In the essence of every rail and every locomotive lies the rich history of the railway that connects the past with the present. This is particularly the case of the iconic Granota Train, a tribute to the mastery and dedication of those who, in the midst of the post-war period, gave life to an innovative vehicle at the Sarrià workshop. A few months ago Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC) celebrated this legacy, bringing the Granota Train back to life so that today’s generations can discover the jewel of Spain’s railway heritage.
A Glimpse of History
The Granota Train, also known as the “Frog Train” due to its distinctive appearance, traces back to the Sarrià Railway in Barcelona, inaugurated in 1863. After the Civil War, visionary engineers from the Sarrià workshop conceived the 400 series, creating the legendary train in 1944. This modernised train became a symbol of railway evolution and served faithfully for forty years.
The Last Journey and the Resurrection
In 1996, marking the end of an era, the last Granota trains of the 400 series ran. However, its history did not disappear. Last year the Granota train returned to the rails, 27 years after its last journey. FGC painstakingly restored this railway icon, allowing its characteristic headlights and distinctive colours to light up the tracks of the Barcelona-Vallès line once again.
A Commitment to Heritage
The Granota train is part of FGC’s vision of preserving historical railway heritage. This journey not only celebrates the engineering of the past, but also highlights FGC’s commitment to the restoration, technical overhaul and safety of these railway jewels. The Granota train joins the FGC Turisme tourist train offer, sharing the stage with the Llacs Train, Ciment Train, Gelida Funicular, Núria Rack Railway and Montserrat Rack Railway and Funiculars.
A Guest of Honour on the Journey of Knowledge
Beyond being a train, the Granota is a living witness of railway evolution in Catalonia. This historic journey is an opportunity for everyone, from railway enthusiasts to curious travellers, to immerse themselves in the nostalgia and innovation that defines the Granota Train.
