Considering that a Facebook group initiated it, what could be so important about a railway switch? This is the story of the Kismuki egykori váltója. It stands as a memorial to the old Veresegyház–Gödöllő railway. This railway line closed in 1970 and was later dismantled.
The Gödöllő Anno Facebook group played a key role. Its members proposed setting up the Kismuki egykori váltója in a public space. During the railway renovation, the group discovered a remaining switch. They decided to save it for future generations.
This particular switch bears the number 27. Today it stands in the square before the Blahai Napköziotthon. The unveiling ceremony was quite the event. Dr. Mária Merva Gál spoke about the history of the Kismuki. She is the retired director of the Gödöllő City Museum.
Lajos Hajdú added interesting details. He was once a conductor on the Kismuki. Hajdú even brought his ticket punch. It had a whistle inside. He blew the whistle evoking memories of the Kismuki departures.
Gödöllő Mayor György Gémesi presented awards. László Bara and Károly Lőrincz received mayoral silver medals. They played a crucial role in saving and setting up the switch.
László Bucsy also participated in the celebration. He is the president of the Blaháért association. Bucsy brought a street sign. It read “Muki Square”.
The Kismuki’s last journey was on June 30, 1970. It traveled between Veresegyház and Gödöllő. The small steam train was a local icon. To mark the 50th anniversary, the Pest County News published two reports.
The reports detailed the transition from train to bus. József Zahumenszki from the Autóközlekedési Tröszt thanked the railway workers. They assisted with the changeover.
Tari Kálmán, director of MÁVAUT, spoke about the advantages of buses. The change increased daily services from eleven trains to 35 buses. Travel time decreased from 26 to 19 minutes.
József Csiba, a sharp-eyed reporter, attended the event as a railway worker. He noted that the small railway carried one million passengers in 1963. Sadly, accidents occurred each year. The Kismuki would whistle along the route. This warned people of its approach. Residents knew the time by the train’s whistle.
Now, the Kismuki egykori váltója serves as a reminder. It stands as a tribute to a beloved train. It evokes memories of a bygone era. The Kismuki may be gone but it is not forgotten.