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The
Small Southern is 3.6 kilometers long and connects the Gorky Park with
the Forest Park.
There were about 40 children's
railroads in the former USSR. Few of them are still operational.
Carriages of the children's
railroad are relatively spacious and there is enough space inside both
for children and adults. |
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| The
Small Southern is one of the oldest; it celebrated it's 60th anniversary
in November 2000. The railroad was built on initiative of Komsomol (Young
Communist League) members of the Southern Railroad and the Institute of
Railroad Engineers in the years before the Second World War. |
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| From May through November,
young railroad enthusiasts and students of Kharkiv schools come here to
acquire knowledge and practical skills in this industry. They drive locomotives,
work as train attendants, switchmen, and yard masters. |
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The
Small Southern rolling stock consists of Diesel locomotives, about
fifteen passenger carriages, and two steam locomotives in honorary "retirement".
However, with the trend for retro-style vehicles, they might return one
day to entertain the public who have only seen steam engines in old picture
books.
The children's railroad is
very popular with the Kharkivites and guests and has about 20,000 to 30,000
visitors annually. |
| In
its northern section the Gorky Park borders on the Forest Park, which is
a large natural forest tract covering an area of over 2,000 hectares. This
is the largest wooded area within the city limits, spread picturesquely
on the terrain cut with ravines, which renders it special beauty and makes
an excellent location for picnicking and recreation. An absolutely genuine
railroad bridge connecting the Gorky Park with the Forest Park gives special
charm to the children's railroad. |
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