1940s steam trains, models, and a miniature railway - there's something for everyone at this year's "Festival Vapeur" in the Minette region.
On Saturday 6 September and Sunday 7 September the Fond-de-Gras railway museum will celebrate all things steam. One of the key attractions this year is "Elna", a steam train locomotive dating back to 1940, which has been brought over from Belgium. "This train ran in Germany for a long time, on a side track, and then was brought over to a Belgian club in the 1970s," explains Jean-Marie Thill, the vice-president of railway heritage association Train 1900. "It was completely restored at the Three Valleys steam railway (Chemin de Fer à Vapeur des 3 Vallées). Now it's had another major overhaul."
The historical locomotive will be displayed to visitors at the festival this weekend, alongside a whole host of other machines and attractions, such as a model railway exhibition, steam tractor rides, workshops and more.
It is easiest to reach the Fond-de-Gras museum from Pétange, where a large car park has been set up for visitors. There will also be a free shuttle bus running to and from Niederkorn. "Tickets can be bought online, in a first for the festival. There will also be lots of shows over the weekend to thrill both young and old visitors."
The first train departs Pétange at 10am, and Fond-de-Gras at 9.20am. More information can be found on the website: www.minettpark.lu