This morning, standing at platform 13a at Stockholm Central Station, was a train that I first noticed back in 2021. Now, it may seem odd that I’d recognise a particular train given I am not generally that interested in specific railway ephemera. Okay, like most men, I do like a good train but, even so, the names (and numbers) I tend to ignore. But not this particular train. No, because this train was Trainy McTrainface.
It was on its way to Göteborg.
I did wonder why it’s now green when, back when I first saw the train, it was red. Does this mean there is more than one Trainy McTrainface? But, no. The reason for the change of colour is because the original train was operated by Hong Kong based MTR Corporation which uses a red livery. MTR was acquired by the Finnish company VR Group. This happened in 2024. VR trains are green. So Trainy McTrainface had a make-over.
Obviously, I sent images to the Weasel WhatsApp group, explaining the significance. I received laughing emojis in return. As is only right.
Sadly, it wasn’t our train. I don’t think ours had a name. It was just your normal, run-of-the-mill, Mälartåg train taking us home.
Yesterday, there was a massive electrical fault which led to the cancellation of all the trains going to Vagnhärad so we were a bit concerned about our return today. However, the people responsible for fixing these things had managed to fix whatever was wrong and trains were running on time. Actually, more than on time.
We arrived at Flemingsberg five minutes early. I thought we’d sit at the platform for four minutes in order to leave on schedule, but the driver had other ideas. Four minutes before it was due to arrive, it pulled out of the station and sped across the countryside. We figured it was, in a small, modest way, making up for yesterday. Pity the poor passengers who had no buffer, though.
Kevin, one half of our Australian house sitters, met us at the station with two very excited puppies and drove us home. After such a long journey, it was nice to be chauffeured for the last little bit.
A short while later, Kevin, and wife Elena, drove off in their mobile home, heading for Oslo. They took great care of both dogs and house. I think they’ll both miss the girls and, perhaps, the quiet of Trosa. I don’t think they’ll miss the problems they had buying train tickets.
In the afternoon, Nicoline came over to drop the boat keys off for Mirinda to use tomorrow morning. We had a jolly chat about various things as well as some, somewhat dubious, long life pepparkaka.
Mirinda spent a lot of time looking at things in delighted surprise as the true colours of our world became clear through her new eyes.
And, just in case you didn’t believe me…
I think it looks good being white on green.
