Scenic route taken by Limon Express

For those of you that can remember the "good old days", you may recall seeing or even going on the Limon Express tourist train.
It started in 1971 but was "retired" in 2005, much to the dismay of both locals and tourists. Now there is talk about resurrecting the service - which was very popular and did much for tourism. At the moment holiday makers arriving in Benidorm have to make do with the "Turistico train" that goes up and down the Avd Mediterraneo!

The Limon Express was actually the brainchild of a Brit, David A.G Simpson who rescued several old wagons that were due to be scrapped from the defunct railway line in Denia. After its success, the formula was copied all across Spain, for example Madrid had the Strawberry train which travels between Madrid and Aranjuez.

After making the 20km journey between Benidorm and Denia for over 30 years, the service ran aground and the carriages can still be seen from the N332 and AP7 at the sidings in El Campello. Businessman Rudi Meyers, who ran the service kept the service going for as long as he could finance it but when major works on the wheels was required he turned for help to the Railways of the Generalitat Valenciana, which was ignored. With the electrification of part of the line (Benidorm to Altea), major restoration works were required and with no financial aid the Limon Express ceased.

Many tourists that come on holiday still enquire about the Limon Express... it was a delightful journey through the picturesque countryside and even included a glass or two of cava.

The PSOE party of Benidorm have called a proposal for the Consell to declare the train of "historic and cultural importance" and to be made a heritage symbol then requesting the Ministry of Tourism to finance its restoration and adaptation. It would be a terrific boost to tourism in the area if the service was to be re-instated. However, sourcing spare parts would be problematic and more space would be required at Benidorm which adds to the numerous logistical obstacles already in its way. Lets hope that they can see the bigger picture and envisage the benefits it could bring - although progress is important history should also be preserved.

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