The new platform and lighting at the border station was formally opened by HSH Prince Rudolf this afternoon. His Serene Highness arrived on board the royal train, having enjoyed lunch on the trip from Zenda. Platform ends and various attachment points have been painted to match the surface (more or less!).
In recognition of this magnificent achievement, Ruritanian Railways MD was presented with a new company vehicle. Somewhat to his disappointment, it was not a Skoda.
Both trains - if that's the right word for a VW railbus - gathered at the new platform. The difference in dimensions is striking.
Clearances between lights and trains and valve gear and platform are tight, but carefully calculated. Oh yes they were. It wasn't dumb luck at all...
Following the short, yet moving opening ceremony, Prince Rudolf departed for Zenda, passing the ever-present rake of hoppers, laden to the brim with invisible ballast for export.
A final shot of Polapiko with the hoppers passing the station, new lights, platform and all.
Ruritania - land of progress!