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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 3, Issue 3 (July 2, 1928)

Scandinavian Railways

Scandinavian Railways.

Summer passenger business on almost all the European railways is proving exceptionally heavy. In Scandinavia, in particular, the rush of summer tourists is phenomenal, and in view of the growing rail business in Norway and page 21 Sweden, new railway connections are being installed on a lavish scale. Among these new transportation links are train ferries, connecting Scandinavia with the remainder of the continent, while very shortly it is probable long-distance ocean-going ferries between Sweden and Britain will convey through loads of freight and miscellaneous traffic.

Almost all the railways of Norway and Sweden are government owned and operated. The railway system of Scandinavia is unique in including in its make-up the most northerly railway in the world. This line connects the port-of Narvik, in Norway, with the northern-most extremity of Sweden, where it links up with the main line leading to Stockholm, Finland, Russia and the Far East.

Operating difficulties in plenty face the railwayman in Scandinavia. Tremendous snowfalls are experienced each winter, and miles of snow fences have been constructd along the tracks, as well as innumerable sections of heavily timbered snowsheds. Frequent and heavy grades call for exceptionally powerful locomotives, and a high standard of comfort is provided in passenger carriage construction. The day carriages are divided into a number of small and large compartments, connected by a vestibule; a party of travellers journeying together are thus afforded what practically amounts to private drawing-room accommodation without extra charge.