Railroads in Greece, specifically Olympia

[markpierce]

Anybody out there have info about railroads in Greece? In 2004 I toured Greece, and spent one day in Olympia (site of the original Olympics.) It had a nice stub railroad terminal still providing passenger service. There are a total of four turnouts. There was a runaround track, a very short (25 foot?) turntable, and a spur that used to access an apparent passenger car shed. Service is now provided by a three-car, double-ended, self-powered passenger train (power/express/passenger, passenger, power/express/passenger units), so it is operated as an out-and-back operation not requiring the use of turnouts in Olympia. However, all track, turntable, and metal water tank are still in excellent condition. Can imagine a small 2-6-2 tank loco and several two-axle shorty passenger cars in green color scheme operating there. Track looked meter gauge.

[owlsroost]

There is brief history here - http://www.ose.gr/%280600517540456353%29/ecportal.asp?id=65&nt=18&lang=2 and maps http://www.alleuroperail.com/eurorailway-maps/greece-map.htm http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_greece.php

Basically, the system in the Peloponnese region (where Olympia is located) is metre gauge, mostly run with diesel MU trains of various types plus a few trains hauled by old Alco locomotives. The metre gauge system currently extends eastwards from Corinth (Korinthos) to Athens, but a new standard gauge line has just opened between those points to replace it, and this will eventually extend west from Corinth to the major ferry port at Patras (replacing the metre gauge line).

The rest of the Greek system is standard gauge (some electrified).

Tony