Chabówka 2023-08-07

Luggage wagon type F 035 060. 2023

A luggage wagon is a rail vehicle, non-engine, designed to transport luggage. Currently, luggage wagons are not used. Wagons of this type were popular in the period 1850-1950. The wagon was included in a scheduled or occasional passenger train. In this type of wagon, suitcases (trunks) of 1st class and sometimes 2nd class passengers were transported. Passengers left their luggage in the station building under the care of the railway service, who took care of this luggage until the passenger’s destination station. The wagon was designed to allow for the transport of large loads. The doors to the wagon are larger than in passenger wagons. There was a staff in the wagon, who took care of the transported load. The staff had their own compartment. Pets were also transported in the luggage wagon: dogs and cats. The animals were placed in cages, which were accessible from outside the wagon and from inside.

Currently (2023) passenger cars are used, which have separate places for luggage. Currently, passenger cars also have separate places for bicycles and prams and wheelchairs. Koleje Śląskie, since 2021, has been using special cars for transporting bicycles, which are under the care of the train staff. The cars are closed and opened only by a person from the conductor’s team.

The luggage car type F 035 060 is an exhibit in the open-air museum in Chabówka. The car was built in 1923, by the company Chr.&Unm.Aktion Gesells. The car is two-axle. Maximum speed 60 km/h. The car has several entrances, four of which are wide and pushed aside, like in a freight car. The door at the end of the side is for the staff to enter. From the car, it is possible to pass to the next car, through the front door. There is a skylight in the roof, which was used by the staff.

After its service, the car was rebuilt into a cafe. Tables, benches and a bar counter were installed. Currently (2023) the luggage car type F 035 060 is 100 years old.

Written by Karol Placha Hetman