ČD Minibars, the Railway Museum in Lužná u Rakovníka and newly also the “Zastávka by Pivstro” restaurant situated at the Pilsen main railway station. In all the aforementioned places you will find the Šlechtična special beer, through the purchase of which customers can support the repair of the historical locomotive “Šlechtična 475.179”. The Winged Wheel Foundation donated CZK 150,000 to the collection account for the repair of Šlechtična at the beginning of July.
“The 475.179 steam locomotive “Šlechtična (meaning Noble Woman) is one of the most valuable artefacts of our railway history and a model example of post-war engineering skills. After many years of operation, the locomotive needs an overhaul,” says Marek Plochý, Director of the Centre of Historical Vehicles of České dráhy, adding: “Steam train rides have consistently attracted great interest across all railway fan generations. However, the cost of repairs is steadily increasing. That is why we are looking for additional sources of funding for repairs. One of these sources is the production of special beer, now in its third year already. In cooperation with Plzeňský Prazdroj, a.s. and its experimental brewery, we are launching for the third year a special beer edition, the sale of which helps to raise funds for the repair of a particular locomotive. This year it is just the abovementioned Šlechtična.”
So far, the “Šlechtična” special beer has been available for purchase in ČD train minibars and also during various events organised at the České dráhy’s Museum in Lužná u Rakovníka. From Monday 15 July 2024 it will also be possible to get a pint of refreshing “Šlechtična” beer at the new Pilsner outlet known as “Zastávka by Pivstro” at the local main railway station. From every draught special beer sold in this restaurant, the amount of CZK 5 will be donated for the repair of the locomotive. The draught beers will be counted in the autumn and the resulting amount will be donated by Plzeňský Prazdroj, a.s. to the account of the Winged Wheel Foundation, where funds are collected for the repair of the “Šlechtična” steam locomotive 475.179.
“This bright golden lager with a rich white head brings an unforgettable experience to your taste buds. Its typical sweet hop aroma is enriched with hints of citrus and spice thanks to the use of the new Ceres hop variety. The taste shows a well-balanced malt body with a subtle bitterness,” points out Lenka Straková, brewer of the experimental brewery.
The Winged Wheel Foundation (Nadace Okřídlené kolo) has already donated CZK 150,000 for the repair this year
Anyone can contribute to the repair of the “Šlechtična” steam locomotive by using the collection account of the Winged Wheel Foundation (account no. 278975072/0300) with the payment reference number 475179. Until 1 July, the Winged Wheel Foundation donated CZK 150,000 from the collection account to the carrying out of the repair of the locomotive to the working order. At the same time, the Foundation is also organising a competition for all contributors. All contributors who enter their contact details in the payment note for the recipient are automatically included into a draw for a two-night stay for two people at one of recreational facilities of the Trade Union of Railway Workers. The draw will take place in November this year.
“For more than 20 years, the Winged Wheel Foundation has been financially and non-financially supporting various projects and plans to repair historical rolling stock, especially those vehicles owned by České dráhy and the National Technical Museum. The same is the case now with the repair of the 'Šlechtična' steam locomotive (no. 475.179), to which anyone can contribute through our collection account. I would like to express thanks to all donators who have contributed or will support us in our efforts to preserve the technical and cultural heritage of our railways for future generations,” states Zdeněk Vysloužil, Director of the Winged Wheel Foundation.
The Děčínská Líza (Decin Lisa), as this particular steam locomotive is also nicknamed, has given a ride to thousands of small and big railway fans in the two decades since its last overhaul. It was manufactured in 1948 under the serial number 1901 in Škoda Plzeň and during 30 years of active service it passed through depots in Prague Vršovice, České Budějovice, Bratislava, Zvolen and finally in Děčín. After the discontinuation of the steam traction operation, the locomotive served in the depot in Děčín as a mobile heating boiler. Subsequently, it began to be used for historical train journeys and took part in several international events in addition to many journeys in our country. It visited, for example, Germany, Switzerland, Hungary, Poland or Slovakia on the occasion of such events.
České dráhy donates millions of crowns every year for the care and preservation of our technical and cultural heritage. Without the involvement of many volunteers, sponsors and visitors, who support the financing of these monuments and their operation through their trips to the Railway Museum in Lužná u Rakovníka and participation in nostalgic rides, it would not be possible to save so many amazing “beauties” on the tracks.
Where to contribute to the repair of the Šlechtična steam locomotive
Collection account number: 278975072/0300
Payment reference number: 475179
For more information see: www.nadaceokridlenekolo.cz
Author: Petr Pošta
Release date:
