THE CHABÓWKA LOCOMOTIVE SHED FOUNDATION„

PKP S.A. and PKP Intercity S.A. are establishing the „Chabówka Roundhouse” Foundation, with the aim of securing the future of the historic roundhouse and its unique collection of vintage rolling stock. Its tasks will include the protection of the collections, the maintenance of the infrastructure and historic vehicles, as well as the development of the Roundhouse as a place where the heritage of Polish railways is preserved, restored to operation, and made accessible to future generations. The establishment of the Foundation marks a new stage in the operation of this site, allowing the transformation of the current open-air museum into a modern and active railway heritage center.

The Foundation's scope of activity will also include museum, educational, and tourism initiatives, as well as the organization of thematic events. A key task will remain the preservation of specialized knowledge regarding the restoration and maintenance of historic railway vehicles, as well as the transfer of these competencies to future generations. To this end, the Foundation plans to collaborate with technical schools, railway organizations, railway enthusiast associations, and local partners. PKP Intercity will support the maintenance of operational rolling stock and the organization of heritage train journeys, utilizing its technical, operational, and transport facilities.

– The Chabówka Roundhouse is a unique place on the map of Polish railways. The establishment of the Foundation will not only secure priceless technical monuments but also give this heritage a contemporary educational and tourist dimension. We want the history of Polish railways to be protected, but also to remain alive and accessible to future generations – says Dariusz Klimczak, Minister of Infrastructure.

– We are pleased to announce the establishment of the „Chabówka Roundhouse” Foundation. In the year of the 100th anniversary of PKP and the 200th anniversary of the birth of railways worldwide, we particularly emphasize that rail transport is not only a means of travel, but also an important part of our heritage. As the PKP Group, we feel responsible not only for the development of a modern and safe railway, but also for the protection of its rich history and the achievements of many generations of railway workers – says Alan Beroud, President of the Management Board of PKP S.A. and the PKP Group.

The beginnings of the Chabówka Roundhouse date back to 1884. The current Railway Rolling Stock Museum was established on the grounds of the roundhouse rebuilt in 1947. Its grand opening took place on June 11, 1993, but the collection of historical rolling stock began to be amassed in Chabówka in the mid-1980s. The location was favorable due to its proximity to one of the most interesting historical railway lines in Poland – the route leading through Mszana Dolna and Limanowa to Nowy Sącz. For over three decades, Chabówka has become a recognized center for the preservation of railway heritage. Historical vehicles are presented, preserved, and repaired here, and operational units are used to operate historical trains.

Unique collection of historical rolling stock

The Chabówka Steam Locomotive Depot houses over 100 units of historical rolling stock. Among them are 17 operational vehicles, including 3 active steam locomotives, 33 units awaiting periodic repairs, and 53 objects serving as exhibits. The depot's facilities include repair sheds, workshops, an administrative building housing a museum exhibition and accommodation, a historic platform, and grounds designated for vehicle displays.

The foundation will also take over 53 units of inactive historical rolling stock, including:
• 27 locomotives – 19 steam locomotives, three electric locomotives, and five diesel locomotives;
• 18 wagons – three passenger, nine freight, and six service;
• two tenders;
• five snow plows;
• railway crane.

The foundation will also make use of its active rolling stock, vehicles intended for restoration to service, and the machinery and equipment necessary for their maintenance.

Among the most valuable objects located in Chabówka is the TKb-1479 steam locomotive from 1878 – the oldest preserved steam locomotive in Poland. Other exceptional vehicles include the Ty37-17 steam locomotive, produced in 1938 at Cegielski Works in Poznań, the OKz32-2 steam locomotive – the only surviving pre-war Polish steam locomotive designed for mountain lines, and the Ol12-7 steam locomotive from 1912.

Vintage vehicles from Chabówka were used in film productions. The local fleet appeared, among others, in the films „Schindler’s List,” „Przedwiośnie,” „Złoto dezerterów,” „Katyń,” and „Szatan z siódmej klasy.”.

Preserving Knowledge and Specialized Expertise

One of the Foundation's important tasks will be to preserve the knowledge of employees who work with historical rolling stock. The Roundhouse employs mechanics, craftsmen, electricians, and other specialists with the competencies necessary for the maintenance and repair of historic vehicles. Some of them are approaching retirement age, which is why passing on their experience to subsequent generations of railway employees is of particular importance. Cooperation with technical schools
and railway organizations is intended to facilitate practical training and preserve skills related to technologies that are no longer commonly used in modern railways.

The Development of Historic Car Rides

One of the Foundation's main directions of activity will be the development of historic train rides. Currently, historic trains are operated primarily during the summer season. The new operational model is intended to expand the offer to include additional routes and themed events. It is also planned to connect the Steam Locomotive Depot's offer with PKP Intercity's „Slow” project.

– We want to ensure that the historic rolling stock from Chabówka is not merely displayed as part of an exhibition, but continues to run on the tracks. PKP Intercity will contribute its technical, operational, and transportation expertise to the Foundation’s activities, supporting the maintenance of operational vehicles, the development of historic train rides, and the integration of this offering with the „Nieśpieszny” project. “Thanks to this, passengers will be able to learn about the history of the railways during a real journey on a historic train,” says Joanna Siecińska, Member of the Management Board of PKP Intercity..

New museum and educational offer

The foundation plans to modernize its indoor and outdoor exhibits. The collection of historic rolling stock is unique in the country, but it requires organization and the creation of a cohesive, modern exhibition narrative. The exhibition located in the administrative building will be enhanced with multimedia and interactive elements. It will present not only the development of locomotives and wagons but also the work of railway employees – drivers, stokers, mechanics, electricians, dispatchers, and workshop staff. The offer for schools will also be expanded. Educational activities, workshops, tours of the locomotive shed, and presentations of the historic rolling stock conservation process are planned.

The Steam Locomotive Depot Is Open to Families and Tourists

The changes will also cover the grounds and buildings of the Roundhouse. The main building is planned to be renovated, with its appearance referencing historical railway architecture. The conference room, fireplace room, reception, and common areas will be modernized. Green areas are planned to include relaxation spots, a family space, a playground, a catering zone, and small architectural elements in a railway style. The accommodation facilities, a campsite for motorhomes and tents, and an area for outdoor events will also be developed. A new website will be launched, enabling ticket purchases, reservations for historical train rides, and accommodation bookings. This will make the Roundhouse's offerings more accessible to tourists from all over Poland.