Rendez, close enough to the French term "rendez-vous", is what the Slovaks call the annual steam locomotive festival in Bratislava. While it used to be held in September, it now always takes place every June, so as not to clash with the autumn "Grand Prix" events held in short succession in both Zvolen and Budapest. This year a number of international steam locomotives descended upon Blava, as the locals like to nick-name the Slovak capital. Chief amongst the attractions, and one definitely can label them a bit "the usual suspects", were the always magnificent 498.022 from Prague and the equally impressive 310.23 from Strasshof. Probably the most noteworthy participant was however the local 555.3008. After years of volunteer labor, its overhaul has been successfully completed and now Slovakia´s heritage fleet features its first operational, oil-fired kettle! Indeed, the loco was already converted to heavy oil-firing back in the 1960s, but most recently it had been out of service for the past few decades. Of note is the huge oil tank on top of the typical Class 52 tender. The height of the oil tank really maxes out the available loading gauge. Slovak coal-fired steam locos always have to be shadowed by a fire train. 555.3008 won't require that and hence already has a huge operational advantage for future excursions onto the main line! All pictures courtesy of Eduard Sassmann.
