Who would have imagined that a chance encounter on social media could lead two young enthusiasts to meet in a railway station hall in Poland — and spark a friendship built on railways, travel and shared adventures? And yet, that is exactly how this wonderfully unexpected story unfolded over the past months between Noah van Kipshagen, myself, and our friends on both sides.
It all began behind two screens
The story starts on Instagram, during a conversation about Swiss rolling stock between Marcel Bucholz and me. We continued chatting privately, only to realise that both of us were planning to attend the FEDECRAIL Congress just two weeks later.
As if that coincidence weren’t enough, Marcel also mentioned that he would be travelling with other Dutch participants — including Noah van Kipshagen, who, as it turned out, was another acquaintance of mine from Instagram. Suddenly, this improbable chain of coincidences became even more surreal. We were already exchanging messages long before meeting in person.
A few weeks later, we finally met in Poznań station before boarding the “FEDECRAIL Express,” which carried congress participants to Zbąszyń. From there, we continued to our hotel and settled in for the rest of the event.
The congress also brought together around fifteen other young enthusiasts from across Europe — enriching encounters, new friendships, and strengthened bonds that made the experience even more memorable.
From Hoorn to Montreux
After the congress, we agreed on one thing: if any of us travelled to the other’s country, we would let each other know and try to organise a visit.
And so we did.
In May, Noah travelled to Switzerland with his friend Jochem to attend a special steam event featuring locomotives 241.A.65 and 141.R.1244. The following weekend, they visited the Blonay‑Chamby museum railway during our traditional Swiss Steam Festival.
During the Pentecost weekend, they immersed themselves fully in our association — meeting the team, enjoying the festival atmosphere, spotting trains, riding trains, and sharing relaxed evenings over meals. The Blonay‑Chamby members were delighted to welcome them, language barriers notwithstanding.
From Montreux to Hoorn
After such a fantastic weekend, it didn’t take long for us to plan a return visit during our summer holidays.
So, with a small group of young steam enthusiasts, I travelled to Hoorn in the Netherlands for a few days. The programme included two full days at the Museumstoomtram Hoorn–Medemblik, where Noah works, followed by a day at the Veluwsche Stoomtrein Maatschappij, where Jochem and Marcel are involved.
Once again, the pleasure was mutual.
What struck us most was the exceptional hospitality and kindness of everyone we met. Their warm welcome made every conversation and every moment enjoyable. Beyond the beautifully maintained rolling stock, we discovered people, associations and a different way of living our shared passion.
Another side of FEDECRAIL
To conclude this little story, I believe it perfectly illustrates one of FEDECRAIL’s lesser‑known strengths.
Perhaps these trips did not bring technical or commercial benefits to our respective railways. But exchanges like this encourage young people and enthusiasts to step outside their own organisations, meet others, and discover what is happening elsewhere.
In doing so, they gain one more reason to invest themselves in FEDECRAIL — the organisation that ultimately connects us all.
By: Emilien Charrière, Blonay‑Chamby Museum Railway (Switzerland)
