An increasing number of tourists want to experience the beautiful Flåm Railway. Now Mantena’s experienced employees are preparing to keep the trains running during a busy summer season.
The train journey between Flåm and Myrdal has been described as one of the world's most spectacular – and is one of Norway’s most popular tourist attractions.
On the route, which is just over twenty kilometers long, tourists can experience foaming waterfalls, steep mountain sides, and a number of impressive viewpoints – all while being transported in a sustainable way.
Dream job with close ties
Mantena’s employees ensure that the five locomotives and 13 carriages are kept in operation on the Flåm Railway throughout the year.
– This is a dream job, states delivery manager Tore Nilsen.
Together with his colleagues, he commutes weekly from Bergen to Flåm, where they work shifts. In Flåm, employees have their own rooms and share meals at a welfare house. Such arrangements create close bonds.
– We have an incredibly good environment here and are like a family – both Mantena, Vy and Flåm Utvikling. We are on a first-name basis with the conductors and drivers, and are invited to Christmas parties and cake celebrations, says Nilsen.
Creating memories for a lifetime
In recent months, there have been even more cake celebrations, as the number of passengers has repeatedly set new records. Now, they are preparing for a busy peak season.
– During the summer season, it is non-stop. We make weekly plans for how the equipment will be maintained, but if you get a deviation, you must be able to recover. They are hectic days, Nilsen confirms.
Regardless, the ability to respond at short notice when something unforeseen occurs is important.
– People from all over the world come to Norway to take the Flåm Railway. Many of them may have only one chance in their life to experience the journey. We at Mantena ensure that the equipment is safe and that the quality meets passengers’ expectations. It is an important job, he states.
60-year-old trains require experienced professionals
The locomotives in operation on the Flåm Railway are of the EL18 type, and the carriages are type 3 – the oldest of which dates back to 1963. With proper maintenance, the trains run year after year. Nilsen does not hide the fact that working with such old rolling stock presents various challenges.
– We have good communication with the railway museum in Hamar regarding parts, he smiles.
Mantena’s long and broad experience with different types of rolling stock is undoubtedly an advantage when solutions need to be found. Nilsen himself has 40 years of experience in the same company.
– The team here is incredibly experienced and skilled at what they do. If we get stuck, we call the seasoned experts at Mantena in Oslo. We always find a solution.