The Great Circular European Railway Challenge

[Mark_Lester]

We could stay on the 22/23 a bit further then walk into the city across the Charles Bridge - another cultural icon in the bag.

this is the kind of stuff we're here for. tick.
the list of tourist snap shots is supposedly on the route page, though should be on the places page as the route will be big enough without all the trams and stuff.
actually that's what I'll do, I'll re-org the places page in chronological order, and put all the local route details, including "now take a picture of X" instructions, in there, thus keeping the route page readable. for us in the R&D dep drawing a line between what for some might be just a tram ride and a tourist attraction is a difficult task.

We don't really have time to go searching for geuze bars down dodgy looking alleys anyway.

in view of the midi not central issue in Brussels, and that we've only an hour in Amsterdam and are going to need supplies for the evening, we may have to forsake the civilized 10:57 dep from st panc. I dont like that as I dont want to lose anyone before we start, the previous is 3 minutes to 9, not the best time to hit kings x tube. and a bit too early to have a launch toast. I guess we could just tel them "it's 8 O'Clock sharp"
The decision may be taken out of our hands as it's the premium train and group travel might not fit us onto it (though the bloke on the phone seemed relaxed about it, I think if we get our foot in the vestibule door early enough then there's a decent enough cheap seat allocation)

Enjoying a sit down pint though is just not feasible on the current plan, which is a shame.


re Lisbon, and everywhere we haven't got to the nitty gritty of yet. we need to do them all right down to the second for two obvious reasons,
1. to ensure we havent got a Budapest on our hands and need to make a decision about shuffling stuff about. we've quite a lot of time in Spain for instance though I don't think there's anything railtastic on the menu there.
2. make sure there isn't a day restriction that we need to factor in to the launch date.

I believe we are advised to get off the train at Belem on the way back from Cascais, then tram it in from there, we'll need a day pass on the trams anyway. all the interesting tram stuff, including the recommended tram 28. seems to be close to the water between our two stations, so it's all going to work out.

 

[Glenmutchkin]

re Lisbon, and everywhere we haven't got to the nitty gritty of yet. we need to do them all right down to the second for two obvious reasons,
.

I looked up the Lisbon top ten and got a list of religious sites and a tile factory. At number five they listed a tram ride. Talk about warped priorities.

Barcelona - Sagrada Familia or Nou Camp. Gaudi or Messi. Should we have a poll. Actually there is a terrific old style market just off the Rambla. I'll dig a photo out.

Madrid - There is a rail museum next to Atocha Station but I suspect that it will be closed when we get there. The Madrid metro is a pretty good system but the bits I've been on were all underground so not that interesting.

 

[Mark_Lester]

I looked up the Lisbon top ten and got a list of religious sites and a tile factory. At number five they listed a tram ride. Talk about warped priorities.

Barcelona - Sagrada Familia or Nou Camp. Gaudi or Messi. Should we have a poll. Actually there is a terrific old style market just off the Rambla. I'll dig a photo out.

Madrid - There is a rail museum next to Atocha Station but I suspect that it will be closed when we get there. The Madrid metro is a pretty good system but the bits I've been on were all underground so not that interesting.

That cathedral is a bloody building site, and that park is like a football match.
I've contacts there which I havent started to bug yet. but I'm hoping for an off the normal route solution for Barca, mainly involving food.
Likewise Madrid.

for Lisbon

bus 34 from stanta apolonia (about 400m, havent worked out exactly to where)
then tram 28e to cais do sodre
train to Cascais
train back to Belem
tram 15e back into town, change at santos
tram 25e to elevador do bica
elevador do bica
tram 28e all the way to the end and back, get off at luis de comoes
walk up rua misrecordia to elevador do gloria
elevador do gloria
avoid the hard rock cafe that is across the road, walk past it onto the elevador do lava
do that then walk through the uni/hospital campus and get a 28e again back to the waterfront (not sure if it goes clockwise or anti, but it's a loop and I think it only goes in one direction)

we'll want to dump the bags
we'll need at east one place to have some espetada and chips
we'll need to get some port, obviously,
and something for the train to hendaye

 

[Glenmutchkin]

That cathedral is a bloody building site

A bit harsh. Definitely not one to do if vertigo is a problem.

Lisbon - Don't forget the custard pastry things. I'll remember their name in a minute*. A bit of Fado would be good but might be difficult to find at lunchtime.

Have you seen this excellent publication - Transit maps of the World?

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images...arrow-dp,TopRight,12,-18_SH30_OU02_AA115_.jpg

Let's see if this link will work any better

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Transit-Map...=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1325854608&sr=1-1

* pastel de nata

 

[mickpop]

Dresden sounds good to me as long as it isn't going to drive the rest of the team bonkers. Not sure where Mick has got to or what his view is.

Sorry guys - had the rare treat of working yesterday and then broke the pc by forcing a memory card into the wrong slot on the reader to download some photos for the wife just as I was logging on. I blamed her although it was probably my eyesight at fault. Anyway spent most of the evening dismantling, fixing and reassembling.

I've done all the Dresden area narrow gauge before [yawn] but the Radebeul jaunt is fine. I assume the other local ng line -Freital Hainsburg to Kurort Kipsdof - may be further from Dresden HBF or Neustadt? It's more scenic while the Radebeul line is more a tourist thing although the lake and stately heap at Moritzburg are worth a look.Don't have a timetable so can't check this out.Will post a link later to some photos on Zenfolio for rail nuts.

Will study the rest of the discussion later. Seems to be about eating Oxen and Daschunds. I had plenty of the former in India last month and surely ate the latter in North Korea a few years back.

 

[Glenmutchkin]

Will study the rest of the discussion later. Seems to be about eating Oxen and Daschunds. I had plenty of the former in India last month and surely ate the latter in North Korea a few years back.

Ssshhhh!! Scooter will hear you.

 

[Mark_Lester]

I've done all the Dresden area narrow gauge before [yawn] but the Radebeul jaunt is fine. I assume the other local ng line -Freital Hainsburg to Kurort Kipsdof - may be further from Dresden HBF or Neustadt? It's more scenic while the Radebeul line is more a tourist thing although the lake and stately heap at Moritzburg are worth a look.Don't have a timetable so can't check this out.Will post a link later to some photos on Zenfolio for rail nuts.
.

we wont even get to see the stately heap on the plan I've got, we just come straight back. so reduced touristy value. I dont think you can even see it from the track cos of the trees.
frankly I'm more interested in seeing you two getting all worked up at puffing billy, so take your pick,Weißeritztalbahn is barely any further away.
anyone who isnt into it can just soak up the baroque in Dresden.

 

[Glenmutchkin]

frankly I'm more interested in seeing you two getting all worked up at puffing billy,

You make it all sound rather sordid. I shall defer to Mick's superior knowledge in this matter.

 

[Mark_Lester]

You make it all sound rather sordid. I shall defer to Mick's superior knowledge in this matter.

I thought this would be a special treat, but Mick's obviously done both, I'd like the one with the best steam engines.

Michael, you have casting vote, we'll do anything you say.
the only issue wit the new one is that we get less than an hour in Dresden either time, so the blitz of the old city (oops, should rephrase that I guess) will have to be quicker, with the moritzburg one we get 80 minutes I think to go tram, snap snap snap. tram.

 

[Donbacsi]

After extensive discussions with Scooter, he has agreed to consider the post of GCERC Mascot. This, however, entails great sacrifice on his part as he will have to delay acceptance of the KBE to a later date.

 

[Glenmutchkin]

he will have to delay acceptance of the KBE to a later date.

OK. I'll buy it. What does KBE stand for?

 

[Donbacsi]

An American's understanding is that it is Knight of the British Empire (at least that is what we are told). What does Scotand stand for?

 

[ainsworth74]

An American's understanding is that it is Knight of the British Empire (at least that is what we are told).

Actually it would be Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire

It's the second highest of the five classes in the Order of the British Empire.

 

[Glenmutchkin]

An American's understanding is that it is Knight of the British Empire

What a relief. I had looked it up on the internet and found this.

"KBE – one of the leading brands for PVCu window profiles"

What does Scotand stand for?

Gie few and they're a' died.

PS well spotted. Must have been a bevvy taken that night.

 

[Donbacsi]

Does anyone know how to make this grotty server work? I am getting very tired of spending 2-3 hours research and writing only to be told I "cannot submit" and must re-log on. Then my draft gets erased and I must start all over. This is not worth the effort.
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Assumptions which I think warrant clarification.
!. You WILL be taking folding cash for all non-Euro countries? A wad of Zlotys for that long haul? LOTS of easily convertible Hungarian Forint (HUF) for the splurge in B-pest? A little of Romanian Lei and other Balkan funny monies for emergencies?
My experience has been you might need these, even if there are no scheduled stops in a particular country. One never knows if there will be a break down, a siding stop to allow a cattle train to pass, or worse. My latest experience with this was in Szolnok, where we had a two hour stop in sight of the platform, and even worse, in sight of the drink bar and cafe. Someone had been run over at the platform and the place was swarming with coppers. We dared not jump out and run for the bar because we might have become victims of the dreaded "Szolnok Split" (see above). Eventually the tea (beer) cart came around but would only accept local cash. Expect this to be the rule in all non-Euro countries.
2. I understood all sleepers were to be 1st class with showers en suite. If so, why the mania to check into hovels...I mean hostels? B-pest is a good case in point.
You will hurtle down the main steps at Keleti to face an insanely busy main street. You dodge (with bags) across it to jog down steps into a 200m sunken square. Then back up the stairs to another insanely busy street. Once across, you must find "Bell #14". There you will undoubtably meet the Hungarian equivilant of Manuel from Fawlty Towers. Assuming he doesn't take you for a gang of UK Lager Louts there for a stag spree (in which case he may require you rent 6 rooms) you will still have to present passports, fill out the Kafkaesque paper work and trundle to you "room." All this so one person can get a spritz. Bear in mind the clock is ticking...precious minutes taken away from the great ABURP!
As for change for lockers. You will find this will not be your problem, rather it will be getting rid of the change to be the poser. Hungary abolished the 200 HUF note (do NOT accept these as change) and has replaced it with a coin. Everything you buy on the Vienna_Budapest train (high-test Hungarian coffee, beer, snacks) will result in pocketsful of change. Everything in the following article should be up to date with the exception of the quoted exchange rates:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g274881-s601/Hungary:Banks.And.Money.html

 

[mickpop]

I thought this would be a special treat, but Mick's obviously done both, I'd like the one with the best steam engines.

Michael, you have casting vote, we'll do anything you say.

I have to admit that the last time I 'did' the Dresden area narrow gauge was in 1987! By that time my steam chasing days were limited due to having little kiddiewinkies although I did manage to get them and their mother to the DDR in 1986 which is when we just happened to camp at Moritzburg on the Raderburg line.I also forgot that the Freital Hainsberg line is closed beyond Dippoldiswald due to flooding some years ago that washed away parts of the line. You do still get to pass the lake at Malter.

Locomotive-wise my latest information seems to suggest that both lines have at least on 'vintage' loco - namely a Saxon Meyer which is an -0-4-4-0 tank, ie it has two engine units each with two cylinders - bit like the Fairlies on the Ffestiniog although some geek is going to post saying they are completely different types, which they are technically.Otherwise both lines have the relatively modern 2-10-2 tanks built post war. I think Radebeul also has a Saxon 0-10-0 tank which may run. On balance the Radebeul line is probably the safest bet as it also has a museum - I think.

You can see some vintage photos of the lines here -

http://mickpope.zenfolio.com/p634107806
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An American's understanding is that it is Knight of the British Empire (at least that is what we are told). What does Scotand stand for?

It's Scotland with the 'ell taken out of it - something the Presbyterians have been trying to achieve for years! Only joking Glenmutchkin - hae a wee dram on me when we next meet.

 

[Donbacsi]

Once I explained to Scooter that the proferred OBE award was only a second-rate honour I was force to urge him to forego it and accept instead a Peerage from the GCERC.

 

[Mark_Lester]

OK, as you were then on the Dresden pres stuff. we get 45 minutes back at Radebuel Ost so if there's a museum then surely there's a pint and a sausage.

Don, we will have money. Even for the likes of Romania I'll be forcing everyone to cough uo a few sods for the kitty, pre travel, and I'll get out a few quid's worth and we'll just bank any leftovers at the end (this kind of stuff is why everyone has to be my mate, I'm not arguing about this **** once we've decided what's the best way is to do it).
Getting that bang on for Budapest is going to be quite hard though. The city tram tour stuff and the childrens railway etc we can obviously work out to the forint. The precise cost of the supply chest for our departure, plus at least one meal and drinkies somewhere, is another story. I think as hard as I try to do this, someone is inevitably going to have to pop off to an ATM or change a 100 euros before the day is out.

We wont be using any of these hostel places unless I've spoken to them first. Hostel Locomotive haven't replied to my email in any case, and I accept and agree with your comments about it. They certainly wont be getting everyones passport, I'll have a form ready to hand over, and I will be needing everyones name rank and serial number at some stage anyway.

In th UK we dont have banks of lockers, and in India unless you've got padlocks for every zip on your rucksack (seriously) they wont take it. Splitting £25 between a dozen or so people who frankly dont care 2 cents about 2 quid if it means their luggage is safe is not an issue. Ideally we can find some hotel with a luggage room and they'll be happy with 20 euros for 6 hours of it.
We've a statement from someone that the lockers at Prague arent safe, and while the lucky winner is likely to find themselves with a rucksack full of some English bloke's dirty undies and a half consumed bottle of the previous country's national tipple, losing just one would cause chaos and misery because of the schedule.

How many rucksacks can you fit in a locker ? that's not an issue re time, it's clearly easier to hand over my pre-printed local lingo note reading "can I have enough change for 15 lockers please" than it is to check into a hotel, I'm just interested.
is there an attendant anywhere in sight who knows what the Roma look like ?

And re the forum software. yes the session expiry is a pain. But when submitting a massive monologue on any of these things you should save your text first. My bowser doesnt discard the text anyway, I just hit back and save the text then reload the page, are you using exploder ?
As for comparison with virtualtourist, apart from being free of dickhead American moderators, you can edit your posts in here, both are game changing improvements.
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You can see some vintage photos of the lines here -

http://mickpope.zenfolio.com/p634107806

these are so awesome mick. the 1977 ones especially, which are the narrow gauge ones in the street in the '77 set.
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these are so awesome mick. the 1977 ones especially, which are the narrow gauge ones in the street in the '77 set.

it's this selketlbahn I guess.
I checked that one out for feasibility and alas it's too hard to get to and from, but speak up, I guess you've seen anything there is to see, but if there's another that you think might beat what we've got, and saxony seems to be jam packed with them, let us know.

actually I just checked them all, I think what we've got, with the Dresden Palace and the old city and what look to me as pretty substantial narrow gauge steam locos, as the only feasible option.

 

[Glenmutchkin]

bit like the Fairlies on the Ffestiniog although some geek is going to post saying they are completely different types, .

I can't imagine that there are going to be any geeks on a site like this. Great photos Mick. I might have to promote Dresden to the top of the tour highlights list. I've never (as far as I know) even seen a 2-10-2.

Don, we will have money. Even for the likes of Romania I'll be forcing everyone to cough uo a few sods for the kitty, pre travel, and I'll get out a few quid's worth and we'll just bank any leftovers at the end (this kind of stuff is why everyone has to be my mate, I'm not arguing about this **** once we've decided what's the best way is to do it).

When we get a bit nearer the time and have a firm list of participants this could be doled out. Everybody takes euros and a card. And then for example you take florints, I take Czech crowns, Mick takes Norwegian Nogs that sort of thing. We would need to work out an amount for each currency and have a divvy up mechanism but it would share some of the hassles.

Once I explained to Scooter that the proferred OBE award was only a second-rate honour I was force to urge him to forego it and accept instead a Peerage from the GCERC.

Scooter is better off with the GCERC award. The House of Windsor's jaikit is on a shoogly nail and their patronage could be suspect moving forward.

 

[Mark_Lester]

oops
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_Lößnitzgrundbahn_head-on_collision
we should avoid gala days and BMWs then

I want to add up the cost as best we can, just for the planning hell of it. there will be plenty of computers on board where we can keep track of the score. While I am going to force everyone to just agree to the picnic cartel, the booze is a different issue. we cant expect everyone to consume the same number of units. So we're inevitably going to end up with a bank. We're all grown ups and it's certain we're going to need to hit the ATM at some stage.
This both not to stop anyone buying a round, and likewise not to force people who are approaching liver failure to keep at it if they'd prefer a mineral water..

There's also the issue of the bookings, not so much to get the extra few quid off when available for group bookings, but because we'll want them processed in a block, so we are in a contiguous block on the train, not least to avoid really ****ing off anyone who is unfortunate to be slap bank in the middle of our wine tasting parties. InterRail dont do group discounts anyway, so while you two are quite capable of working that one out yourselves, some/most/all of my entourage will want to just send me a cheque.

I'm seriously thinking of opening up a sub account just for the purposes of all this, I just need to see what the overheads are. We are certainly looking at 20 grands worth of turnover, not including any "the best tokaj you've got please" extras etc.

 

[Donbacsi]

Something like Mark's scheme should work unless someone tries the dreaded "Scottish Bank Note" trick. Our gang once got stuck with a Scotsman, who, whenever it was his turn to pay, would dredge out this musty 100 Pound SBN and ask, "Can anyone change this?" We eventually had to ditch him with the bill in a Vienna schnitzle haus. When in Vienna, you might want to look him up as he is probably still washing pots and pans to pay off the bill.

 

[Glenmutchkin]

Something like Mark's scheme should work unless someone tries the dreaded "Scottish Bank Note" trick.

Well thanks a lot for telling everybody our trade secrets. I've a good mind to let Mick tell Scooter about North Korea for that.

 

[Donbacsi]

Mark made mention of "gala days." As the time draws nearer, i.e., about this time next year, I suggest you go on line to check national calenders, especially the Central European region for "Everything is Closed Today" dates.
In addition, it is always wise before going to a country with a strong Roman Catholic influence (e.g., Hungary) to get an RC "Red Letter Day" calender. You do not want to jump out on the platform to find everything in the entire country is shut down. In addition, all museums (and their gift shops) in Hungary are closed on Monday, as they are in most countries in that region.

 

[Mark_Lester]

Mark made mention of "gala days." As the time draws nearer, i.e., about this time next year, I suggest you go on line to check national calenders, especially the Central European region for "Everything is Closed Today" dates.
In addition, it is always wise before going to a country with a strong Roman Catholic influence (e.g., Hungary) to get an RC "Red Letter Day" calender. You do not want to jump out on the platform to find everything in the entire country is shut down. In addition, all museums (and their gift shops) in Hungary are closed on Monday, as they are in most countries in that region.

museums and gift shops we can live without, markets and toy trains we can not.
the plan has to be finalized at least 10 months in advance, there are several things that need booking very early, chalets in the arctic circle for one.

i just looked at the price up to amsterdam on eurostar, 50 quid all the way (an extra 10% off of course) including the thalys!
we're going to need them to book us up to copenhagen, it wont be worth paying the extra £60 for a 22 day pass just for that amsterdam-copenhagen train. the thalys price on an interail is shocking (50 quid or something stupid) mark smith recommends you get eurostar to book you through.
after that we have to deal directly with Norwegian railways cos they dont offer discounted fares, nor group travel, to other agencies.
we need swiss travel to sort out the open top coach over the bernina, I think all the rest can be done by anyone at no noticeable difference, though I'll get quotes.
the only black spot is south of bucharest (or may be even budapest)
we still dont have anyone in istanbul to do that end of things

 

[mickpop]

And re the forum software. yes the session expiry is a pain. But when
these are so awesome mick. the 1977 ones especially, which are the narrow gauge ones in the street in the '77 set.
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it's this selketlbahn I guess.
I checked that one out for feasibility and alas it's too hard to get to and from, but speak up, I guess you've seen anything there is to see, but if there's another that you think might beat what we've got, and saxony seems to be jam packed with them, let us know.

actually I just checked them all, I think what we've got, with the Dresden Palace and the old city and what look to me as pretty substantial narrow gauge steam locos, as the only feasible option.

Sadly the street running ones are on the Baltic coast line - Bad Doberan to Kuhlungsborn known colloqually as the 'Molli'.About as far from Dresden as you can get. The other narrow gauge line in the Dresden area is from Cranzahl to Kurort Oberwiesenthal, the latter being a ski resort on the Czech border. This is also a spectacular line with a high viaduct near the terminus and lots of upland views. i think there may be some photos somewhere on Zenfolio.The other street running shots in there somewhere are from Wernigerode on the Harz system.

Although this will probably only interest Glenmutchkin, there is an article about the Dresden narrow gauge in the latest edition of 'Steam Railway' magazine reporting on a tour from November last year.

 

[Donbacsi]

"the only black spot is Bucharest (or maybe even Budapest)
What are the black spots in Budapest? I hope to shed light on that city and make it enjoyable for everyone.
Lockers: I get a little nervous around any public locker, even (especially?) those jumbo electronic ones in the Schipol basement. But The B-pest lockers are about as good as it gets. Downstairs, one entry/exit so not a good place to rob as the Rendorseg (police) will be waiting at the stairs with steel bracelets. They are in full view of station attendants' windows and don't look as if they have ever been tampered with since it would take a crowbar to break into them. Not like Prague with the lockless lockers. Doesn't that just make them "ers"? This is really not the sort of petty crime one needs to worry about in B-pest. Artful dodgers top that list, and any experienced traveler knows how to avoid that.
What does a Brit mean when he says "rucksack"? I assume it is like my Jaguar Racing Team (sigh) soft-sided backpack that is just under the size limit for airplane carry-on. If so, depending on how many bottles are jammed into each rucksack, I should think you could easily place two and perhaps three to a locker.

 

[Mark_Lester]

"the only black spot is Bucharest (or maybe even Budapest)
What are the black spots in Budapest? I hope to shed light on that city and make it enjoyable for everyone.
Lockers: I get a little nervous around any public locker, even (especially?) those jumbo electronic ones in the Schipol basement. But The B-pest lockers are about as good as it gets. Downstairs, one entry/exit so not a good place to rob as the Rendorseg (police) will be waiting at the stairs with steel bracelets. They are in full view of station attendants' windows and don't look as if they have ever been tampered with since it would take a crowbar to break into them. Not like Prague with the lockless lockers. Doesn't that just make them "ers"? This is really not the sort of petty crime one needs to worry about in B-pest. Artful dodgers top that list, and any experienced traveler knows how to avoid that.
What does a Brit mean when he says "rucksack"? I assume it is like my Jaguar Racing Team (sigh) soft-sided backpack that is just under the size limit for airplane carry-on. If so, depending on how many bottles are jammed into each rucksack, I should think you could easily place two and perhaps three to a locker.

Ok Don, you've sold us on the Keleti lockers. We'll probably need one each though but that's probably best anyway.

Black spots are regarding the bookings. We cant just wing it with +10 of us, we need the berths booked, even on day trains longer than an hour I want to be able to move into a carriage and turf anyone out who shouldn't be there.
The only part of the route where I cant get anyone to book seat or berth reservations is once we leave Budapest, and then all the way to Ljubljana. Seat61 mentions TURista, but they dont do email it seems. I'm not too concerned about it right now, I'm more worried about the services being canceled due to the collapse of capitalism in that neck of the woods. But we will need to find someone who can do this over the next few months.

A rucksack is a backpack, the kind of thing you go hiking with for a week, a bit bigger then than you are supposed to carry onto the plane.

 

[Donbacsi]

Man in seat 61 is good at what he does, but you need the other half of the team. Contact GCEK at TripAdvisor via Private Message (PM) and get him involved. I am sure after he reads this thread he will be hooked. A terrific ally for this sort of expedition! He has all the latest web sites, knows exactly when and how you can get reservations and best prices. 61 is great at itineraries, but as I said, you need both halves to make a whole.
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AND NOW for something completely different: ABURP!
I love trains. I am not a trainspotter who likes to sit beside a diesel fume laden road waiting for the 2-4-0 to roll by. I just like riding tains...any kind, anywhere, any class. That said, I have taken the liberty of organizing, prioritizing and completing (to the best of my knowledge) your wants, needs and desires for rail in Budapest.
Gentlemen, I present for your worthy consideration, The Amazing Budapest Urban Rail Party: ABURP!
I have taken for granted all the rails in Budapest for the last 26 years. When you compiled a list of them, I was stunned. It occurred to me that Budapest has as many, if not more, diverse urban rail opportunities as any other major city on earth. Cog, steam, childrens, tram, urban light rail, funicular and Metro: all in a very tight space. And this is not to mention the overlooked rail museum.
#1: The METRO. The #1 (yellow) line is the oldest underground on the Continent. One mile of the Tube was completed just before. If that one mile is no longer in operation, then this is the oldest operational underground in the world. It is beautifully restored, not just one station but the entire run, with ornate cast iron pillars and gleaming wall tiles. Must see...must ride!
#2: The RAIL MUSEUM: The Metro will take you here. This is a must for all the little wheel-big wheel counters in the group. If you find you can't quite get the access you desire, be aware Hungarian museums are usually not like the snooty ones found in western Europre. Generally an "accomodation" can be found to gain access to the Grand Tour Pullmans and the steamer cabs. 1,000HUF (3P+-) usually does the trick, but with such a large group be prepared to throw down a little more.
#3: The DUNA TRAMS: These trams are not like the usual High Street trams with unending views of grubby tourist trap shops (e.g., A-Dam). The views are really spectacular from both sides of the Danube.
#4: HEV Urban Light Rail: If you are going for the Full Monty, take the Buda side tram north to the end and connect with the HEV. Ride to the city limits if you like. Not bad views.
#5: The SIKLO: This is the funicular that creeps up the side of Castle Hill. Photo bugs should get the front seats for the fabulous views of Pest across the river.
#'s 6&7: The COG and CHILDRENS Rails. You will take the Metro under the river to Moskva (Kelmen)Ter. Here you will find a shining example of Socialist architecture in the dreadful bus station. The only thing of note is the Vaserely Op-Art sculpture out front. You can take a bus to either or both of these rails from here. In addition, you can sort of link one to the other (with a little walking) if you take the cable chair lift over the valleys (not for me).
Instructions on how to make all this work to follow.

 

[Glenmutchkin]

Here you will find a shining example of Socialist architecture in the dreadful bus station

For some reason the Eastern Bloc has no monopoly of dreadful bus stations. The Port Authority dump in NYC is the biggest but not necessarily the worst. The UK has no shortage of grim bus terminals.

 

[Mark_Lester]

The museum alas would, if it's any good, be something you either did for at least an hour or not at all, and not something 90% of the group would be up to.
but yes it's an impressive list of rail attractions for an afternoon.

But we should do part of line 1. There is an obvious route from keleti, to siklo, cog and then down the childrens. I havent worked out what would be a cute way back, via some of line 1 using the most interesting station it's got to interchange at, then the market, then the quickest/easiest way back to the station with the shopping.