόδρομοι (Hellenic Railways) | publisher=Μίλητος (Militos) | isbn=960-8460-07-7 |language=el }} It is the only extensive and authoritative source for the history of Greek railways.
{{refend}}
{{refend}}


==Further reading==
==Further reading==
* {{cite book | first=Simms |last=W. F. | year=1997 | title=The railways of Greece | publisher=Wilfried F. Sims | isbn=0-9528881-1-4 |ref=harv}} Contains brief history, simple line maps ans extensive list of rolling stock until 1997.
* {{cite book | first=Simms |last=W. F. | year=1997 | title=The railways of Greece | publisher=Wilfried F. Sims | isbn=0-9528881-1-4 }} Contains brief history, simple line maps and extensive list of rolling stock until 1997.
* {{cite book | last=Organ |first=J. | year=2006 | title=Greece Narrow Gauge | publisher=Middleton Press | isbn=1-904474-72-1 |ref=harv}}
* {{cite book | last=Organ |first=J. | year=2006 | title=Greece Narrow Gauge | publisher=Middleton Press | isbn=1-904474-72-1 }}
* {{cite journal | author=Voyageur (Anonymous) |date=February 1941 | title=The Railways of Greece | journal=The Railway Magazine | volume=87 | issue=524 | page=64 | publisher=Railway Publications | location=London, UK |ref=harv}}
* {{cite journal | author=Voyageur (Anonymous) |date=February 1941 | title=The Railways of Greece | journal=The Railway Magazine | volume=87 | issue=524 | page=64 | publisher=Railway Publications | location=London, UK }}
* {{cite journal | first=Winkworth | last=D. W. |date=May 1967 | title=Peloponnese Narrow Gauge | journal=The Railway Magazine | volume=113 | issue=793 | pages=249–254 | publisher=Transport & Technical Publications Ltd. | location=London, UK |ref=harv}}
* {{cite journal | first=Winkworth | last=D. W. |date=May 1967 | title=Peloponnese Narrow Gauge | journal=The Railway Magazine | volume=113 | issue=793 | pages=249–254 | publisher=Transport & Technical Publications Ltd. | location=London, UK }}
* {{cite web| url=http://www.gwrarchive.org/site/sitel2pg/Greece/greece.html | title=Railway systems in Greece | year=2007 | publisher=The Restoration & Archiving Trust | accessdate=2008-05-21 | location=Cheltenham, UK }}
* {{cite web | url=http://www.gwrarchive.org/site/sitel2pg/Greece/greece.html | title=Railway systems in Greece | year=2007 | publisher=The Restoration & Archiving Trust | access-date=2008-05-21 | location=Cheltenham, UK | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080704171851/http://www.gwrarchive.org/site/sitel2pg/Greece/greece.html | archive-date=2008-07-04 | url-status=dead }}


{{authority control}}


[[Category:Defunct railway companies of Greece]]
[[Category:Defunct railway companies of Greece]]
[[Category:Government-owned companies of Greece]]
[[Category:Railway companies established in 1920]]
[[Category:Railway companies established in 1920]]
[[Category:1920 establishments in Greece]]
[[Category:Railway companies disestablished in 1970]]
[[Category:1970 disestablishments in Greece]]
[[Category:Greek companies established in 1920]]

Latest revision as of 05:51, 23 October 2024

Hellenic State Railways or SEK
(Greek: Σιδηρόδρομοι Ελληνικού Κράτους)
Chemins de fer de l'État Hellénique
Overview
Headquarters1–3 Karolou St., 104 37, Athens
LocaleGreece
Dates of operation18 March 1920; 104 years ago (1920-03-18)–31 December 1970; 54 years ago (1970-12-31)
Successor
Technical
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in)
750 mm (2 ft 5+1⁄2 in)
Previous gauge1,000 mm (3 ft 3+3⁄8 in)
600 mm (1 ft 11+5⁄8 in)
Length302 km (188 mi)

Hellenic State Railways or SEK (Greek: Σιδηρόδρομοι Ελληνικού Κράτους, Sidirodromi Ellinikou Kratous; Σ.Ε.Κ.) was a Greek public sector entity (legal person of public law, Greek: Ν.Π.Δ.Δ.) which was established on 18 March 1920 by the law 2144/20 and operated most Greek railway lines until 1970.

History

[edit]

The Hellenic State Railways took over the standard gauge railway line from Piraeus to Papapouli at the pre-1912 borders, the extension from Papapouli to Platy and most of the former Ottoman railway lines that were within the Greek borders after 1919. These lines were:

  • Piraeus, Demerli & Frontiers Railway (Greek: Σιδηρόδρομος Πειραιώς-Δεμερλή-Συνόρων), also known as Larisaikos
  • Part of the former Thessaloniki & Monastir Railway (French: Chemin de fer de Salonique à Monastir or SM)
  • Part of Chemins de fer Orientaux or CO, between Thessaloniki and Idomeni. The line from Alexandroupolis to Ormenio was transferred to the French-Hellenic Railway Company (Chemin de fer Franco-Hellenique, CFFH) of Evros (Greek: Γαλλοελληνική Εταιρεία Σιδηροδρόμων or ΓΕΣ) which was absorbed by SEK much later, in 1954
  • The Thessaloniki-Constantinople Link Railway (French: Jonction Salonique-Constantinople or JSC) operating the Thessaloniki–Alexandroupolis railway.
Simplex petrol locomotive on the military 600 mm (1 ft 11+5⁄8 in) gauge line Sarakli-Stavros during World War 1
  • The 66 km long Sarakli-Stavros line, a former military line (600 mm (1 ft 11+5⁄8 in) gauge) constructed during World War I (see also: Perivolaki – Nea Zichni railway line).
  • The 50 km long Skydra local railway, a former military line (600 mm gauge) constructed during World War I and initially operated until 1936 by a company called Local Railways of Macedonia (Greek: Τοπικοί Σιδηρόδρομοι Μακεδονίας).

After World War II the Hellenic State Railways absorbed most other Greek railways, including:

Only Ellinikoi Ilektrikoi Sidirodromoi (E.I.S., later Athens-Piraeus Electric Railways), operator of Piraeus-Kifissia railway and Piraeus-Perama light railway, and the private mining and industrial lines remained independent.

The Hellenic State Railways existed until December 31, 1970. On the next day all railways in Greece with the exception of private industrial lines and E.I.S. were transferred to Hellenic Railways Organisation S.A., a state-owned corporation.

Network and other infrastructure

[edit]
Brallos (or Papadia) bridge, rebuilt in 1945.

During this period very little expansion of the existing network took place, the most notable being:

  • The Amyntaio-Kozani branch (1955).
  • The 15 km long line from Strymonas to Kulata (1966), connecting the Greek and Bulgarian railway networks.
  • Another 25 km long branch line from Nea Zichni (Mirini) to Amphipolis (1931), which was later abandoned and the track was lifted in 1970.
  • Conversion of the line between Athens and Inoi to double track.

A contract was signed in 1928 for a new line connecting Kalampaka to Kozani, but the project was abandoned in 1932 due to lack of funds.

The Greek railway system (both infrastructure and rolling stock) suffered serious damages during World War II (especially in 1943–1944) and did not become fully operational until 1950. However the viaduct of Achladokampos in Peloponnese, destroyed in 1944, was rebuilt only in 1974.

In 1960 the line from Larissa to Volos, of the former Thessaly Railways, was converted to standard gauge and was connected in Larissa with the line from Athens to Thessaloniki.

New station buildings were constructed in Thessaloniki (known as Thessaloniki New Passenger Station or ΝΕΣΘ) (1952), Larissa (1962), Lianokladi (1950), Sindos, Aiginio, Platamon, Florina, Edessa, Agras, Arnissa, Polykastron, Ptolemais and Kozani.

Rolling stock

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Until 1962 the Hellenic State Railways used a variety of steam locomotives from various sources. Some of them belonged to the pre-1920 networks, a number were acquired as part of foreign aid programs after the war and a small number was procured.

Conversion to diesel traction began in the early 1960s. The first diesel locomotives were delivered in 1962 and included 30 Krupp Y60 shunters (Class A-101), 10 ALCo DL532B (Class A-201) and 10 ALCo DL500C (Class A-301). They were followed by classes A-221, A-321, A-351, A-401 and A-411 for the 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge network and classes A-9101, A-9201 and A-9401 for the 1,000 mm (3 ft 3+3⁄8 in) metre gauge networks.

Diesel multiple units were first introduced in 1936 and became more common in the 1950s and 1960s. Steam locomotives were slowly phased out but were still in limited use in December 1970.

Steam locomotives

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The following table shows steam locomotives acquired by the Hellenic State Railways between 1920 and 1969. They also continued to use an assortment of older types of locomotives inherited from the previous Greek and Ottoman railway companies.[1][2][3]

Photo Class Numbers Type Quantity Manufacturer Serial Nos. Year Power Notes
Αα 1–4 0-4-0T 4 Ex CO 403–408
Βα 11–? 2-4-0T Ex CO 321–328 series
Γα 21–22 4-4-0T 2 Neilson & Co. 1892 Ex SEK 301–302, originally SAP
Γβ 31–34 4-4-0 4 Ex CO
Δα
(1st) 		51 0-6-0ST 1 Manning Wardle 1892 Ex SAP
Δα
(2nd) 		51–70 0-6-0T 20 Davenport Locomotive Works,
Vulcan Iron Works,
H.K. Porter 		1945–1946 730 hp (544 kW) USATC S100; several rebuilt as 0-6-0
Δβ 61-? 0-6-0 Ex Railway Operating Division
Δγ 71-75 0-6-0 5 Ex JSC 50–54
Δγ 76 4-4-0 1 StEG 1888 Ex CFFH 102, previously CO
Δδ 81–87 0-6-0 7 Ex CO 4–10
Δε 88–103 0-6-0 Ex CO 11–54 series
Δζ 111–114 0-6-0 4 Ex CO 502–506
Εα 201–223 2-6-0T 23 Batignolles (13)
St. Léonard (10) 		1903–1907 Ex SEK 101–123
Εβ 231–232 2-6-0 2 Ex CO 509–510
Εγ 241–243 2-6-0 3 Ex CO 521–523
Ζα 301–307 4-6-0 7 Batignolles 1906 Ex SEK 201–207; four-cylinder de Glenn compounds, based on Midi 1400 class
Ζβ 311 4-6-0 1 Ex SEK 221
Ζγ 321–330 4-6-0 10 Ex JSC 101–110
Ζδ 341–350 4-6-0 10 Ex Prussian P 8
Ζε 331–333 2-6-2 3 Ex CFFH
Ηα 401 0-8-0 1 Ex JSC, originally Prussian G 7
Ηβ 411–423 0-8-0 13 Ex JSC 1–16
Ηγ 431–432 0-8-0 2 Ex SBB 4105, 4112
Ηδ 441–443 0-8-0 3 Ex SBB 4130, 4134, 4135
Ηε 444–446 2-8-0 3 Batignolles 1924 903 hp (673 kW) Ex CFFH, previously CO 260–262
Θα 501 2-8-0 1 ex SEK 601
Θβ 511–512 2-8-0 2 Ex SEK 621–622
Θγ 521–537
551–560
571–595 		2-8-0 27+25 Baldwin Locomotive Works, American Locomotive Works, Lima Locomotive Works 1947 1,200 hp (895 kW) USATC S160 521–537 coal-fired, 551–560 oil-fired, 571–595 from Italy in 1959 (FS Class 736)
Ια 701–720 2-8-2 20 American Locomotive Company 1915 ex SEK 401–420
Κα 801–802 0-10-0 2 ex SEK 521–522
Κβ 811–860 0-10-0 60 StEG 1922–1926 895 kW (1,200 hp) kkStB / BBÖ class 80.900 (ÖBB class 57)
Κβ 809 0-10-0 1 895 kW (1,200 hp) kkStB / BBÖ class 80.900 (ÖBB class 57); Ex CFFH
Κγ 861–880 0-10-0 20 Ateliers de Tubize,
Haine St Pierre,
St. Léonard
La Meuse 		1929 895 kW (1,200 hp)
Κδ 881–891 0-10-0 11 Henschel Ex Deutsche Reichsbahn 57.10-35 (Prussian G 10), used by the German occupation forces and left behind when they retreated in 1944
Λα 901–940 2-10-0 40 StEG (10),
Škoda Works (30) 		1925–1927 1,156 kW (1,550 hp) Südbahn class 580
Λβ 951–966 2-10-0 16 North British Locomotive Company 1946 1,141 kW (1,530 hp) WD Austerity 2-10-0
Λγ 991–998 2-10-0 8 Baldwin Locomotive Works 1947 1,270 kW (1,703 hp)
Μα 1001–1020 2-10-2 20 Ansaldo (10)
Breda (10) 		1953–1954 2,180 kW (2,920 hp)

Diesel locomotives (standard gauge)

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Photo Class Numbers Type Quantity Manufacturer Year Model Power Notes
A-101 0-6-0 dh 30 Krupp 1962–1967 Y60 478 kW (641 hp)
A-201 Bo-Bo de 10 ALCo 1962 DL532B 772 kW (1,035 hp)
A-301 Co-Co de 10 ALCo 1962 DL500C 1,470 kW (1,971 hp)
A-321 Co-Co de 7 ALCo 1967 DL543 1,470 kW (1,971 hp)
A-351 Co-Co de 26 Alsthom 1967 CC AD 2100C1 1,544 kW (2,071 hp)
A-401 Co-Co de 10 Siemens-Jung 1966 1,470 kW (1,971 hp)
A-411 B-B dh 20 Krauss-Maffei 1963 V200 1,618 kW (2,170 hp)

Diesel locomotives (metre gauge)

[edit]
Photo Class Numbers Type Quantity Manufacturer Year Model Power Notes
A-9101 Co-Co de 12 ALCo 1965 DL537 993 kW (1,332 hp)
A-9201 Co-Co de 10 Alsthom 1967 CC AD 1600A1 1,175 kW (1,576 hp)
A-9401 B-B dh 20 Mitsubishi 1967 48-BB-HI 478 kW (641 hp)

Diesel multiple units

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The Hellenic State Railways bought their first DMUs in 1936 and acquired larger numbers in the 1950s. Additional metre gauge multiple units were inherited from networks absorbed in SEK.

Photo Class Numbers Type Quantity Manufacturer Year Model Power Notes
(AA11) 2-Bo de 2 Floridsdorf 1936
AA11-AA26
A111-A118 		A1-1A+2-2 16 Fiat 1950
AA27-AA36
A119-A128 		A1-1A+2-2 10 Fiat 1958
AA41 2-B 9 Renault 1950
AA61 B-B 3 MAN 1955
AA71 2-B 20 Ferrostaal-Esslingen 1962

See also

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References and notes

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  1. ^ J.D.H. Smith (2005–2007). "HSR steam locomotives". Retrieved 2008-06-09.
  2. ^ Zartaloudis et al. 1997, pp. 172–173.
  3. ^ Durrant 1972, pp. 51–54.
  • Durrant, A. E. (1972) [1966]. The Steam Locomotives of Eastern Europe. Newton Abbot, Devon, UK: David and Charles. pp. 50–60. ISBN 0-7153-4077-8.
  • Smith, J. D. H. (2005–2007). "HSR steam locomotives". Retrieved 2008-06-09.
  • Zartaloudis, I.; Karatolos, D.; Koutelidis, D.; Nathenas, G.; Fasoulas, S.; Filippoupolitis, A. (1997). Οι Ελληνικοί Σιδηρόδρομοι (Hellenic Railways) (in Greek). Μίλητος (Militos). ISBN 960-8460-07-7. It is the only extensive and authoritative source for the history of Greek railways.

Further reading

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  • W. F., Simms (1997). The railways of Greece. Wilfried F. Sims. ISBN 0-9528881-1-4. Contains brief history, simple line maps and extensive list of rolling stock until 1997.
  • Organ, J. (2006). Greece Narrow Gauge. Middleton Press. ISBN 1-904474-72-1.
  • Voyageur (Anonymous) (February 1941). "The Railways of Greece". The Railway Magazine. 87 (524). London, UK: Railway Publications: 64.
  • D. W., Winkworth (May 1967). "Peloponnese Narrow Gauge". The Railway Magazine. 113 (793). London, UK: Transport & Technical Publications Ltd.: 249–254.
  • "Railway systems in Greece". Cheltenham, UK: The Restoration & Archiving Trust. 2007. Archived from the original on 2008-07-04. Retrieved 2008-05-21.
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