Children's railway
Educational railways where children learn rail professions.
Children's railways—also called pioneer railways—are after-school programs where kids can train for careers in rail transport. The idea started in the Soviet Union and flourished during that era; the very first one opened in Tbilisi, Georgia on June 24, 1935. By the time the USSR dissolved, the number of operating children's railways was lower than the peak of about 52, which includes some that had already closed.
Many of these railways still operate in post-Soviet nations and Eastern Europe. They often use older rolling stock no longer found on main lines, so they can be considered heritage railways. With few exceptions, those built in the Eastern Bloc have a track gauge of at least 600 mm (1 ft 11+5⁄8 in), allowing them to carry full-sized narrow gauge cars.
[List of children's railways follows as in source]
- origin
- USSR
- first_opened
- June 24, 1935, Tbilisi, Georgia
- peak_count
- about 52 (including some that had already closed)
- typical_track_gauge
- at least 600 mm (1 ft 11+5⁄8 in)
- current_regions
- post-Soviet states and Eastern European countries
Lore & Background
Children's railways were established as extracurricular institutions to teach young people railway trades, including operation and maintenance. The first such railway opened in Tbilisi, Georgia on June 24, 1935, and the concept spread widely across the USSR. By the time the Soviet Union dissolved, the number of operating children's railways was lower than the peak of about 52, which includes some that had already closed.
Reader's Guide
Many children's railways continue to function in post-Soviet states and Eastern European countries. They often feature railway technology no longer seen on main lines, making them heritage railways. Most built in the Eastern Bloc have a track gauge of at least 600 mm and can carry full-size narrow gauge rolling stock, preserving historical equipment and practices.
Did You Know?
- The world's first children's railway opened in Tbilisi, Georgia on June 24, 1935.
- At the breakup of the USSR, the number of operating children's railways was lower than the peak of about 52, which includes some that had already closed.
- Many children's railways feature railway technology not seen anymore on main lines.
- Most children's railways built in the Eastern Bloc have a track gauge of at least 600 mm.
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