The 760mm gauge Stainzerbahn was opened in 1892 and ran 11 kms from Preding – Weiselsdorf on the Graz – Koflacher Bahn standard gauge system to Stainz. The first section from Preding -Weiselsdorf to Wohlsdorf ran between the tracks of the present standard gauge G.K.B. line, before swinging off to make its way along the broad and lightly graded valley of the Stainz stream via the halts of Kraubath, Neudorf and Herbersdorf to the town of Stainz. Passenger traffic ceased in 1951 but the special trains, run as the Flascherlzug ( the bottle train) began in 1971, goods traffic ended in 1980. The town council of Stainz now operates the railway. The Flascherlzug did not derive its name from transporting bottles of the local Schilcher wine , the pleasant mental picture of a little wine laden steam train clinking and chugging its way through a rural idyll is shattered by the real story… Between 1866 and 1936, in Rachling near Stainz, practiced the “wonderdoctor” Hollerhansl, whose claim to fame was that he could diagnose illnesses and provide cures by studying urine. The Flascherlzug was so named because of the many patients who patronised the train carrying bottles of urine in their luggage!. Nowadays, the trip begins at the well preserved station of Stainz with its typical s tation building ( museum) and original loco shed, complete with small workshop. For many years the motive power was the 1894 built No 11, originally from the Salzkammergut Lokalbahn, however this is currently requiring repair. The current loco is believed to be an ex. Roumanian forestry loco, 0-8-0T No.764-411. The coaches are typical Austrian four wheelers, but each is painted in a different bright colour, cheerful, if not historically accurate!. The whole train is usually gleaming. Until recently the end of the line was a run round loop at Wohlsdorf, however a connection to Preding has now been reinstated. The round trip takes 2 hours and includes a stop at Kraubath for refreshments, including the local wine, though these are also provided in the buffet coach. An excellent little line with interested staff, a very pleasant way to spend an afternoon!. Operates May to October each Sat., Sun., and holiday dep. , times and number of trips vary, see Website