Inventory and State-of-Conservation Survey Model for Railway Heritage: The Case of Turda–Abrud (Romania)

ABSTRACT This article explores the state of conservation and key characteristics of the Turda–Abrud narrow-gauge railway heritage as a basis for discussion in the probable event of its future restoration for tourist purposes. The aim of this research was to create a record of the aesthetic and technical features found on site, to be used for prioritising critical heritage preservation interventions. The study was performed in the context of new-found interest by local authorities and volunteers in restoring this particular railway line, after 20 years of abandonment. Data was gathered between 2016 and 2019, and analysed in order to both emphasise the heritage diversity, and measure present threat levels. Standardised assessment forms were used for railway building data collection. The employed methods and obtained results are detailed in the article.