Farewell to pioneer

Deep mourning for visionary Franz Schuch (93)

Franz Schuch (†) would have turned 92 in September.(Bild: Christian schulter)

The great era of a bus and rail pioneer came to an end after an eventful life at the age of 91. "His commitment was a role model," said the bereaved.

He was a versatile businessman and a visionary: Franz Schuch worked his way up from a grocer to one of the largest bus companies in the eastern region. The fleet comprised up to 70 vehicles, which traveled across Europe - especially to the Mediterranean.

Of buses and locomotives
Buses were his business, steam locomotives his passion: little Franz used to take the train to school in Oberschützen. Later, in 1988, the father of four took over the branch line that ran from his school to the border at Rechnitz.

We travel back to Steinamanger in Hungary.

Franz Schuch

Fairytale train through the forest 
"We're going to Steinamanger in Hungary again," was the heartfelt wish of the pioneer, who lived in Großbachselten in the municipality of Mischendorf. This dream never came true. However, his fairytale train through the forest near Welgersdorf became a reality.

Between 1989 and 2011, thousands of children rode the nostalgic train past Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood and other fantastic characters. Franz Schuch passed away on Wednesday at the age of 92. "He was an outstanding personality who left his mark on the entire region. His commitment was a role model," the family mourns.