EN57 and EN71 in historic painting. There are two. Will there be a third?

In July 2021, PKP SKM in Tricity completed the repair of its EN71-052 unit. As part of the work, the composition was painted in yellow and blue colors, referring to the historical painting of the EN57 and EN71 series. However, the method of painting was criticized by lovers. Painting was finally corrected. In the meantime, another unit in historical colors appeared in Mazovia.

The EN71-052 unit was assembled in 2011 from the 1971 EN57-845 composition. During last year's repair of the P4 level carried out at the SKM locomotive depot in Gdynia Cisowa, the then 50-year-old train was painted yellow and blue, referring to the historical painting of these vehicles. The entrance doors to the carriages, however, were blue, not yellow, as in the old days.

Historical painting in this form was strongly criticized by railway enthusiasts, who pointed out that the train was not painted in accordance with the historical truth. Originally, the front door was yellow. The Tri-City SKM agreed with this opinion and announced the replacement of doors, which took place a few weeks ago.

Today, a train in actual painting from years ago moves along the Tri-City tracks, arousing nostalgia not only among fans, but also some passengers.

Historic livery, but not interior

Those hungry for a true classic journey may find themselves disappointed upon entering the vehicle, however. EN71-052 is painted in historic colors from the outside, but its interior has undergone numerous modifications in recent years. Inside, we will not find leather sofas, but modern upholstered chairs with the SKM logo. In addition, during the repair of P4 in 2021, wood-like wall laminates were replaced with new ones in a shade of gray.

Interestingly, the Tri-City SKM has one train with rather original interior equipment. It is an EN57-1102 unit, equipped with traditional leather-covered sofas and wood-like wall laminates. However, this unit is painted in the current SKM colors from the outside. On the sides, under the windows of the driver's cabin, it bears an inscription with the nickname "classic". According to our unofficial information, this lineup is also to get a historic paint job on the occasion of the next P4 repair.

Yellow and blue also in Koleje Mazowieckie

Another unit in historical painting will soon appear on Polish tracks. In a few weeks, the "grandmother", i.e. EN57-038 belonging to Koleje Mazowieckie, will return to the tracks, which also has its historical yellow and blue colors restored. The shades of colors used are slightly different than those used on the Tri-City SKM unit. Interestingly, the vehicle produced in 1963 is the oldest active representative of the EN57 series.