Sadly, I have to report that the train in Cvo was damaged in an accident last Sunday afternoon. It was coming down the hill at the side of the beach and appeared to jack-knife and crash into the wall which was damaged also. I don't think anyone was seriously injured but one or two were understandably shaken up a little. I have photos of it but don't know how to upload them. Commiserations to the owner/operators but I'm sure everyone hopes things are sorted ready for next summer

You can learn how to post photos HERE, or you can email them to me on michael.a.crane@ntlworld.com and I'll post them for you.

Shock! Horror! The train has crashed!

Picture courtesy of flying fish

Blimey - I bet that was scarey. You don't have to wear seatbelts etc when you go on the train but then you don't expect that to happen. Hope everyone was OK.

oops Hope everyone ok,

How scarry that must have been.
Both for this years driver and his passengers.
This years driver, was friendly and always waved and smiled as he passed. Also he blew a whistle to help drum up custom.
Hope he will find some employment for the Winter and hope the train is back 'On Track' for next year.

Sad about the train but I can't say I'm surprised. Had a dreadul experience on it in October, broke down several times on way to Ferragudo, bonnet up at least twice, rolling backwards down the hills in the struggle to keep going etc. On return journey it kept suddenly jerking to a halt. There were some very surprised drivers behind us!! Driver was obviously trying to avoid uphill sections on the way back but we missed a house and a car by inches coming down the hill past Colina Branca as he skidded to a halt on the gravel. The lady of the house was most surprised to find a train almost on her doorstep. Never again for me but hope everyone is OK!!

W

The train ride around Tavira is a pleasant experience. Good value for money and plenty to see.

Aw shame, now what can I get stuck behind on my way home to lunch?

looks like emergency action by the driver after brake failure. If it was he was pretty skilled. What speed would the train have got to by the time it got down to the square??!!

If it was the same trip we saw leaving on Sunday, it was totally overloaded. Looked like it had been booked by a number of Portuguese families, and they were packed like sardines. (No pun intended). Think the trains brakes couldn't hold the load going down a steep hill. Maybe there should be a limit on passengers (or better brakes).

Yes Barry that would figure, when we got there just after the event, there were a lot of locals amassing in the square. Most of them trembling with fear probably.

The resident calls the driver a hero for reacting the way he did, but I am not sure if failing to check the brakes on your vehicle and/or overloading it isn't enough to disqualify someone from becoming a "hero".
Considering the number of hills he has to descend, that should have been a priority.

Glad no one was hurt and thankfully he managed to miss Carlos at Rede's 5 Series!!! Would have sent him into orbit!!