Historic steam train makes timely arrival in Szeged

Hundreds of rail enthusiasts and curious onlookers gathered at Szeged’s main railway station on Friday to witness the arrival of a rare steam-powered special train, pulled by the legendary 424.247 locomotive — affectionately nicknamed the “Bivaly” or “Buffalo.”

Families, tourists, and hobbyists lined the platform well ahead of the train’s 2:00 p.m. arrival. As modern InterCity services announced slight delays over the loudspeakers, the vintage engine appeared right on schedule, its whistle echoing across the station and drawing cheers from the crowd.

Though the journey was slower than modern electric or diesel routes, passengers aboard the historic train said the experience more than made up for it. The vintage carriages — dating back nearly a century — were carefully restored, with interiors preserved down to the smallest detail. Wood-paneled compartments, brass fixtures, and period upholstery gave travelers a vivid sense of stepping back in time.

While the locomotive was the main attraction, the stop in Szeged offered visitors a deeper dive into Hungary’s rich railway heritage. Benedek Szlama, dressed in an authentic Royal Hungarian Railways uniform, greeted the special train and led guided tours through the historic station. Participants learned about the building’s 1902 reconstruction and architect Ferenc Pfaff's legacy. Inside the station, guests explored a photo and relic exhibition hosted by the Railway History Foundation.

As the steam locomotive prepared to continue its journey to Hódmezővásárhely, spectators could watch the engine depart for a short while to Szeged-Rendező station to refill its water supply. Despite the heat, many waited for its return and said goodbye as the classic train left Szeged.

The 424-class steam engines, first introduced in 1924, were once the workhorses of the Hungarian Railways. Known for their power and durability, they remained in service for decades, with later models upgraded to run on fuel oil. Today, only a handful remain operational, typically appearing at commemorative events like Friday’s journey through southern Hungary.

Photos: Szilvia Molnar / Szegedify