In Žamberk, a Museum of Old Machines was established in the old factory

Žamberk (Orlickoústecko) - A Museum of Old Machines and Technologies has been established in Žamberk, in the area of the former Vonwiller textile factory, thanks to the efforts of several collectors and enthusiasts. Over the years, they have amassed dozens of historical steam engines, stationary engines, vintage cars, and machining equipment. The original boyish passion has gradually transformed into a business, said Radek Bednář, one of the museum's founders, in an interview with ČTK.
    "This is how it goes when you play with trains as a little boy and then it grows with you. Eventually, you end up with larger and larger models and finally, you are repairing locomotives," Bednář stated. Due to the expanding collections and the need for larger workshops, he and his brother Michal bought the former factory, where they also provided facilities for other collectors and like-minded people.
    According to the original documentation, they made a replica of a German steam locomotive in cooperation with a boiler factory in Kolín, which will make its debut this Saturday. "After more than 50 years, a steam locomotive has been created again in the Czech Republic," Bednář proudly states, adding that they could manufacture the machine on a custom order basis.
    In the yard, there is a steam-powered ferry from 1896 waiting for repair. Among the exhibits is a steam car made for Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, which produced steam by burning gasoline. The oldest machine in the collection is a stationary steam engine from 1875 that used acetylene as fuel. Another interesting item is a replica of the oldest Czech steam vehicle originally constructed by Josef Božek in 1815, two steam-powered plows, and a steam-powered freight wagon, the Praga Sentinel. One forty-ton steam engine is even a national technical monument, and its renovation is currently being prepared.
    Some exhibits are loaned out by the museum to other organizations, and it also has long-term loans. They participate in various exhibitions and events with different machines, such as the Riverbank of Steam Enthusiasts in Hradec Králové and also abroad.
    The museum is a non-profit organization encompassing about ten collectors, each creating their own exhibition. The Bednář brothers also established a restoration company for old machinery six years ago, and they now have several employees.
    Currently, the museum is accessible only by prior arrangement. From next year, it should be permanently open during the summer season.