Imagine, if you will, a garden. But not just any garden. This garden is full of railway signals. This is the Szemafor gy\u0171jtem\u00e9ny.
The Szemafor gy\u0171jtem\u00e9ny is a unique museum experience in Budapest. It is dedicated to semaphore and railway signals. It showcases the evolution of transport communications. This hidden gem offers insight into Hungary’s railway history.
Sz\u0171cs Mikl\u00f3s, a professional railway modeler, owns this collection. He saves railway artifacts for posterity. His passion led him to collect real railway items.
In the XVI. district on Thorma J\u00e1nos street, colorful metal rods stand tall. These are visible from afar. The yard is filled with old railway semaphores and relics. Sz\u0171cs Mikl\u00f3s is a 61 year old painter. He dedicates his free time to his collecting and modeling passion. He builds incredibly lifelike models. His garden and house are full of railway memories.
Since Google’s camera car captured his garden, visitors often come. Sz\u0171cs Mikl\u00f3s has been collecting railway memorabilia since February 2007. He believes it’s better to save them than to scrap them.
His garden features semaphores and rail pieces from all over Hungary. These come from Szombathely, Sopron, and M\u00e1t\u00e9szalka. There are items from Lovasber\u00e9ny and the \u00d3buda railway station too.
Collecting these items is not simple. Relics often travel hundreds of kilometers to his garden. Sometimes, 5-6 friends help move the heavy structures. Many are in poor condition when he gets them. Mikl\u00f3s restores them and brings them back to life. All semaphores operate on 12 volts. His garden glows with colorful lights at night.
The collector smiles and says it wouldn’t make sense if they didn’t work. He initially planned to use petroleum for lighting. But that would cost thousands of forints weekly. So he uses 5 watt bulbs instead.
Mikl\u00f3s started modeling at 30. He hasn’t watched television in 25 years. This gives him time for his hobby. It’s his way to unwind after a hard day.
He adds that he built his first model with his wife. Now he works alone in his workshop. Unless his grandson visits. He wants to share this magical world with him.
The Szemafor gy\u0171jtem\u00e9ny features exhibits that detail semaphore signals. It covers their history and modern advancements. The collection includes restored signaling devices. There are also historical photographs and informational displays. Each item reflects railway safety and communication innovations.
A fully operational semaphore signal is a standout piece. Visitors can see it in action. A timeline traces railway signaling from the 19th century to today. Interactive exhibits engage guests. This makes the experience educational and enjoyable.
If you visit Budapest, don’t miss the Szemafor gy\u0171jtem\u00e9ny. It combines history, technology, and hands-on interaction. It offers a unique glimpse into Hungary’s railway heritage.