Setesdalsbanen

Table of contents

1 History 2 The preserved locomotives 2.1 Narrow gauge steam locomotives 2.2 Narrow gauge diesel locomotives 2.3 Standard gauge diesel locomotives 3 More information

History

The Setesdalsbanen is a railroad between Kristiansand and Byglandsfjord in southern Norway. 78 km long. Built with a gauge of 3 1/2 feet (1067 mm). Opened to Hægeland November 26 1895, to Byglandsfjord November 27 1896. Stations along the line included Mosby, Vennesla, Grovene (Grovane), Iveland and Hægeland.

When Sørlandsbanen was opened to Kristiansand in 1938, Grovane became the new terminal station for Setesdalsbanen, with connection to Sørlandsbanen.

Setesdalsbanen was suspended from September 1, 1962, and the track was demolished between Byglandsfjord and Beihølen. The 6 km line between Beihølen and Grovane was, however, preserved by local enthusiasts. The Setesdalsbanen Hobby Club was established already in 1964.

Today, Setesdalsbanen is a railway museum with steam trains trafficing the 6 km line between Grovane and Beihøldalen. Four steam locomotives from 1894-1902 are preserved, along with a number of passenger and freight cars. An extension of 2 km to Røyknes station is under construction, and will be opened at September 5 2004.

The preserved locomotives

Narrow gauge steam locomotives

• Type XXI number 1, built at Dübs & Co in 1894. This engine is not operational.
• Type XXI number 2, built at Dübs & Co in 1894. This engine is currently not in service due to a minor damage.
• Type XXI number 5, built at Thunes Mekaniske Værksted in 1901. This engine is fully operational.
• Type XXII number 6, built at Thunes Mekaniske Værksted in 1902. This engine is fully operational.

• SJ Z4t number 227, built in 1950. Bought from the SJ in 1976.
• SJ Z4t number 307, built in 1952. Bought from the SJ in 1981.

These locomotives are only used for shunting at areas with combined track.

• Skd 206 number 39, built in 1936.
• Skd 206 number 44, built in 1936.

More information about Setesdalsbanen is available from the Setesdalsbanen web site.