A passion that transcends time
Joan Montserrat Montsant, a 62 -year -old Vilafranco with a professional career as a banking employee, now in his retirement period, reveals his intense hobby for the railway world. He has recently presented a new book entitled ‘Vilafranca del Penedès. History of the railway station and its surroundings’, a work that thoroughly explores the rich history of the railway in the region.
Of the railway collecting
In addition to his passion for railway literature, Montserrat Montsant is known for his collection of joys, a reflection of his appreciation for local culture. A decade ago, he began his literary adventure with the book ‘150 years of the Tarragona railway in Martorell’, as a result of a collective effort that involved years of exhaustive research.
The steam world: a unique experience
His fascination with the railway goes back to childhood, when he observed the majestic steam locomotives at the Sant Vicenç de Calders station. The images of steam and noise of whistles were engraved in his memory. This fascination was intensified by reading books on railways, including ‘The Mollerussa Train’.
The journey through the story
His literary career began with an order that led him to write about the Penedès rail heritage. His work has been recognized for the impact he has had on the preservation of local history, including a booklet dedicated to the Land-Subirats Baixador.
A book that reflects the identity of Vilafranca
His latest book is not only a collection of trains, but a deep exploration of urban development and the impact of wine trade on the region. With 280 pages and 170 photographs, the work offers a complete view of the Vilafranca railway station.
The plot of railway infrastructure
Montsant emphasizes the irony that, despite technological advances, the travel time between the Penedès and Barcelona is still similar to what was more than a century ago, a reflection of the lack of investment in infrastructure.
Remembering the steam glamor
His experience as a steam locomotive stove is a testament to love for machines and craft. Montsant shares his admiration for nineteenth -century machinists and stoves, who dedicated their lives to taking care of the machines that made the train trip possible.
Status and life at the station
In addition, he tells us how the workers of the seasons lived in an environment that combined their working and personal life, with a ritorn of dedication that was reflected in their social status within the community.
A Legate for the Generations Futures
The work of Montserrat Montsant not only preserves the memory of the railway, but also invites us to reflect on our past and to value the importance of cultural heritage. As time goes on, his passion for steam locomotives will continue to inspire future generations to keep the flame of railway history alive.