The Catalan regional railway Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC) operates a network of different railway lines which are technically quite diverse. In addition, there is a dedicated tourist-oriented programme. Since May 2023, this offer includes the operation of a complete trainset of the so-called “Granota” series, which were in service on the standard-gauge lines to Terrassa and Sabadell until the mid-1990s.
This is the three-section trainset which consists of motor car 507, trailer 809 (ex No. 805) and motor car 409 (ex No. 413). All three belong to a series of electric trains that was built in 1944-51 and 1965-76 in several series, partly using components from earlier series. 53 motor cars and trailers were in service in various combinations on the FGC’s 1435mm-gauge network until 1996. 27 units were sold afterwards to the Caribbean island of Cuba in 1998 to replace a variety of older trains there. Some of Catalonian trains do still exist today and operate in passenger service on the electrified network of the former Hershey Interurban.
In 1998, the exterior of today’s heritage train 507-809-409 was refurbished for special trips at FGC’s Rubí workshop but remained in store since 2012. In 2018, a significantly more extensive restoration started and could be completed in early 2023. On certain weekend days, which are announced on the websites of the FGC, the train provides public service over a substantial part of its old operating area between Terrassa, Sabadell and Les Planes. It can be used by everyone at the normal fare.
