Steam Blog

Ol49-59 at Poznań

2012-01-12T22:33:00.002+01:00

An atmospheric noctural impression of the handsome Polish 2-6-2, Ol49-59 at Poznań Główny in early January 2012. The crew of the locomotive calmly waits for the last steam depature of the day to Wolsztyn. As usual, a light load of two coaches, filled with steam enthusiasts is attached. Timetabled, daily Polish steam at its best!

Impressions of Austrian Steam Locomotives

2011-12-26T16:56:00.001+01:00

Some handsome visual impressions from Ampflwang, Austria. All pictures courtesy of Eduard Sassmann!

The Ballenberg Dampfbahn in the Berner Oberland

2011-11-29T01:05:00.000+01:00

The Berner Oberland is a hotspot for steam attractions, with lots of locomotives and two grand paddle steamers on offer for all locals and tourists alike. The Ballenberg Dampfbahn is a key part of the mix with its two operational narrow gauge locomotives. The rack tank Nr. 1067 is quite famous for its regular conquests of the Brünig pass, while Nr. 208 is perhaps a bit less well known. Still, this cute little 2-6-0 is a true flatland sprinter and is regularly deployed for both public and charter steam trains on the route Interlaken Ost - Brienz - Meiringen - Innertkirchen. Here the locomotive may be seen strutting its stuff in winter. Pictures courtesy of Olivier Bachmann.

Prague Pictures - Goggles Galore

2011-11-23T23:53:00.009+01:00

The refurbished Class 750.7 "Goggles" have become the new flagship and standard bearer of ČD´s fleet of main line diesel locos. Overhauled by CZ Loko in Česká Třebová, these locos all feature the new "Najbrt" color scheme, with the blue and white corporate identity of the state railway company. Even with all of that unitary visual standardization going on - Czech locos always having been known for fresh liveries and lots of nifty variety in terms of paint schemes - the ever creative Czech railwaymen and ČD employees still have managed to sneak in some creativity! Because each Class 750.7 loco has received a unique and prominent nick-name, which in itself is nothing new, but the fact that Italian female names were chosen, is definitely a very original wrinkle for the Czech crews! So as can be seen on this picture of 750 704 in Prague, here comes Giulietta!

By Paddle Steamer to Strehla and Lössnig on the Elbe

2011-11-10T12:36:00.008+01:00

Informationen auf Deutsch - weiter unten!

May 7^th, 2012 – 10am, from Dresden Terrassenufer

As part of its spring tour to Germany and the Czech Republic, the Railway Touring Company will charter the historic paddle steamer „Krippen“ (built in 1892) from the Sächsische Dampfschiffahrt for a truly unique cruise on the River Elbe. This trip will allow the side-wheeler to cover river mileage well beyond the routes regularly served on public sails. Normally steamers turn around at Seusslitz, while no steamboat trips have gone to Riesa in a really, really long time either! All the more rare and special is therefore the downriver destination of Strehla and Lössnig, well beyond Riesa! Between these two quaint Saxon towns the Elbe indeed forms two magnificent bends in immediate succession, making for a handsome „reverse S“ set in a gorgeous landscape. Indeed the river bend at Strehla is considered to be one of the most beautiful anywhere along the Elbe, which has its source in the Giant Mountains and eventually flows into the North Sea after Hamburg.

In case you are interested in joining this cruise as an independent, individual guest, your participation is definitely possible and most welcome! The cost of the all-day cruise is 70 Euro. (Children under 16 travel at half price.) You are simply required to make an advance reservation by email. Please send your advance booking to the following email address: nineteenosix at gmail.com . Payment will not be required until the day of the cruise onboard the steamer. The “Krippen” will depart Dresden at 10am and return after 9pm. There will be no intermediate landing, as there are no landing slips at Riesa or Strehla either. The ship will feature a full catering /culinary service with food and drinks that you can purchase individually.

Perhaps you care to join RTC and the Sächsische Dampfschiffahrt on this special steamboat cruise!

Infos zur Fahrt auf Deutsch!

Montag 7. Mai 2012 – 10 Uhr, ab Dresden Terrassenufer

Die Britische Railway Touring Company chartert anlässlich ihrer Frühlingsreise in Deutschland den Raddampfer „Krippen“ (Baujahr 1892) von der Sächsischen Dampfschiffahrt für eine ganz spezielle Sonderfahrt von Dresden flussabwärts und weit über Riesa hinaus, zum wunderschönen Elbebogen zwischen Strehla und Lössnig. Dieser weit geschwungene Flussbogen, der ein grosses, umgekehrtes „S“ mitten in beschaulicher Landschaft bildet, gilt als einer der schönsten entlang der ganzen Elblandschaft zwischen Riesengebirge und Nordsee. Diese Reise mit dem Raddampfer ergibt zudem auch die seltene Möglichkeit die interessante Flusslandschaft ausserhalb des traditionellen Stammgebietes der Sächsischen Dampfschiffahrt zu erleben. Seit Jahrzehnten hat kein Dresdner Dampfer auf einer öffentlich zugänglichen Fahrt diesen Flussabschnitt befahren.

Die ganze Rundfahrt ist eine umfangreiche Tagestour mit Abfahrt und Rückkunft ab Dresden Terrassenufer. Eine Mitfahrt für Dritte ist möglich, es ist dazu nur eine Reservation per Email nötig! Die Kosten sind 70 Euro für die ganze Tagestour. Kinder unter 16 reisen für den halben Preis mit. Das Schiff wird normal bewirtet sein, wie bei den andern Rundfahrten der Sächsischen Dampfschiffahrt. Falls Sie mitfahren möchten, bitte melden Sie sich unter der Emailadresse: nineteenosix at gmail.com . Die Bezahlung an den Reiseveranstalter Railway Touring Company erfolgt dann erst am Tag der Fahrt, auf dem Schiff. Die Rückkunft des Dampfers in Dresden erfolgt am selben Abend, nach 21 Uhr. Ein Landgang unterwegs ist nicht vorgesehen, da es in Strehla oder Lössnig auch keine Anlegestellen hat.

Wir freuen uns auf Ihre Mitfahrt!

Eine historische Ansicht vom Städtchen Strehla mit Burg. Kolorierter Stahlstich von J. Umbach nach einer Zeichnung von Ludwig Rohbock, veröffentlicht von G.G. Lange. Circa 1840 – 1856.

Prague Pictures - Autumn Colors with Yellow RegioJet Trains

2011-11-04T17:09:00.002+01:00

RegioJet is the upstart new kid on the block in the Czech railway world. Student Agency´s bright yellow trains started their regular services on the Praha - Ostrava corridor in late September and so for the first time there is liberalized long distance rail transportation in the Czech Republic with actual competition. RegioJet has a lot going for it, like the free onboard wifi service, the friendly, multi-lingual stewards and the comfy Austrian first class coaches that have been re-designated as standard class, so everyone can travel like a VIP. Thanks to RegioJet breathing down its neck, the state operator ČD has already started slashing prices and offering special discount deals, while it also plans to equip a lot of its future rolling stock, that is now in production, with wifi equipment, meeting the internet-access-while-travelling demands of the Czech public. These pics show some of the modern RegioJet trains around Prague, both en route to and parked at the main station.

Introducing Prague Pictures - With a Panoramic Phot

2011-10-31T14:23:00.002+01:00

The city of Prague is a scenic place to watch trains and document both nostalgic specials as well as contemporary railway operations. A vibrant variety of different locomotives and coaches, from various European companies passes through town each day, while local stalwart České dráhy still adds the most color to the local track landscape. Signifcant sums have been invested by the Czech government into regional infrastructure improvements and the wide-scale modernisation of routes, rolling stock and stations, so there is a fascinating mix that can be captured on film. This new segment on Steam Blog therefore dedicates time and space to Prague and it's ever unfolding railway landscape.

As the first image to get things going, here is a shot from Prague 6, showing the EuroCity EC 172 "Vindobona" racing northwards along the Vltava on the main line towards Děčín and Dresden. This image from September 2011 still shows the composition with two attached DB coaches. As of the timetable change in December 2011, DB will withdraw all of its modern IC coaches on deployment in Central Europe (stock shortage at home) and let partner railways fill the gap. The "Vindobona" set, running from Villach via Wien, Brno, Praha, Dresden and Berlin to Hamburg will then become an all ÖBB-rake. In the background can be seen Prague Castle and parts of the city's skyline.

The Engines of PS "Waverley"

2011-10-31T12:11:00.001+01:00

The seagoing paddle steamer "Waverley" features the largest, inclined marine steam engine on any operational side-wheeler in the world! This impressive bit of kit was built in the 1940s by Rankin & Blackmore in Greenock, Scotland. The three-cylinder engine is rated at 2100 horsepower and capable of turning over 57 rounds per minute.

The White Mountain Central Railroad at Clark´s Trading Post in New Hampshire

2011-10-26T21:43:00.005+02:00

There are many impressive heritage railroads across the United States, which offer an attractive selection of tourist trains hauled by technically noteworthy steam locomotives. In New England, the hub of steam railroading lies in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. With no less than three different steam railroads in close proximity, this area should be on any rail enthusiast’s radar and is absolutely worth visiting, especially during Indian summer and at the peak of fall foliage. The two regional stalwarts, the Mount Washington Cog and the Conway Scenic are already very well known and internationally acclaimed. The “diamond in the rough” amongst this nostalgic New Hampshire threesome, however, is the White Mountain Central Railroad in Lincoln. Based at Clark’s Trading Post, a local favorite and classic, back-country New England attraction, replete with an old fire station and live black bear shows, the White Mountain Central is remarkable for its absolutely unique collection of different, standard gauge steam locos. Chief amongst them is the two truck Climax locomotive Nr. 6, one of the very few operational Climax kettles in the world. This technical marvel is accompanied by two other logging locos, a Shay and a Heisler, though both of these presently are out of operating condition.

Still, the Climax has two more operational fleet mates, first and foremost the big and bulky 2-4-2 Baldwin tank engine Nr. 5 and a smaller 0-4-0 Porter tank. To add glamour and romance, all of these locomotives have been converted from coal to wood firing. The line itself meanders along the mighty Pemigewasset River and also crosses a typical covered bridge, which was relocated to Lincoln, NH from East Montpelier, Vermont in the early 1960s.

The best time to visit the White Mountain Central is definitely for the annual Railroad Fest in mid September, when every time all the stops are pulled out and big bash is put on, replete with caboose rides and footplate experiences. At the same time the leafs of New Hampshire´s dense forests are also already turning and the autumn colors are out. New England at its natural and breathtaking best! http://www.clarkstradingpost.com/

Přerov celebrates with Steam

2011-10-21T22:11:00.001+02:00

In mid October the Czech town of Přerov hosted the 170th anniversary celebrations for the old Austrian Kaiser-Ferdinands-Nordbahn (KFNB) dating from 1841. Several contemporary and historic vehicles were present to mark the occasion and celebrate the birthday. Naturally the most attention was garnered by the different Moravian-based steam locomotives 314.303, 433.002, 464.202, 475.101 and 534.0432, which also hauled several special trains for the assembled public. All pictures courtesy of Eduard Sassmann.

The Wiener Lokalbahnen celebrate with Steam

2011-10-17T13:18:00.000+02:00

Steam locomotives are not immediately associated with Vienna´s local railway WLB. But for 125th anniversary of the railway line Wien - Wiener Neudorf an old WLB kettle was brought out to mark the event. The former WLB steam loco Nr. 72 was built in 1919 by Krauss in Linz. Nowadays it is cared for by the Martinsberger Lokalbahn crew in Zwettl, but is owned by Brenner & Brenner, who previously have also given the loco the purely fictional number 92 2271. All pictures courtesy of Eduard Sassmann.

The Steam Locomotive Works at Ropley

2011-10-09T10:33:00.001+02:00

The Mid Hants Railway has one of the best equipped locomotive repair shops anywhere in Britain. The heritage railway´s technical HQ at Ropley is stacked with tools and ready to take on any sort of big overhaul job. Aside from keeping the Watercress Line´s own fleet up and running, Ropley also regularly receives an influx of contractual assignments to repair or re-tube other heritage locomotives. The most prominent kettle to undergo an entire overhaul cycle at Ropley probably was A4 "Bittern" a few years ago. In August 2011 "Canadian Pacific" 35005 was visible outside of the shop, patiently awaiting its turn in the overhaul queue. It was side-by-side with 850 "Lord Nelson", where steam was being raised ahead of next day running. At the same time Standard 5 Class 73096 was running through the station with a passenger train to Alton.

Grand-Prix in Budapest

2011-10-03T18:12:00.001+02:00

The recently refurbished German "Pacific" 03 1010 took away the top honors at this year´s famous Grand-Prix in Budapest. Among the other guest locos were 109.13 and 629.01 from Austria, which got to mingle with their Hungarian hosts, as well as other international attendees. Clear skies and lots of sun again provided a worthy backdrop for one of Europe´s very best railway events! All pictures courtesy of Eduard Sassmann!

The Great Dorset Steam Fair

2011-09-10T16:33:00.000+02:00

Some impressions from the 2011 edition of the Great Dorset Steam Fair, the largest gathering of steam rollers, steam tractors, steam trucks, showman´s engines and other associated equipment in the world! A unique festival and vibrant celebration of heritage machinery since the late 1960s.

The Swanage Railway and Corfe Castle

2011-09-08T21:36:00.003+02:00

Some scenic impressions from the mixed steam and diesel trains on the Swanage Railway. This line has to be classed amongst the Top 10 preserved railways in the UK, the typical British scenery and enchanting landscape of the Isle of Purbeck is straight out of a BBC TV series! The obvious highlight is the amazing sight of the towering ruins of Corfe Castle, located at the namesake town, an English village with amazing charm. In early September 2011, LNER 4492 "Dominion of New Zealand" was a guest on the line, for the annual autumn gala at Swanage. On these pictures the light blue A4 is seen while waiting for a crossing with 0-6-2 tank engine 6695 at Corfe Castle. Also the diesel fleet at the Swanage Railway is of note, formidable former BR machines with unsilenced engines, lots of thrash and original blue and yellow liveries. All well worth a visit!

By Steam from Ampflwang to Timelkam

2011-09-07T20:50:00.002+02:00

The ÖGEG has one of the very largest collections of historic rolling stock in Austria (only rivaled by Strasshof), plus it has one of the best heritage facilities anywhere in Europe! Centerpiece of the massive Ampflwang railway yard and museum complex of course is the fantastic roundhouse, installed there in 2005/2006 and previously placed at the DB depot in Rosenheim. For sure, the infrastructure at Ampflwang is a dream blueprint for any sort of preservation group, but as if that weren´t already good enough, the complex also comes with a built-in branch line, providing an ideal "playground" for all the kettles to come out and strut there stuff. Not surprisingly, the Ampflwang - Timelkam preserved line is one of the very best locations for line siding and filming in Austria, as the stretch of track features no other regular traffic. Throughout the spring, summer and early autumn the line has an alternating steam or diesel service on weekends. In late August the rugged 4-6-2 tank engine 77.28 was in use.

A4 "Bittern" as "Dominion of New Zealand"

2011-09-03T02:17:00.002+02:00

At the initiative of its crew, the otherwise green streamliner "Bittern" (LNER 4464 / BR 60019) has been repainted into light blue, renumbered to LNER 4492 and generally taken on the identity of long lost fleet mate "Dominion of New Zealand". The results are very handsome and indeed quite spectacular, not least because the flagship locomotive has also received the full streamlined casings, to go with its showcase 1930s identity. "Bittern" will keep this guise until its next scheduled overhaul, when it is most likely to return to BR green. The kettle has been busy all summer long, hauling main line specials and is penciled in to make several cameo appearances at the autumn galas of different heritage railways. On one of these pictures it is seen at Corfe Castle station, en route to Swanage, for that railway's early September bash.

Steam on the Lausanne-Échallens-Bercher Railway

2011-08-26T23:38:00.001+02:00

One of the lovliest, yet least known narrow gauge lines in Switzerland is the LEB in the Canton Vaud. The town names in its title outline the route it traverses, going from the cosmopolitan city of Lausanne to the quaint farming village of Bercher, right in the middle of the "bread basket" of western Switzerland. Along the way, gorgeous views of the adjacent fields and forests enchant the traveler, while the Jura mountains are visible to the west. It is safe to say, the LEB is one of the most idyllic lines in the Romandie, full of original charm. While the company does a good job of operating a dense suburban commuter service, when the steam train comes out to play on select weekends in the summer or for special charter hires, the nostalgic magic of yesteryear comes with it. The following pictures give a small impression of this worthwhile railway and its lone kettle, the 1910-built SLM 0-6-0 tank engine G 3/3 Nr. 8.

The Kaiserfest in Bad Ischl

2011-08-24T10:53:00.001+02:00

An old imperial festival is always a good excuse to roll out some historic steam locomotives as well! Precisely such a course of events took place in mid August, as two steam locos headed to Bad Ischl in Austria, to mark the birthday of the former Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz Josef. The weather turned out to be less than grand however, as the stately kettles 78.618 and 77.28 had to parade around in the rain. Both of these fine machines are based at Ampflwang and are a part of the extensive ÖGEG collection. 78.618 has a remarkable "Hudson" 4-6-4 wheel alignment, which for a continental European tank engine is rather rare. Both pictures courtesy of Eduard Sassmann.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Railway Logos - First the Good, namely the very Best from Europe

2011-07-26T03:02:00.022+02:00

The general "look and feel", in more fancy language, the well conceived "corporate identity" of a railway company matters a great deal! It is as essential as in any other branch of business. Sadly, not all railway operators register that, allowing themselves to have "home-made" logos that are either completely amateuristic and have "hack job" written all over them, or at the other end of the spectrum, employ some overpaid ad gurus that charge a fortune for creating inappropriate insignia more befitting of an accounting office or a law firm. A lack of creativity or simply the constant conceptual regurgitation of the overused theme of "reduce to the max" plus the simple approach of "use any font from your word processing program and merely write out the name to create a final logo" have lead to a vast overproduction of boring, dull and lame logos, even in the otherwise dynamic world of railways.

So here we then take the time to celebrate all the contemporary railway logos that are exactly not that way! We recognize those graphic designers who knew that railways are best portrayed through classic yet timeless emblems, that embody the traditionalism that comes with trains but that never makes them outdated. The best railway logos are those that use and celebrate the most enduring emblems, like the winged wheel and similar symbols. The best and most successful approaches then rehash such images in either modern or retro adaptations, all while emphasizing dynamism , regional roots and of course motion! Since railway logos so often are an "alphabet soup" blend of different letters from longer acronyms, other successful design concepts may also chose to harmoniously portray or combine such acronyms and titular letters, basically creating a brand power around that.

Lets then start with logos that do a fantastic job of using the "never old" image of the winged wheel and achieve amazing visual effects with it. These logos prove that modern tweaks to a grand old symbol can produce fantastic results! The best one of these and hence presented at the very top is the logo of Železničná spoločnosť Slovensko (ŽSSK), Slovakia´s national passenger carrier.

Obviously all of these other Danish, Polish and Swiss examples are exceptionally good as well. The BLS gets a special mention, as it basically went from "worst to first" logo-wise, when it merged with RM in 2006 and got the latter´s "Ämme Schnägg" ("Emme River Snail") trademark. Prior to that, BLS Lötschbergbahn´s three letter logo had such ugly shapes and such a poorly chosen color combination, it would have ranked in the cellar of any list.

Another vintage badge "not to miss" of course is the former ÖBB insignia, now already two successive logos removed from active use during the 1950s and 60s. Too bad really, then the Austrian Federal Railways truly had a winning brand with this one! Fortunately the emblem still may be seen on many vintage vehicles owned by private railway operators around Austria, chief of them ÖGEG.

Of course also British Rail´s famous "Cycling Lion" makes top honors and cannot be missed from such a hitlist, replete with this honorable mention here. It too is a stand-out and represents the refined power and graceful majesty of rail travel and still adorns many a marvel of a heritage locomotive operating on the British tracks today. Some of the privatized British railway operators should actually take note of such artistery and conceptual beauty, especially since Britian has most recently seen a downward trend in railway branding, as "ice cream" logos for trains have become a fad.

Annual Gig in Bratislava

2011-07-13T00:42:00.003+02:00

Rendez, close enough to the French term "rendez-vous", is what the Slovaks call the annual steam locomotive festival in Bratislava. While it used to be held in September, it now always takes place every June, so as not to clash with the autumn "Grand Prix" events held in short succession in both Zvolen and Budapest. This year a number of international steam locomotives descended upon Blava, as the locals like to nick-name the Slovak capital. Chief amongst the attractions, and one definitely can label them a bit "the usual suspects", were the always magnificent 498.022 from Prague and the equally impressive 310.23 from Strasshof. Probably the most noteworthy participant was however the local 555.3008. After years of volunteer labor, its overhaul has been successfully completed and now Slovakia´s heritage fleet features its first operational, oil-fired kettle! Indeed, the loco was already converted to heavy oil-firing back in the 1960s, but most recently it had been out of service for the past few decades. Of note is the huge oil tank on top of the typical Class 52 tender. The height of the oil tank really maxes out the available loading gauge. Slovak coal-fired steam locos always have to be shadowed by a fire train. 555.3008 won't require that and hence already has a huge operational advantage for future excursions onto the main line! All pictures courtesy of Eduard Sassmann.

Steam in the Land of Gruyère

2011-07-09T01:04:00.000+02:00

The Gruyère region of Switzerland is world famous for its namesake cheese. Steam locomotives however are not immediately associated with this pretty patch of green land in the Canton Fribourg. Thanks to the scenic standard gauge branch line from Romont to Bulle, any good sized kettle can cover this territory as well though! Too bad it doesn´t happen so often, as there are some decent gradients and a lot of picturesque photo-curves along the way, plus a fabulous Alpine panorama. In mid May 2011, the Dampfbahn Bern´s flagship loco Nr. 5810 was the first kettle in a long time to steam all the way to Bulle, on board the train of course were a group of British enthusiasts from the Railway Touring Company, which had chartered the rake in the first place. The picture shows the 2-6-2 tank engine at the very end of the branch line in Bulle, with the modern station building in the background.

Steam Locomotive Festival in Lužná

2011-06-30T13:14:00.000+02:00

Every year in late June the Czech Railways organize an excellent steam festival at their local museum in Lužná u Rakovníka. Here are some of the photographic highlights from 2011! All pictures courtesy of Eduard Sassmann!

The Steamer "Gustav" in Potsdam

2011-06-19T21:05:00.000+02:00

Potsdam features amazing chateaus and castle gardens right on the outskirts of Berlin, plus on top of that, beautiful waterways! Best of all, it is possible to cruise on the river Havel by steam! The authentic screw steamer "Gustav" from 1908 is the nautic signature attraction of the local fleet and takes people on excellent, sightseeing tours by water. Built in the early 20th century by the Wiemann shipyard in Brandenburg, the vessel was used for most of its life as a tug. It has made a great transition to tourist usage and now delights people of all ages. The steamer remains coal fired and was comprehensively refurbished around 2000. It's majestic funnel is a great addition to the Potsdam cityscape. The steamer is a bit over 31 meters long and just over 6 meters wide.

The Ardelt Steam Crane in Knittelfeld

2011-06-07T23:59:00.002+02:00

In early June the railway museum in Knittelfeld, Austria put on a good show with a bunch of small and large nostalgic attractions. Doubtlessly the most rare of them was the deployment of the fully functional Ardelt steam crane, not many of those left in Europe at all. All pictures courtesy of Eduard Sassmann.

The Kolín Sugar Beet Railway

2011-05-23T14:38:00.001+02:00

The Kolínská řepařská drážka is the last of its kind, 600 mm, agricultural railway in the Czech Republic. It was originally opened in 1894 on the outskirts of Kolín and served the local sugar refinery until it became defunct in 1966. Since 2007 a museum and tourist operation has restarted, led by volunteer work and supported with grants from EU regional development programs as well as sponsorship from the local Toyota Peugeot Citroën Automobile (TPCA) car factory. Just recently in April 2011 the line was extended from Vyrovna to Písečný mlýn.

Of the original 10.6 kilometers, close to 3 km of track have now been completely reconstructed. Most impressive is the authentically rebuilt railway station in Kolín-Sendražice, replete with guest facilities, rolling stock shed and a small rail yard. The open air coaches of the Kolin Sugar Beet railway provide an wonderful excursion atmosphere and fresh air feeling, no matter if one is a railway buff or not! Accordingly, the line is a big draw for families with kids. The unique ambience of the railway embedded in lush fields and rolling hills is truly romantic, the small towns in the distance and their distinctive church towers capping the idyllic setting.

Aside from a few motor tractors, also an original kettle serves the line, a ČKD 0-4-0 type BS80. Nr. 10 in this case dates from 1951.

Austrian Legend 310.23 back in Service

2011-04-24T02:28:00.002+02:00

After a conservation period of two years, the legendary Gölsdorf "Adriatic" 310.23 made a comeback to active service in mid April, by running on the Franz-Josefs-Bahn from Wien to Sigmundsherberg and back. This event, intended to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 1911-built locomotive, as well as the usual kick-off bash at the museum in Strasshof during the same weekend, formally marked the start of the 2011 steam season in Austria. All pictures courtesy of Eduard Sassmann!

423.0145 at Starkoč

2011-04-22T18:36:00.001+02:00

The bullish 2-8-2 tank engine 423.0145 can be seen departing the Starkoč station in the direction of Nové Město nad Metují during an RTC charter run in northern Bohemia in April 2011.

213.902 between Smichov and Beroun

2011-04-22T13:31:00.001+02:00

The post-war industrial tank engine 213.902 is about as large of an 0-4-0 loco as one will find anywhere! In mid April, the Railway Touring Company hired the kettle for a bash over the Prague Semmering and then on to Beroun via the sparsely used connecting tracks between Hostivice and Rudna. The attached pictures document it on that stretch of the line. For the return journey between Beroun and Praha-Smichov the locomotive was then routed onto the busy main line corridor via Karlštejn, and despite of its top speed of merely 40 km/h, it was only twice stopped to let other service trains pass by. The run between Beroun and Smichov hence just took a bit over an hour and can be considered 'top notch'. The whole thing could be likened to Thomas the Tank Engine running from Euston to Milton Keynes on the West Coast Main Line with green lights almost throughout!

475.111 on Rare Tracks in Western Bohemia

2011-04-17T22:16:00.008+02:00

For the weekend in mid April, the British Railway Touring Company hired the massively majestic "Mountain" 475.111 for a bash through West Bohemia. In best English fashion and to appeal to the onboard cranks, the kettle was directed over tracks that either see no more locomotive-hauled services or are not frequented by passenger trains at all. Indeed, it was the first time ever that 475.111 went on line 161 west of Blatno and did the closed-off branch to Bochov as well. As could be expected, the outing of the Iron Monument Club flagship drew a whole host of spotters and chasers, that were able to follow the locomotive´s fine performance for the day.

A new Paddle Steamer for the Rhine between Schaffhausen and Konstanz

2011-04-09T13:42:00.003+02:00

Nominally the river route on the Rhine between Konstanz, Germany and Schaffhausen, Switzerland is one of the most scenic and enchanting waterways anywhere in Europe. It features serene landscape, charming villages, towering castles and covered wooden bridges en route, but what the shipping service of the URh does not offer, is any attractive ships! With the exception of the delightful little MS "Konstanz", a small motor launch dating from the 1920s and full of period charm, the fleet is about as dull, monotonous and boring as it gets. Lame 1960s and 1990s motor cruisers en masse, the type of stuff that fails to stand out or lure tourists away from other highlights in Switzerland. To make things worst, MS "Konstanz" is not used for time-tabled, public cruises, as it is too small.

Thankfully the URh and local politicians in the Cantons of Schaffhausen and Thurgau (which own and heavily subsidize the shipping company URh) have noticed this deficiency and have realized that their stretch of the Rhine cannot keep up with other Swiss marvels like Lake Zurich, Lake Lucerne, Lake Brienz or Lake Geneva, because they don´t have what those lakes have and what the public wants, namely authentic and highly popular paddle steamers, the signature boats of Swiss navigation in general!

Thanks to the foresight and lobbying of several local politicians, the two Cantons agreed to fund a technical feasibility study to arm the URh with a paddle steamer option for the future.

The study was commissioned in 2009 and finally unveiled in March 2011. It was produced by the Hochschule für Technik Rapperswil (HSR) and clearly demonstrates that a modern paddle steamer, equipped with a modern, remote-controlled marine steam engine (DLM make) is realistic and feasible to build. The study shows how a new steamer can feature all the visually pleasing hallmarks of a vintage "look and feel" while complying with modern safety standards and being built to meet the specific operational requirements of the URh. Those technical parameters are: 400 passengers, 120 covered indoor seats, 3 man crew, remote controlled steam engine, funnel that can be telescoped, pilot house that can be hydraulically lowered, the hull no longer than 50.45 meters and no wider than 9.4 meters.

Naturally buying a new paddle steamer will cost around 40% more than a conventional motor ship (ballpark estimate), but that investment will more than pay for itself after just a few years, given the greater draw, extra revenue and general touristic impact, with trickle-down spending in the region. A paddle steamer is a "game changer" for the URh that can propel the shipping company into a whole new league and let it reach the top-tier in Europe, getting on the same level as for instance the Sächsische Dampfschiffahrt in Dresden. The purpose of the feasibility study is to convince the Cantons of Schaffhausen and Thurgau to spend the roughly 40% more on a paddle steamer than a motor vessel, as it is always the cantons that must fund new ships for the URh and a new vessel will likely be required within the next decade.

So here´s a measure of support from this blog for the politicians in Schaffhausen and Frauenfeld, to set the course right for their shipping company and to upgrade the touristic draw of their region and their stretch of the Rhine, by getting a steamer. With the political powers that be calling the right shots and allocating the funding for this steamboat, the vessel could be paddling on the Rhine within the next 5 to 6 years.

Then the purists can start to debate, whether the ship should be called PS "Schaffhausen" or PS "Hohenklingen" (the castle towering above Stein am Rhein), both names have previously been used for famous paddle wheelers in that part of Switzerland.

Gems from the Archive - Rare Works Pictures of Escher Wyss Marine Steam Engines

2011-04-05T02:35:00.002+02:00

The following photographic masterpieces come courtesy of the Trivapor organization and Oli Bachmann, showing the original machinery on the Jura Lakes paddle steamers and sister ships „Neuchâtel“ and "Fribourg" dating from 1912 and 1913 respectively. This Escher Wyss-built equipment was unfortunately scrapped in the late 1960s after the steamers were withdrawn, but this priceless visual material provides an excellent sense of what these compact 2-cylinder, inclined power plants where like. With thanks to Oli Bachmann and Trivapor.

314.303 - Back in Action after more than 40 Years

2011-03-20T22:46:00.003+01:00

In mid March the oldest shunting locomotive in the Czech Republic made a comeback to active duty after a more than 40 year hiatus. 314.303 was originally built in 1898 by StEG in Vienna for service on the Kaiser Ferdinands-Nordbahn. Its original designation was X. 37. In 1908 the previously private railways in the Austrian monarchy were nationalized and so the locomotive went over to the kkStB and was classed as 66.03. Following World War I the loco stayed in Moravia and was taken over by the newly established Czechoslovak State Railways ČSD and re-numbered in 1925. That very digit remains valid today.

During the 1960s the 0-6-0 kettle served for a while as a shunting engine on the industrial yard of the famed shoe manufacturer Bata in Zlin, before being placed on a monument pedestal in Valašské Meziříčí after 1969. Thanks to the Czech foundation Nadace Okřídlené kolo, the locomotive was recently able to undergo a complete refurbishment program and is now fully operational again. The first public trips were made on the Saturday right after St. Patrick´s Day, running on the branch line between Valašské Meziříčí and Rožnov pod Radhoštěm.

The kettle remains based out of Valmez and is run by the same ČD crew that also operates the 2-8-2 tank engine 433.002. As can be seen on the attached pictures, the festive return to service did not go unnoticed in eastern Moravia and 314.303 drew quite a crowd upon its arrival in Rožnov.

Railway Archeology in Vienna

2011-03-06T20:21:00.001+01:00

Recent digging in Vienna has revealed impressive archeological remains from the old Wien-Aspang railway station, which had originally been built in 1881 and was later gutted in 1977. The attached color images show remnants of the former locomotive shed, water tower and turn-table. The black and white pictures give a feeling of how it used to be, way back when... All photos courtesy of Eduard Sassmann.

New Pictures of PS „Neuchâtel“ in Sugiez

2011-02-04T10:41:00.003+01:00

The refurbishment of the paddle steamer „Neuchâtel“ has now started in full force and as one of the first and definitely most noticeable measures, SHIPTEC Lucerne has already removed all the ugly 1960s superstructures, which had been strutted up when the vessel was converted into a restaurant. Now, and simply with the impression of the hull, the whole ship looks a lot more like a historic steamboat again. The removal of scrap materials from the old superstructure will continue and then the overhaul of the hull will commence.

Winter Steam over the Brünig

2011-02-01T19:36:00.001+01:00

In late January the Railway Touring Company had a mid-week charter with the rack and adhesion steam locomotive Nr. 1067 over the mighty Brünig pass. A few days later the Ballenberg Dampfbahn followed this up with a public weekend encore. The latter journey produced sunnier weather and hence this impressive picture. The vintage SLM kettle is seen here near Giswil. Picture courtesy of Olivier Bachmann.

751 004 with a Work Train at Praha hl.n.

2010-12-23T00:01:00.000+01:00

On the evening of December 15th, 751 004 could be seen at Prague´s main station waiting to depart with a long work train, including a massive, track-based crane. The loco is already classed as a museum object, yet it still hauls passenger trains as a reserve unit and is actively used for construction purposes. The scenic back drop of Praha hl.n. combined with the snow and the evening light effects made possible some slightly arty pictures.

Memorable Steam Moments on Film

2010-12-17T01:06:00.004+01:00

Some classic cinematic highlights of stylish steam locomotives from the first half of the 20th century.

The Hull of the old "Vyšehrad" back in Prague

2010-12-10T00:05:00.010+01:00

A few months back, the old hull of the presently inactive PPS paddle steamer "Vyšehrad" was moved from Chvaletice on the Labe (near Pardubice) for over 100 kilometers back to Prague and the winter port at Podbaba. At the same dock where PS "Vltava" received its overhaul in 2008-2009, the rusty hull of the "Vyšehrad" now sits iddle. As eye-catching as this move might have been (the steamer can now be easily viewed from all passing EuroCity trains on the main line between Prague and Dresden), it does not signify any sort of impending re-activation of the 1930s steamboat. Although the PPS has had loose plans for refurbishing the ship for many years (and giving it the new name "Hradčany" as part of the process), the company lacks the funds to do so anytime in the near future.

As such, the ideally dimensioned hull of the "Vyšehrad" (long, broad, very little draught) would make a great buy for any investor wishing to restore and prop-up a genuine paddle steamer on a river location anywhere in Central or Western Europe. The original ČKD engine of the ship is stored externally in a safe place and is complete. Fix the full, refurbish the engine, add new and appropriate superstructures, and you have yourself the ideal cash-cow river steamer for a touristic excursion market anywhere on the continent. This Czech steamer is indeed steeped in history and features a unique selling point for any navigation company! While the PPS is not desperate to sell the "Vyšehrad", like it previously did with its former fleet member "Labe" (which now flourishes in northern Germany as "Wappen von Minden"), if a credible buyer with a good project turns up, the PPS will field offers.

It is important to NOT confuse this former "Vyšehrad" with her identical sister that also carries the same name and continues to steam in the active PPS fleet. Yeah, not exactly easy to keep track of! The presently operational "Vyšehrad " was of course previously named "Devin".

Steam Survey Results – Gresley P2 and PS „Neuchatel“ get the Votes

2010-12-03T13:02:00.003+01:00

The results of the first Steam Survey held on this blog are in and users have strongly voiced their support for the construction of a new Gresley P2 steam locomotive in the UK. 76% of voters have classed the project as worthwhile and desirable, while only the remaining 24% have given it thumbs down. This should be water on the mills of the A1 Trust, which is currently conducting a detailed feasibility study and will then make a final decision on the possible reconstruction of another “lost” British locomotive. Given the fact that many of the technical components from the to-be-built P2 would be similar or identical to those used on the recently finished A1 “Tornado”, the technical and financial synergy effects are very compelling and just might push the project through.

On the paddle steamer front, the Swiss Jura Lakes cruiser “Neuchâtel” from 1912 has been classed as the odds-on favorite to return to service first, receiving 61% of the votes ahead of the Italian “Patria” with 23%. The British Dunkirk legend “Medway Queen” got 15% of the votes, no doubt helped by recent progress on the new construction of its riveted hull in Bristol. No votes were cast on behalf of the Scottish grand lady “Maid of the Loch”. Progress reports from Loch Lomond have not been circulated widely recently and this is mirrored by the fact that the “Maid of the Loch” project website has not received a single update since May 2009. While behind the scenes no doubt forward strides are being made on the “Maid”, it might be best for the project backers to also circulate those, if they would like to take a cue or keep pace with successful projects such as Trivapor’s “Neuchatel” venture. Only time of course will tell which steamer makes it out of the gates first, and as long as all do sometime within the next decade it will be a big success for European steam preservation in general, no matter when the exact date of the re-launch is. Keep watching the developments on all fronts!

Swiss Steamboat News - Lake Geneva Round-Up

2010-11-28T14:38:00.004+01:00

Holding on to the Future - CGN Reforms take Shape

For most of 2010, the CGN in Lausanne has been overshadowed by a political debate over its future, more specifically over its likely-to-be-altered corporate structure. With politicians on the one side wanting to punch through reforms to achieve a break with the deficitary status quo from the past several years, the labor union adamantly opposing any sort of changes for fears of job losses and the hard working paddle steamer preservation group ABVL seeking to safeguard the integrity and future deployment of all 8 paddle wheelers, loggerheads were quickly reached. Now in November, it seems that a classic Swiss compromise has been achieved, allowing all parties to see the glass as more half full, than half empty.

While this new deal still must be confirmed and ratified by all sides, it seems likely to happen and in many points actually makes a lot of sense. The center-piece of it all will be the new creation of a joint holding company, in order to operationally and financially separate the motor ferries from the magnificent Belle Epoque fleet. The 8 paddle wheelers will hence be put into the newly established subsidiary "CGN Belle Epoque", which will function as a non-for-profit and lease out its vessels to "CGN Exploitation", where they will be operated by the same CGN crews as up to now.

While the three cantons of Vaud, Geneva and Valais have bankrolled the formally private CGN for most of the past decades, they now also seek to officially take over the company by having a 51% majority stake in the new holding. While this might seem understandable and follow the clear-cut logic of "who pays, commands", it is not necessarily a good deal for the Belle Epoque fleet. One should remember that in Lucerne the SGV is controlled by the steamboat supporters, the Dampferfreunde Vierwaldstättersee holding the majority of shares. Mainly this circumstance has actually safeguarded the entire fleet of 5 Lake Lucerne steamers since the 1970s.

On Lake Geneva, the prospect of a quasi "nationalization" of the CGN at the state level is partly worrying, in that it puts a large part of the future of the 8 paddle wheelers into the hands of notorious, penny-pinching technocrats in the cantonal "Ministry of Transports". Vaudois technocrats for instance, who just announced in mid November that they only wish to fund the deployment of 4 Lake Geneva paddle steamers in 2011 and hence force PS "Rhone" out of service, without any necessity or actual justification at all.

The ABVL therefore needs the continued strong support from everyone, in order to up its shareholding influence and to strengthen its "veto power" over any future short-sighted, government-issued, technocratically ruthless decisions that might endanger the prospect of 8 future operational paddle wheelers, including 6 steamboats, with a re-steamed "Helvetie" at the center of it all. In a very necessary move, the ABVL has hence made its approval of the total CGN reform package contingent on an adequate compromise on the 51% state majority (local lake-side communes possibly picking up a certain part of the public stake in the company) as well as the abandonment of the villainous plans to de-commission the "Rhone" in 2011. The good news is that as one of the largest private shareholders of the CGN, the ABVL continues to wield substantial influence in this entire negotiation process and must be respected by the authorities. As such, one may be optimistic that more good solutions, including the "Rhone" in service in 2011 can be reached. Stay tuned and keep supporting ABVL!

Promising Progress on Piroscafo "Patria"

2010-11-18T09:51:00.001+01:00

Fore more than two decades the Italian paddle steamer "Patria", sistership of the "Concordia" on the Lago di Como has been out of service and languished in a stationary role at various shipyards along the lake. While the steamer was never in immediate danger of getting scrapped, for a long time it wasn't exactly on a fast-track to restoration either, as such projects always take a bit longer to materialize in Italy. A major turning point was however achieved a few years ago, when official ownership of the vessel was transferred from the navigation company to the Province of Como. This put control of the ship's future in the hands of those who wanted to preserve her and return her to steam, as much as it allowed funding opportunities to come into place.

Not many pictures or details of the planned restoration timeline have previously surfaced, but now as of autumn 2010, the "Patria" presents itself in a surprisingly advanced condition, as one major overhaul phase has already been completed! Indeed the whole ship has been sandblasted, the hull plates have been inspected and the repair work on the superstructures has been performed as well. The following pictures give a clear-cut overview and "proof-positive" of this. What remains are still phases II and III of the overhaul process, with the selection and installation of a new boiler, the reconditioning of the historic, 3-cylinder steam engine and of course all the necessary interior fittings. What will be most interesting to observe, is whether the "Patria" will receive an upper deck salon similar to that of the "Concordia" or if it will retain its authentic "half-salon" steamer guise and open aft deck from the 1920s. While an original appearance would be quite spectacular, one does have to say that the upper deck salon on the "Concordia" is very tastefully done, completely compatible with the original shape of the ship, plus it provides passengers with their favorite indoor seats, including optimal sight lines. As a heritage project, the "Patria" may well be able to do without the upper deck salon, while if it would need to operate on a purely commercial basis, the upper deck salon would probably be essential.

Political proponents and project backers want to see the "Patria" back in steam on the lake for the regional expo in 2015 at the very latest. If things go fast and the remaining 3.2 million Euro are quickly raised, a return even within the next two plus years is a real possibility. One may hence start speculating, which historic European paddle steamer will return to service next and complete its overhaul cycle first. The "Patria" certainly has gotten off to a head start and seems poised to potentially take first place, with others like the "Neuchatel" in Switzerland and the "Medway Queen" and Maid of the Loch" in the UK also in the hunt. Realistically the next paddle steamer to enter service will be "Eric Nordevall II" in Sweden, but this is an outright new-build and a remarkable reconstruction of the 1830s original. Place your "bets" on which steamer will be first in the boll on the right-hand margin of this blog page.

Introducing Steam Surveys

2010-11-15T21:50:00.000+01:00

In order to make visits to this blog not just informative but also interactive, a new "Steam Survey" feature has been added to the right column margin of this page. Feel free to share your expertise and insight, by voting for what you believe is most appropriate! Then later check back to find out the representative survey results and see what other readers around the world believe. The results will always be posted and analyzed on a regular basis. The survey selection you will find to your left! ->>>

387.043 back in Steam (but not in Action)

2010-11-07T19:13:00.002+01:00

At the end of October and for the last open day of the year, 387.043 was wheeled out of the roundhouse at the ČD Muzeum in Lužna and steam was raised in its boiler for the first time in a long time. While hence a fire was lit in the kettle´s box, the smoke coming out from the chimney was (alas) not (yet) indicative of a return to active service. This most popular (and elegant) of Czech high speed "Pacifics" therefore remains inactive and housed at the Lužna site, as the National Technical Museum (NTM) in Prague lacks the finances necessary to fund an overhaul for its attractive showpiece. At the same time, the ČD cannot or will not fund engine work for stock that it does not own. As such, all one can do for the moment is to enjoy the site of the green loco in the handsome autumn sunshine and hope for a return to service in future years.

387.043 does have two remaining sister locos, though both 387.017 and 387.019 are at the moment pretty rusty hulks in Bratislava. Still a return to service for them is not out of the realm of possibilites and MDC has even given serious consideration to it, pending finance. Picture courtesy of Vlastimil Buba.

A Paddle Steamer takes to the Skies

2010-10-18T12:10:00.002+02:00

A selection of the most spectacular images from the recent hoist of PS "Neuchâtel" on Saturday October 16th. All pictures courtesy of Olivier Bachmann.

Preparations for the PS "Neuchâtel" Hoist

2010-10-12T11:47:00.003+02:00

The full-fledged overhaul of the Swiss paddle steamer "Neuchâtel" of 1912 is just about to enter the realization phase. In Sugiez, between Lake Murten and Lake Neuchâtel, the vessel will be taken out of the water and placed on a special steel foundation. A massively large crane has therefore been assembled in order to hoist the steamer out of the water in mid October. The "Neuchâtel" will hence take to the air in truly spectacular fashion, a mighty move that is unprecedented in the history of Swiss steamboat overhauls. As the local shipyards of the navigation companies in Neuchâtel and Biel do not have the adequate size nor the available capacity to faciliate the overhaul of the steamer, Sugiez has become the venue of choice. After the ship is out of the water, overhaul work on the hull will commence. The lead contractor is SHIPTEC Lucerne.

This fabulous and very real progress on the "Neuchâtel" is highly encouraging, as it comes at a time when historic paddle steamers in the United States and Great Britain are either being scrapped or face the clear and present threat of demolition. Thankfully in Switzerland, the direction is the opposite, and due to strong preservation movements with the necessary financial backing and public support, the "Neuchâtel" is just one example of a steamer that will soon return to service, fully refurbished. All pictures courtesy of Yves Muller and Oli Bachmann.

2010 Grand-Prix in Budapest

2010-09-29T19:36:00.004+02:00

The 2010 Grand-Prix in Budapest marked the 10 year anniversary of the expansive railway museum, where the event takes places. This year the festivities in Hungary´s capital featured guest locos from Austria, Slovakia, Poland and Germany. All pictures courtesy of Eduard Sassmann!

2010 Steam Grand-Prix in Zvolen

2010-09-23T17:08:00.001+02:00

The Grand-Prix in Zvolen has become an annual fixture every September. This year´s event again attracted a diverse lot of visiting locomotives from different Central European countries, as Hungarian, Austrian, Polish and Czech guest locos descended on the southern Slovak city. Amidst the fray were the unique Hungarian 4-4-4 stream-lined tank 242.001, the Polish TKt 48-191, the Austrian 52 100 and the Czech 477.043 and 423.041. The Bratislava-based main line runner 498.104 hauled a special train consisting of modern coaches from Košice to Zvolen, while 464.001 came down from Prievidza. Despite of heavy rain, the public turn-out was as large as ever and the steam spectacle as entertaining as usual. All pictures courtesy of Eduard Sassmann!

464.008 in South Bohemia

2010-09-18T09:51:00.003+02:00

The next ČKD-built 4-8-4 tank engine has re-entered service, this time it´s the Hradec Kralove based 464.008. After the recently overhauled Slovak-based 464.001 and the already operational 464.102 from Prague, 464.008 is the third member of the class back in action. For the summer of 2010 the kettle re-located to South Bohemia, to pull public steam trains around the Šumava forests, as seen on the image above. Photo courtesy of Vlastimil Buba.

"Genf" and "Limmat" along Lake Biel

2010-09-12T12:00:00.001+02:00

Switzerland´s two oldest kettles are seen roaring through the vineyards along Lake Biel while pulling a VIP train for the SBB´s big brass in early September. The "Genf" leads the double-header and the "Limmat" follows. Note the festive uniforms of the locomotive crews! Photos courtesy of Oli Bachmann.

Switzerland´s oldest Kettles double-headed on the Main Line

2010-09-07T13:27:00.001+02:00

For the first time ever, the two nominally oldest Swiss steam locomotives, D 1/3 "Limmat" and Ec 2/5 Nr. 28 "Genf" were paired for an early September steam bash on the busy main line between Olten and Solothurn, in order to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the line. While the "Genf" actually is the oldest loco in the country, an original 0-4-6 Engerth kettle dating from 1858, the "Limmat" is an accurate replica of the country´s first locomotive from 1847. The present-day "Limmat" was built to mark the 100th anniversary of Swiss railways in 1947. As such it is a nowadays very rare American Norris type 4-2-0. All pictures courtesy of Oli Bachmann.

Overhaul Work on PS "Simplon" in Lausanne

2010-09-04T18:43:00.000+02:00

For the 2010 season the very popular Lake Geneva steamer "Simplon" is out of service, as the CGN performs necessary engine work on the vintage 1915 Sulzer power package. Amongst other things, the crankshaft of the massive 2-cylinder compound engine has been dismounted and sent to Hamburg for precision adjustments and general fine-tuning. All Lake Geneva steam buffs and CGN supporters can already look forward to 2011 and the return of the ship in the late spring.

Steam on the East Broad Top Railroad

2010-08-24T21:02:00.001+02:00

Steam has run on the East Broad Top Railroad in Pennsylvania since 1873. Most of the line was used to haul coal from nearby Broad Top Mountain. In its heyday, the US Navy was the key consumer of that particularly high quality grade of Keystone State coal! In addition to coal, also timber was one of the main goods transported on the line. In 1956 the EBT was closed-down after its economic viability diminished. Even though there were plans for dismantling the entire narrow gauge railroad and its associated infrastructure, a more fortunate scenario played out and the whole line became a marvelously well preserved railroading remnant of the 19th century. Since 1964 the EBT has been designated as an official National Historic Landmark. Of great cultural value is particularly the shop complex at Rockhill, which remains very original and extremely authentic. It´s not a 20th century example of a railroad servicing facility (of which many still survive in the United States), but rather a much more antiquated and rare 19th century sample. The Rockhill complex is a key part of what makes the East Broad Top Railroad unique.

In May 2010 a series of photo steam specials ran on the EBT, featuring Engine Nr. 15 and a mixed rake of freight and passenger carriages. Here a selection of the photographic highlights. All pictures courtesy of Urias von Meyenburg!

Class 475.1 Bonanza in Lužná u Rakovnika

2010-08-20T15:27:00.002+02:00

In late June 2010, the Czech Railways organized their annual museum bash in Lužná. This year the festivities were entirely dedicated to the beautiful post-war locomotive class 475.1. These modern Škoda kettles feature the graceful nickname "Countess" or "Šlechtična" in Czech. Currently there are four operational members of the class, 475.101 from Brno, 475.111 from Plzeň, 475.179 from Děčín and 475.196 from Vrutky in Slovakia. All decended upon the roundhouse in Lužná for the big bang. To that end an initial double-header out of Prague´s main station was organized with 475.101 and 475.196. In Žatec 475.179 joined the party and a true tripple-header resulted for the way on to Lužná. There the three locos met up with 475.111 and the non-operational green legend 475.1142, for some memorable snapshots. 475.1142 belongs to the Czech National Technical Museum (NTM) and is normally stored at the shed in Chomutov. It is different and remarkable in that it features roller-bearings on the rods and even was once exhibited in China as a Czech technology showpiece. All pictures courtesy of Eduard Sassmann.

498.104 under steam in Bratislava

2010-08-20T15:10:00.001+02:00

One of the true Slovak steam flagships, the mighty second series "Albatros" 498.104 has been back in steam since 2009. Here it can be seen in June 2010 at the annual Bratislava steam festival "Rendez" in June 2010. Notice the newly painted white cab roof! Picture courtesy of Eduard Sassmann.

Steam in the Austrian Waldviertel

2010-08-20T15:04:00.001+02:00

Some pictures of an August 2010 steam special organized by the Railway Touring Company in the Austrian Waldviertel ("Forest Quarter"), right at the frontier with the Czech Republic. The dandy 0-8-2 steam loco 399.01 from 1906 can be seen here on the southern branch between Gmünd and Gross Gerungs. The line offers one of the very best narrow gauge experiences in Austria and Central Europe for that matter!

Steam on the Ybbstalbahn

2010-08-16T18:05:00.006+02:00

The mountainous part of the Ybbstalbahn, the rugged 17 kilometer long "Bergstrecke" running from Kienberg-Gaming to Lunz am See has been closed to regular services since 1988. Now in 2010 the ÖBB has also given up operations on the rest of the Ybbstalbahn, on the continuation from Lunz to Waidhofen. While most of the trackbed will be converted into a cycle-path, at least one part of the track will be preserved, which will make it possible for the heritage trains to extend their reach by an extra 8 kilometers, going from Lunz as far as Göstling.

The feeling on the rugged Ybbstal Bergstrecke is quite different than on the other Austrian 760mm lines. Even though the line is very hilly, it is not Alpine. The terrain is rough and very remote, leading to serious comparisons with the Wild West. No doubt, the two spectacular steel-work trestle bridges, both of them built in the 1890s in Prague and then shipped to the railway for local re-assembly, create much of that evocative feeling! The line reaches its summit point at Pfaffenschlag, which lies 303 meters above Kienberg-Gaming. Generally the steepest gradient is 34.4‰. Presently the only operational steam locomotive is the compound 0-6-2 tank engine Uv.I, a typical Austro-Hungarian design built by Krauss in Linz in 1902.

Steam on the Steyrtalbahn

2010-08-11T02:22:00.001+02:00

Since regular ÖBB operations ended on the Steyrtalbahn in 1982, the ÖGEG has suceeded in turning it into one of the most well preserved and beautiful museum railways in Austria. The line and the whole outfit is simply so idyllic and romantic! Running along the River Steyr for a bit more than 17 kilometers from Steyr Lokalbahnhof to Grünburg, the line passes thru many gently rolling fields and over one steel-span bridge. A worthwhile visit for anyone in search of local railways the way they once used to be!

5810 along Lake Thun

2010-08-01T13:47:00.000+02:00

Dunring mid and late July the Railway Touring Company chartered several steam trains around Switzerland for its annual "Swiss Steam Safari". One such composition on July 22nd was led by the mighty 2-6-2 tanke engine 5810 from the Dampfbahn Bern. As part of the day´s program the loco took the tour participants from Burgdorf via Konolfingen and Thun to Interlaken Ost, while returning back to Burgdorf via Bern. Here the elegant loco can be seen along Lake Thun, racing towards Interlaken. It was clocked at 47 miles per hour that day! Photo courtesy of Olivier Bachmann.

423.0145 in North Bohemia

2010-07-08T19:57:00.001+02:00

In late June the Railway Touring Company organized several steam charter trains over rare tracks in North Bohemia. On one day a circular route from Jaroměř to Nachod, Teplice, Adršpach, Trutnov and back to Jaroměř was put on, while the next day the train went from Jaroměř to Stara Paka and back, again doing another loop, this even over partially closed-off lines between Smiřice and Hněvčeves. The 2-8-2 workhorse can be seen here at the station of Jaroměř as well as in a field near Borovnice.

92 2271 back in Action in Zwettl

2010-06-28T00:17:00.000+02:00

In early June the Martinsberger Lokalbahn organized an open day at its home base in Zwettl. Chief amongst the attractions was the newly refurbished 0-8-0 tank engine 92 2271. Conducting cab rides for the general public, the loco came into quite some demand!

The Martinsberger Lokalbahn is a branch line off the Franz-Josefs-Bahn between Wien and Gmünd. Nominally it stretches from Schwarzenau to Zwettl and continues onward to Martinsberg. Beyond Zwettl regular passenger services have been discontinued since 1986, although heavy freight traffic still remains. The signature item of the whole line is the formidable railway viaduct near Zwettl. All pictures courtesy of Eduard Sassmann.

40 Years of the Dampfbahn Bern

2010-06-20T16:34:00.001+02:00

To celebrate its 40th anniversary in June 2010, the Dampfbahn Bern (DBB) rolled its two biggest tank engines out of the shed and took them on a circular jaunt thru the Swiss midlands and the Jura mountains, covering the route Burgdorf - Solothurn - Olten - Läufelfingen - Sissach - Basel - Laufen - Delemont - Moutier - Oberdorf - Solothurn - Burgdorf. The obvious highlights of this looping itinerary naturally were the steep gradients on both the Hauenstein and Weissenstein mountain lines. The two massive 2-6-2 and 2-8-0 kettles indeed make for a fine sight! Photos courtesy of Olivier Bachmann.

A New Emblem for the Steamboats of Switzerland

2010-06-06T20:28:00.005+02:00

The vintage steamboats of Switzerland are as iconic as the Matterhorn! Now the 14 paddle steamers and 2 screw steamers on 9 different lakes have a new promotional icon and a fashionable quality label to unite them all! The above logo functions as an umbrella emblem for all the Swiss steamers and helps boost their international visibility and touristic value!

310.922 in Lanškroun

2010-06-06T11:57:00.001+02:00

At the end of May, the 0-6-0 tank engine 310.922 from the shed at Česká Třebová made a public steam trip to nearby Lanškroun. In order to extend the actual journey time of the relatively short jaunt, the locomotive took a highly interesting path through the vast railyard at Česká Třebová. This unusual routing again made the train very interesting for line bashers and rare track collectors. Having a arrived in the quaint town of Lanškroun, several nice photo motives presented themselves, while the Škoda locomotive waited to take water.

The Axles of the "Elefant" in České Velenice

2010-05-31T17:27:00.001+02:00

The entire axle set of the legendary Swiss 2-10-0 freight locomotive C 5/6 "Elefant" was recently transferred from Meiningen to České Velenice. There they await their necessary overhaul, once Eurovapor Sulgen gives the green light (finances pending). The driving crank axle will need a certain level of precision work on it, including treatment of the steel. That scope of specialized work therefore might need to be provided by Pilsen Steel (formerly known as Škoda Steel).

A Bardotka in Bavaria

2010-05-26T10:21:00.001+02:00

As part of the diesel special from Prague to Železná Ruda in mid May, the loud loco 751 004 of course also made its way onto German tracks at the shared border station. Because the ČD class 749/751 locomotives do not have an EBA operating permit for Germany, Bayerisch Eisenstein is the only spot in the country, that the locomotives can presently reach. The locomotive is here seen in Bavaria, while shunting back into position for the return journey to Praha hl. n. Both photos courtesy of Shaun Wallace.

751 004 between Praha and Železná Ruda

2010-05-16T16:59:00.004+02:00

On May 15th, the non-silenced "Grumpy" 751 004 made the much anticipated diesel bash from the Czech capital city to the Bavarian border. In a stylish fashion and to go hand-in-hand with the large group of English cranks that chartered the train, the locomotive was even fitted with a British style headboard that read "Diesel Tour 2010". The locomotive covered a good variety of different West Bohemian lines by tracing the route Praha hl.n. – Rudna u Prahy – Beroun – Plzeň – Klatovy - Železná Ruda (Bayerisch Eisenstein) – Janovice nad Uhlavou – Klatovy – Sušice – Horažďovice - Strakonice - Blatna - Březnice - Beroun – Praha Smichov – Praha hl. n.

Thanks to efficient time-table planning on the part of the Czech Railways and a smooth ride in general, the locomotive was able to closely follow the drafted time-table. Between Klatovy and Špičák, as well as between Klatovy and Sušice on the return run, numerous photo-stops were inserted, which contributed to the rich availability of many great pictures, most of which are also published here. Of course the special train also drew a large number of line-side photographers, many of which made their way from far away in Germany to get a glimpse of the loud 751 storming up the hilly gradients to Železná Ruda. Needless to say, the thrash factor was very loud! The success of the tour and the jolly mood aboard the train, made it highly likely that similar "Grumpy" runs on other scenic lines in the Czech Republic and Slovakia will follow.

The Overhaul of PS "Unterwalden" in Lucerne

2010-05-08T14:43:00.000+02:00

The comprehensive rebuild of the paddle steamer "Unterwalden" from 1902 continues at the SHIPTEC yard in Lucerne, about a year before the ship is expected to re-enter service in spring 2011. Presently the new boiler has already been installed, the new wooden decks are being fitted, and the future upper deck superstructures are being put in place. If all goes well, the steamer will be ready to be re-floated in late 2010.

New Steam Pipes for 141 R 568

2010-04-27T02:04:00.001+02:00

In March 2010 Wasatch Railroad Contractors and William Cook Rail´s own staff started the process of replacing all of 141 R 568´s old boiler tubes. While the old tubes have now already been successfully removed, the new tubes are expected to be installed in May. The tube job will give the original Baldwin boiler from 1945 better operating conditions for the future. All pictures courtesy of Urias von Meyenburg.

99 749 in Zittau and Oybin

2010-04-23T17:24:00.003+02:00

The narrow gauge line in Zittau operates a handsome bunch of class 99 tank locos that serve this city at the very eastern periphery of Germany, right on the border to Poland and the Czech Republic. From the historic station building of Zittau (which is remarkably similar to the main station hall in nearby Liberec) the trains curve around city center and then head to the nearby hills. After almost 9 kilometers, the line divides into two branches at the quaint little station of Bertsdorf. One branch then leads to Oybin, the other to Jonsdorf. Both towns are handsome touristic destinations, replete with nice scenery, cute littel souvenier shops and especially impressive rock formations. The old narrow gauge station in Oybin is an architectual marvel from 1890. 99 749, built in 1929, is one of 6 operational locomotives on the line.

The kkStB Class 170 / ČSD Class 434 / ÖBB Class 56

2010-04-17T21:13:00.003+02:00

The old Austro-Hungarian steam locomotive class 170 was initially designed and developed by Karl Gölsdorf in 1897. Until the end of the production cycle shortly after World War I, no less than 796 units were built, making it the most numerously produced Austro-Hungarian design. As a hard-working 2-8-0, the class 170 was specifically geared towards all the many mountain lines around Central Europe, working in Austria especially on the Arlberg, the Brenner and the Semmering. After WWI the majority of the locomotives went to the different national successor companies, such as the BBÖ in Austria, as well as the Czechoslovak State Railways (ČSD). The ČSD even continued the manufacture of the class in the early 1920s and modified 345 units to use super-heated steam. In Czechoslovakia the locomotives were correspondingly classified as 434.0, 434.1 and 434.2. It is a testament to the quality and simple reliability of Gölsdorf´s original concept, that the ČSD used the class in regular service until 1980! Today the museum locomotives 434.1100 and 434.2186 remain in operational condition for preservation purposes and nostalgic rides around Central Bohemia. 434.0170 is being restored in Jaroměř!

In Austria the driving axle of 170.484 was saved in 1990 by Eduard Sassmann and put in a place of honor at the entry to the ÖBB operations center in Wien Nord. Since that former shed was reduced to rubble, the driving axle was once again saved from the scrap yard and re-located to the Südbahn-Museum in Mürzzuschlag in March 2010. The locomotive 170.484 itself was built in 1917 in Wiener Neustadt. After World War II the kkStB class 170 became classified as Baureihe 56 by the ÖBB: All photos provided courtesy of Eduard Sassmann!

99 1746-9 and the Weisseritztalbahn

2010-04-13T15:29:00.003+02:00

The Weisseritztalbahn is one of Saxony´s seven principal narrow gauge lines, all fitted with 750 mm tracks. The line was severely damaged by the century floods in 2002, but since then has celebrated a bit of a renaissance, although only after many years of political discourse and much bargaining. Since the end of 2008 the section from Freital-Hainsberg to Dippoldiswalde has been re-opened, the reconstruction having been financed by the state of Saxony.

The infrastructure investments and technical upgrades that were made as part of the reconditioning of the line are all very impressive though! All along the namesake river, a very complete and elevated track path has been installed and partially new bridges mounted.

After curving along the Weisseritz in the narrow valley for much of the way, the line then leads out into the open and storms past the reservoir at Malter. Dippoldiswalde, the present end point of the line can be likened to a quaint, sleepy German town straight out of a picture book. The reconstruction of the section from Dippoldiswalde to Kipsdorf was formally decided by the Saxon state government in April 2009. The works are expected to be completed by 2011, then the trains will be able to run again the whole 26 kilometer long route. Presently the Weisseritztalbahn has two operational steam kettles in service. The more frequently deployed 99 1746-9 was built in Berlin in 1929.

Železná Ruda-Alžbětín / Bayerisch Eisenstein - The Coolest Border Station in Europe

2010-04-08T19:52:00.004+02:00

Since the opening of the direct railway line through the hilly scenery of the Bohemian and Bavarian forests in 1877 (a part of the bigger Prague - Munich line, in the grander scheme of things) and the associated construction of a shared border station building, smack on the national frontier in 1878, the railway station of Železná Ruda / Bayerisch Eisenstein has been one of the most unique border outposts anywhere in the world! Best of all, the boundary line runs directly through the symetrically built stone facility and the adjoining platforms and railyard. While originally serving as a border station between the Kingdom of Bavaria and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, when it first opened, and having later over-come the gloomy days of the Cold War, when the station also formed the very frontline of the Iron Curtain, Železná Ruda-Alžbětín / Bayerisch Eisenstein has become one of the most exciting, beautiful and simply also fun railway stations to visit anywhere.

This is not only because of the formidable, representative stone architecture of the station building (and the two excellent restaurants located within, each highlighting Czech and German specialties respectively), or the visibly marked, yet now Schengen-style, barrier-free border, but simply also because Bayerisch Eisenstein and Železná Ruda are surrounded by such gorgeous nature, multiple ski slopes and lots of hiking trails. The run up on the Czech side of the track, from Klatovy via Špičák, is one of the best in the country. The "Goggle" hauled trains that storm up those ramps offer something appealing for any railway or diesel fan. On the German side of the line, from Deggendorf via Zwiesel to Eisenstein, the rolling stock is nowadays more dull, no more noisy DB class 218 diesels, only boring RegioShuttles from the Regentalbahn, yet that does not distract at all from the fine views that can be had, while the train climbs up and crosses several viaducts en route.

A superb part of the whole railway complex in Eisenstein is also the massive stone roundhouse, that houses the museum of the Bayerischer Localbahn Verein. Each year in August that very same association also puts on a great week of local steam operations, using its vintage class 70 steam loco to offer trips between Eisenstein and Zwiesel. Previously, when the Czech post-war 2-10-0 freight loco 534.0432 was still based at Klatovy, it also made regular trips up to Železná Ruda. Since 2009 it has been transferred to Olomouc and Moravia though, hence the closest Czech steam locomotive now is 475.111 in Pilsen.

The next noteworthy locomotive visit of any kind to Železná Ruda will come in May 2010, when the loud "Bardotka" 751 004 will haul a special train from Prague to the border station, marking the first visit by a class 751 unsilenced diesel to that part of Southwestern Bohemia (and Germany) for the first time in ages. Be it for steam, diesel or simply a quaint glimpse of European history in itself, a trip to Bayerisch Eisenstein and Železná Ruda is always worth it!

Springtime in the Rockies and K-36 489 in Green

2010-04-04T01:16:00.007+02:00

Now here is an attractive event that will be sure to thrill all fans of the former Denver & Rio Grande narrow gauge railroads in Colorado and New Mexico! Photographers, grab your gear! Just in time for the 60th anniversary of the only known or recorded outing of K-36 489 with a green boiler jacket, Russ Sperry and the Cumbres & Toltec are putting together a renewed run of the 2-8-2 loco in that unusual and exclusive boiler livery. The train will run from Antonito to Osier and back, and will be timed to provide perfect lighting conditions to highlight the loco and its unique visual appearance for the day. Originally the Rocky Mountain RR Club came up with the notion of a dark olive green boiler jacket, for the sake of a photo charter back in May 1950, between Salida and Monarch Pass!

As the attached pictures show, the design concept with the green jacket works very well and looks pretty darn good, yet it should be noted that all the attached pictures here have been treated in Photoshop and are merely a suggestive rendering. Hence the only chance to see the real deal in live action comes at the end of May 2010. After the Durango & Silverton already put on an excellent series of photographer specials with locomotive 473 sporting the amazing "Bumblebee" black and yellow color combination, this run in black and green can be compared and likened to that! K-36 489 will haul a rake of box, stock and refrigerator cars and of course also cabooses for the photo run. In the caboose is where any true railway buff will want to ride, between taking snapshots of the whole consist amidst the fantastic scenery of the Southwest. Visit the website of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic RR for more details and specific information. All pictures courtesy of Urias von Meyenburg.

>>> http://www.cumbrestoltec.com/content/events

01 509 Steaming out of Dresden Hbf

2010-03-29T23:54:00.001+02:00

Another few glorious images of 01 509 as seen on the last weekend of March in Dresden. Here the locomotive draws a good bunch of spectators and plenty of photographers too, as it departs Dresden Hauptbahnhof in fine fashion. Photos courtesy of Shaun Wallace.

Steam Draws the Crowd at the Dresden Roundhouse

2010-03-28T19:11:00.001+02:00

Almost 11,000 spectators descended on the old Dresden roundhouse and railway museum for the last weekend of March and crowded the premises of the shed (as well as these pictures) to take in the sights and scenes of no less than 8 big-end kettles under steam, plus a host of other historic locomotives on cold display.Various clubs from around eastern Germany organized special trains to Dresden to bring extra visitors and their own locomotives to the gathering. 01 509, 03 204, 41 1144, 50 3610, 52 8047, 52 8079, 52 8177, and 65 1049 were all under steam. While 01 509 worked to Radeberg on Saturday morning, 03 204, 41 1144 and 65 1049 worked to Freital-Hainsberg and Tharandt on Saturday afternoon, providing lots of people plenty of chances to also get some quality mileage off the locos.

01 509 in Dresden and Radeberg

2010-03-28T15:28:00.004+02:00

The impressive oil-fired "Pacific" 01 509, one of the East German flagships, is back in action after a comprehensive overhaul in Meiningen. After already bashing about in Thüringen for various trial runs and then steaming to Chemnitz some days ago, it was in Dresden for the last weekend in March 2010. After racing on the mainline from Leipzig to Dresden with plenty of Saxonian dignitaries on board on Friday, just in time for the commencement of the big annual steam loco festival at the old Dresden roundhouse, the 4-6-2 then ran for a brewery trip from Dresden Hbf to Radeberg, on the Görlitz-bound line on Saturday morning. The kettle hauled a train consisting of vintage carriages from the stable of the Sächsische Eisenbahnfreunde, including an old Mitropa buffet car. Of course there were plenty of spotters and photogs along the line too! After sporting a confusing burgundy-red colored tender on its inital trail runs around Meiningen, the loco was now back to its normal livery with black tender, black boiler and red wheels. Looking as good as ever, even though the weather and the photographic conditions were dull.

PS "Neuchâtel" - Massive Progress

2010-03-11T17:00:00.004+01:00

The stellar efforts of the Trivapor association in Switzerland are paying continuous dividends and are leading to great progress on the path to returning the historic paddle steamer "Neuchâtel" to active service on the three Jura lakes. While the refurbishment and reassembly of the historic Maffei steam engine (which will drive the steamer) is already virtually finished in Luzern at the SGV shipyard, the steamer itself will be taken out of the port of the city of Neuchâtel in September 2010 and moved to a dry mooring place at Sugiez, close to Lake Murten. There the ideal infrastructure can be found to refurbish the hull and the superstructure of the ship, step by step, and as new funding comes in, all without expensive overhead or tight time pressure. As a first step the physical infrastructure of the ship will need to be thoroughly overhauled, especially the hull, before new electrical wiring and other vital systems are integrated. Following that will come the new boiler and the installation and placement of the Maffei steam engine. Last but not least then of course the cosmetic touches, that will give the ship back much of its historic splendor from the earlier 20th century will follow. Finance for the first phase is already in place and in the bank.

Though some concessions have to be made to present-day safety standards, these will be elegantly hidden and the ship will have the similar sort of visual apperance as it did in the 1960s, when it last operated. The propsed silhouette of the steamer looks indeed very elegant, and so do all the interior design studies, which are released here for a first time. On top of that, the responsible Swiss government authorities have accepted and signed off on the full technical dossier for the steamer refurbishment program, clearing the way for actual repair work to begin as soon as the ship is in dry dock.

All the architectual renderings give a very good idea of just how elegant the ship will look, especially also on the inside. Obvious highlights are the refined touches of light wood to grace to below deck "half-salon", as well as the newly established and englassed dining area on the main rear deck. The stern of the ship will remain open and unenclosed, to enjoy the fresh air and those classic summer breezes that come with Jura lakes. The engine area will feature a "glass-eye" like PS "Savoie" and PS "La Suisse" do on Lake Geneva, giving a good glimpse of the hard working piston rods below the actual standing surface. All in all Trivapor and its associated contractors have done a great job in preparing this all, and one can only look forward to seeing these visual drawings take shape in the real world and come into the actual implementation phases pretty soon. All pictures courtesy of Trivapor.

100 Years of PS "Trillium" in Toronto

2010-03-02T18:44:00.005+01:00

Not known to many, but the city of Toronto features one of the very few operational side-wheel paddle steamers in all of North America. The delightful "Trillium" indeed is quite a unique ferry steamer, as there is no other comparable ship like her nowadays. Unfortunately she does not sail much for public events, and hence her PR status or international renown are limited to only true ship buffs or real steamer experts. The ship was designed to just serve the nearby islands, off the waterfront of Toronto and within simple sight. The route to Centre Island is then also the "bread and butter" line for all Toronto ferries and it serves the leisure-seeking masses that all venture to Centre Island for fun and relaxation. That route has always been a mainstay for the steamer as well. As such, the "Trillium" was conceived to never carry passengers much longer than for short 15 minute jaunts, hence a pedestrian ship almost. Her interior decks are therefore simple and plain, but she does have nice wooden touches and a great inclinded steam engine, propelling the two side-wheels. The typical shape and symetrical placement of her two wheel-houses makes her a bit reminiscent of the museum ferry "Eureka" in San Francisco, even though "Eureka" is powered by a beam, much larger, and could also carry cars. This year marks the 100 anniversary of the "Trillum", and here´s hoping she will still see service in another 100 years, plus maybe sail a bit more often for the public during the next 10.

The steamer was comprehensively refurbished from 1973 to 1975, when also her previous wooden superstructure was replaced by safer steel decks. From 1957 to 1973 the ship was out of service and languished, thankfully scrapping never took place, even though at times there was talk of it. The included color photograph from 1961 shows her condition during that era. Thanks to that restoration from the 1970s, the ship has become a positive and important historic fixture along the Toronto waterfront. All pictures courtesy of William Worden.

Another Old Steam Shed bites the Dust

2010-02-13T22:26:00.002+01:00

The massive urban infrastructure projects of the modern railway often have a way of bringing down old rail structures in their wake. The lastest example is the locomotive depot at Vienna´s Südbahnhof, once also a thriving steam shed. In the wake of the comprehensive reconstruction project around Vienna´s old south station and what will become the city´s new sparkling central station, the depot also had to make way. (Including its turntable, which was also dismantled and scrapped on site!) The included pictures provide two representative snapshots and historic souveniers of how it once all was, both in the era of steam and more recently. All pictures courtesy of Eduard Sassmann.

Future Prospects - Steam out of Wien Hauptbahnhof

2010-01-27T14:27:00.002+01:00

Since mid December 2009, the old and somewhat run-down Wiener Südbahnhof has been closed and out of service, as the construction work has started on Vienna's new state-of-the-art central station (Hauptbahnhof), which will be on a plot of land and partially include the same string of tracks, as the old southern terminus. This will finally give Vienna a sparkling and impressive main railway station, one befitting and appropriate to its status as a world city steeped in charm and history. While the old Südbahnhof, in itself a dingy and lack-luster facility, built on the cheap and without many thrills between 1955 and 1961, saw plenty of good steam activities, serving as the departure point for many fantastic charters on the Südbahn and over the Semmering, as well as to the Strasshof museum and international destinations such as Bratislava and Budapest, one can only already look forward to the new building filling a similar role on occasion. Next to serving the previous southern and eastern lines, the new station will also be able to cope with direct thru-traffic arriving from the west. Visually and stylistically, the mixture of the stunning modern architecture of the new Wiener Hauptbahnhof and the contrast of the big, black-kettled, red-wheeled Austrian steam giants from the ÖGEG, ÖBB and Brenner & Brenner stables should make for quite a dandy impression! The attached images show artistic renderings of the new station, now planned to fully open in 2015, as well a picture of the vintage electric 4061.13, the last locomotive to formally depart the old Südbahnhof. A real photographic rarity and a beautiful trip back in time are then the two included vintage pictures, which show the last time-tabled steam train to arrive at the Südbahnhof (with locomotive 77 250) as well as the last regular steam train to depart it (with loco 77 263) in 1971. All locomotive pictures courtesy of Eduard Sassmann.

May 2010 Vintage Diesel Tour through West Bohemia and into Germany with loud 751 004

2009-12-25T16:09:00.063+01:00

May 15th 2010 - Czech vintage diesel tour with loud "Grumpy" 751 004 from Praha to Bayerisch Eisenstein and back, over scenic lines and covering very rare track

15. Mai 2010 - Ohne Schalldämpfer und mit authentischer Akkustik durch Westböhmen und nach Bayerisch Eisenstein mit der lauten Nostalgie-Diesellok 751 004 "Bardotka"

(Deutscher Text etwas weiter unten)

Route:

Praha hl.n. – Rudna u Prahy – Beroun – Plzeň – Klatovy - Železná
Ruda (Bayerisch Eisenstein) – Janovice nad Uhlavou – Klatovy – Sušice – Horažďovice - Strakonice - Blatna - Březnice - Beroun – Praha Smichov – Praha hl. n.

English Description
Experience some of the very best that railroading in the Czech Republic has to offer, on this vintage diesel tour and noteworthy "bash for thrash" in West Bohemia! The run offers something for all railway enthusiasts and pleasure photographers, as the loud and unsilenced "crowd pleaser" 751 004, one of the more exclusive and "hard-to-get" locomotives in the portfolio of ČD storms from Prague to the German border, covering lots of scenic landscape and hilly tracks in West Bohemia and the Šumava forests, which have not been done by an unsilenced "Grumpy" in a very, very long time. The planned route features an ideal combination of fast main line running and rare branch line bashing, that will be sure to please any high-end crank or also just the casual traveler. The program also allows for specifically line bashing a bunch of rare track, that is otherwise not possible to cover with locomotive-hauled traction and only sees the regular use of 810 or 814 class motor units. Three specific photographic run-pasts will be included in the program, so that also all photographers and filmers will get their "fill" and will be able to make some very memorable picture documentation of the special day out. On top of that, there will also be ample photographic opportunities at all stations where the train pauses, including in Bayerisch Eisenstein. (Catch the unusual chance to photograph a "Grumpy" in Germany!)

This tour is being organized together with Radek Panchartek, the Nostalgia Manager of České dráhy in Prague (of Winton Train fame). The tour is not designed to operate for a profit, but simply to cover its costs. The expected price per person is around 1650 CZK.

To sign up, please contact one of the joint organizers in Prague, by writing to the following email address: nineteenosix at gmail dot com. You will then receive all further information. Thanks for your interest and happy trails! :)

Deutsche Beschreibung
Erleben Sie die gemütliche Beschaulichkeit und das generell unverwechselbare "Feeling" der Tschechischen Eisenbahnen auf einer attraktiven Nostalgie-Dieseltour durch Westböhmen und bis nach Bayern, mit der lauten und sehr charakteristischen "Bardotka" 751 004, welche bei České dráhy als die formelle Reservelok des Depots Praha-Vršovice eingereiht ist. Als solches ist der Einsatz der Lok auf Regelzügen recht selten und die Exklusivität umso höher. Wie diverse andere Loks dieser Baureihe 749/751 verfügt auch die 751 004 über keinen Schalldämpfer und produziert daher eine absolut hervorragende Akustik, welche für einen jeden Eisenbahnfreund schon fast als symphonisch bezeichnet werden darf! Das urige Knattern und tiefe Brummen des wuchtigen 6-Zylinder ČKD Motors ist ein echter Genuss, jedes mal wenn die Lokomotive beschleunigt wird. Da lohnt es sich die Schönheit der Westböhmischen Szenerie und die Natur des Böhmerwaldes mit dem offenen Zugfenster und der musikalischen Untermalung des lautstarken Motors zu geniessen!

Das hier zusammengestellte Programm und insbesondere die seltene Route, erlauben eine ideale Kombination von Schnellzugstimmung in der Hauptstadt Prag, auf der Böhmischen Westbahn, wie auch die Erkundung der gemütlichen und selten befahrenen Tschechischen Nebenstrecken, in Grenznähe zu Deutschland. Der Bahnhof Bayerisch Eisenstein, in dem die Staatsgrenze mitten durch das Empfangsgebäude verläuft, ist alleine einen Besuch wert! Eine Vertreterin der Baureihe 751 im Personenzugseinsatz war dabei schon eine ganze Ewigkeit lang nicht mehr in Bayerisch Eisenstein, die ideale Gelegenheit die Lok also auch mal in Deutschland zu sehen und zu begrüssen. Viele der in dieser Tagestour "abgeklopften" Streckenabschnitte sind generell gar nicht mehr mit Lok-beförderten Zügen zu erleben, sondern sehen nur den Einsatz von kleinen Schienenbussen im Regelverkehr.

Für alle Fotographen wird es insgesamt drei verschiedene Fotohalte und Scheinanfahrten geben, insbesondere auf der hügeligen Strecke hinauf nach Bayerisch Eisenstein. Daneben wird es auch diverse Fotomöglichkeiten an allen Stationen geben, wo der Zug eine Pause einlegt, natürlich auch in Bayerisch Eisenstein. (Haben Sie schon eine "Bardotka" je in Deutschland fotographiert?)

Diese Tour wird zusammen mit Radek Panchartek, dem Chef des Nostalgieverkehrs der ČD organisiert. (Der Mann hinter dem Winton Train.) Die erwarteten Kosten pro Teilnehmer werden auf circa 1650 CZK pro Person geschätzt.

Um sich für diese Sonderfahrt anzumelden, bitte schreiben Sie den Organisatoren in Prag unter der folgenden Emailadresse (auf Deutsch oder Englisch oder Tschechisch ist ganz OK) nineteenosix at gmail dot com. Sie erhalten dann eine Teilnahmebestätigung und sämtliche weiteren Informationen.

Wir würden uns auf Ihre Teilnahme freuen, ein seltenes und attraktives Programm, bei dem alle Eisenbahnfreunde und Nostalgiefans auf Ihre Kosten kommen sollten!

Back in Service - 749 006

2009-12-23T16:33:00.000+01:00

Since November 2009, the very much popular "early series" Grumpy 749 006 has been back in service, after a previous total engine failure in mid summer 2009 forced it out of operation and into the repair shed for a few months. During the overhaul process, the locomotive got the matching engine of spare parts donor 749 244. Although the new "old" engine is not as roaringly loud as the original outfit on the very popular "006", the thrash factor is still excellent and exciting. Most of all, the re-introduction into regular service of 749 006, now means that as many as three loud Grumpies are found on most given days running out of Praha hl.n. traditionally serving the fast train connections to either South or North Bohemia or doing the locals in the Vltava and Sazava Vallies to Čerčany. The following pictures show the locomotive in Mlada Boleslav on a return leg from Tanvald, plus additionally provide some upclose impressions and images of the loco at hl.n.

141 R 568 in Lyss

2009-12-18T10:18:00.000+01:00

As part of hauling the Swiss Classic Train on its public premiere from Zürich to Bern on December 12th, the 'Mikado' 141 R 568 then spent the night in nearby Lyss, outside of the steamshed that regularly houses the impeccable German 'Pacific' 01 202. The locomotive overnighted outside, under continuous supervision. The provision of some high-powered illumination allowed for some classic night-time photography in the style of the famous American railway photographer O. Winston Link. The following day the locomotive made a positioning run with its attached crew car to Zollikofen, where it re-attached to the Swiss Classic Train and hauled it back to Zürich, via Olten. Photo courtesy of Mark Bachmann.

The Public Premiere of the Swiss Classic Train

2009-12-13T19:42:00.000+01:00

To bring back some steam related postings for a change and to give Switzerland some renewed geographic attention, for the second weekend of December, Andrew Cook's magnificent Swiss Classic Train had its formal public premier, when it ran over a Saturday/Sunday two-day trip from Zürich to Brig and back. While the William Cook owned steam giant 141 R 568 hauled the train through the Swiss flatlands from Zürich via Olten to Bern (and then overnighted in Lyss), the vintage BLS electric Ae 6/8 Nr. 205 hauled the glorious rake of green carriages over the historic Lötschberg mountain line to the Valais. On the Sunday the train retraced the original journey, going again with the electric over the Lötschberg and with the massive kettle from Bern to Zürich. A journey in fine style, and the first time the 141 R 568 has ever hauled the stylish maroon colored PTT car and the whole rake of Swiss Classic Train carriages in Switzerland (or anywhere else for that matter!) The included images show the train pulled by the electric near Münsingen and steam-hauled near Wynigen. All pictures courtesy of Olivier Bachmann.

749 039 on Rare Tracks

2009-12-12T17:19:00.002+01:00

For Saturday December 12th 749 039 was on a charter train for AŽD Praha and hauled a Christmas Express for company families and their kids. The train covered really rare track of the Central Bohemian hinterland northwest of Prague, the sort of places were locomotives virtually never show up anymore and to stations were regular train services are either thin as paper, or if anything does turn up, it would be merely a lack-luster 810 motor unit. An enthusiastic Brit and a Yank however managed to get on the charter train and were graciously hosted aboard, treated to free beer and goulash by the AŽD folks! The track itinerary of the train was as interesting as it was rare, with a route of Roztoky u Prahy - Vraňany - Straškov - Zlonice - Podlešín -Hostivice – Praha hl.n. and back to Roztoky. In Zlonice the loco also reversed. The following pictures show the train at Zlonice and in Noutonice. The run was also closely followed by a whole host of local lineside photographers, all of them obviously keen to capture 749 039 in its glorious and superb AŽD livery in the type of environment where it otherwhise would not likely be seen much! Between Hostivice and Praha hl.n. the run was capped by a slow traverse of the Prague Semmering.

Bashing "Grumpies" in Bohemia and Beyond

2009-11-21T10:34:00.007+01:00

The most popular locomotives in regular service with České dráhy are without a doubt the characteristic and highly distinct 749 and 751 classes of main line and branch line diesels. Aptly nicknamed by Czech railwaymen as "Bardotka", in honor of 1960s film diva Brigitte Bardot, but classed as "Berta" in Germany and "Grumpy" in England, the locos seem like something straight out of a children's tale. Their front-end, cleary resembling a frowning face, gives them their unique apperance and special, but endearing look! Built in the 1960s to help usher in a new era of modernity on the tracks of Czechoslovakia, these locos still capture the essence of contemporary Czech railroading! They are not just domestically beloved, but actually their largest following is in England, where hundreds of self-proclaimed "Grumpy Bashers" make a point out of following the every movement of the locos, both from afar over the internet and with the the collection of "gen" (intelligence) on the disposition of these diesels, and through on site line bashing in the Czech Republic.

The reason for the popularity of the Grumpies is simple - their superb and unsilenced sound! As more and more diesel locos in Europe "go plastic" and lose any sort of old-style characteristics and attractiveness, through turbo-charged engines, stuffed silencers and all sorts of other lame features, the Grumpies, with their massive 6-cylinder, slow-running, inline ČKD engines still perform the railwayman's equivalent of a symphony, whenever they are accelerated! Their fresh and colorful liveries, plus their thumping noise-factor please the enthusiast as well as the photographer alike! While over the years, many Grumpies have also received silencers, 17 of the originally 230 built remain unsilenced and in active use by the ČD passenger division. Many other unsilenced Grumpies are further in service with ČD Cargo, and especially watching these eye-catchers on the steep ramps of the "Silesian Semmering" between Branna and Jesenik, hauling heavy log trains, has become one of the favorite places for spotters and photographers alike.

For all line bashing "cranks", the operating areas of the 17 unsilenced passenger Grumpies have become true pilgrimage destinations in Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia. 2 museum Grumpies (the first two prototypes of the series - T478.1001 and T478.1002 - notice the use of the old ČSD numbering system) are based in Brno and often pull regular trains, despite of their formal heritage designation. 4 more unsilenced Grumpies are respectively based at the depots in Olomouc (749 121 and 749 250) and Šumperk (749 107 and 749 259) in Northern Moravia.

Naturally also the capital city of Prague can boast a small fleet of these flagship diesels, as no less than four noisy Grumpies are based at DKV Praha, with 749 006, 749 039, 749 102 and the reserve locomotive 751 004 all on shed at Praha-Vršovice. 751 004 then is also a bit the novelty item of the lot, as it is the formal reserve engine of the shed and as a 751 class member lacks the availability of electric train heating, that the otherwise virtually identical 749 class is fitted with.

The final bastion of Bardotkas then is České Budějovice in South Bohemia, with the shed allocation of no less than 6 unsilenced Grumpies, in the form of 749 051, 749 100, 749 134, 749 241, 749 255 and 749 262. All these locomotives regularly work to Gmünd in Austria and in the summer months also go deep into the Šumava forests.

All the unsilenced Grumpies are frankly a signature vehicle in the porfolio of České dráhy and a massive tourist attraction in their own right. They have become substantial economic stimulators to the towns and regions where they operate! As they are a true railroading treasure with an evergrowing following and an international legion of fans, ČD would be well advised to remove the silencers on some additional Grumpies and allocate the locomotives to previously uncovered regions, to further increase the touristic value and the substantial draw of all unsilenced Grumpies!

A Picture like from 1858 or 1876

2009-10-27T20:56:00.000+01:00

This wonderfully atmospheric picture shows the oldest Swiss steam locomotive, the "Genf" dating from 1858 in front of the 1876 built shed and old depot in Winterthur, while the loco was visiting Winti in mid October, en route from Brugg to Bauma, for the annual DVZO festival. Feel yourself transported and conveyed back in time to the 19th century through this fantastic image. Picture courtesy of Georg Trüb.

Diesel Dandies in Czech Canada and the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands

2009-10-22T10:20:00.008+02:00

The Jindřichohradecké místní dráhy - JHMD (Jindřichův Hradec Local Railways) are without exaggeration a superbly romantic and charmingly attractive narrow-gauge railway. Located in South Bohemia and serving much of the particular micro-region of Czech Canada, (named so because of its definite natural resemblance to northern Ontario and eastern Manitoba, with all those dense woods and idyllic ponds) the 760mm railway boasts everything an idyllic countryside line should have! At the top of the favorables chart of course are the two branches lines themselves, one leading from the anchor town of Jindřichův Hradec for 32 kilometers south to the castle town of Nová Bystřice and passing through most of Česká Kanada in the process, the other branch leading for 45 kilometers north to the railway junction of Obrataň, located in the heart of Vysočina, the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, as that region is known in English.

While the JHMD winds through beautiful rural scenery and lonely landscapes, shaped by gentle rolling hills and big farm fields, that are minimal on dense population and maximize the countryside setting that is highly evocative, reflective and inspirational by nature, the big deal from a railway buff's point of view is not just the vast expansiveness of the network, but the utterly brilliant rolling stock! Although during the high season of the summer, each day two time-tabled steam trains run reliably from Jindřichův Hradec to Nová Bystřice and back, even more fantastic and special is the unison fleet of 1950s ČKD diesel locomotives. The T47 class is the true reason to visit the JHMD! Beyond doubt, the T47s are some of the most handsome, awesome looking and absolutely endearing narrow-gauge diesels ever built - anywhere! Much of this is due to the fact, that their 1950s design is still quite obviously influenced and shaped by 1930s streamlining concepts. Paired with the cute and very comfortable ČKD-built carriages, they whisk anyone anywhere in the region in fine fashion and great style. Pull down the window in the rear carriage, listen to rattling sound of the motor, and simply appreciate the view and the railroading experience for what it is. This is track that is worth it to bash!

The attached pictures show the greenery and ponds of Česká Kanada, the town center of Jindřichův Hradec (Neuhaus in German), the castle of Kamenice nad Lipou, plus the rolling hills and vast fields of Vysočina. The green livery T47.005 even looks a bit like a narrow-gauge, pocket version of the famed Swiss "Landi-Lok" Ae 8/14 11852 vintage electric from 1939. This of course is mainly due to similarity in styling and the design of the front-ed, replete with 3 ideally angled and attractively proportioned windows. Ride the JHMD and see for yourself!

35 Years of ÖGEG

2009-10-11T18:24:00.004+02:00

With the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) doing less and less each year in terms of heritage operations and nostalgia trains, the role and crucial importance of the Österreichische Gesellschaft für Eisenbahngeschichte (ÖGEG) has become ever more essential! The ÖGEG is the largest and most important private preservation society in Austria, and its collections are not only huge, but also impressive and simply staggering. The unique collection features no less than 150 locomotives and carriages, for both normal and narrow gauge purposes, an original paddle steamer, a preserved normal gauge branch line (Ampflwang - Timmelkam) as well as a preserved narrow gauge museum line (the Steyrtalbahn). Crown jewel in terms of the railway infrastructure is undoubtedly the newly built and expansively sized roundhouse in Ampflwang. The roundhouse acts as a superb venue for railway festivals and larger exhibitions, and also includes a turntable that was salvaged from Germany and rebuilt on site.

2009 marks the 35th anniversary of the ÖGEG and to celebrate the occasion, a big vehicle show and a small turntable parade was put on during the first weekend of October. This also allowed the chance to present the recently refurbished and now again operational green works engine and 0-8-0 shunter Nr. 4 (ex ÖBB 392.2530). The other locos joining the party were the Romanian rebuild of a Prussian P8 638.1301 (DB 38 1301, CFR 230.301), the mighty 4-6-4 tank engine 78.618, the 4-6-2 tank 77.28, and many others. Also some attractive and classic diesel and electric locomotives were put on for show, including 2050.05, the green flagship locomotive of Austrian main line diesels.

The ÖGEG operates an attractive mix and a whole host of nostalgic trains throughout the year, be it on the local line between Ampflwang and Timelkam in Oberösterreich, or also for more distanced special trains beyond the region. Getting to experience any one of these remarkable locomotives is therefore easy and fun! All pictures courtesy of Eduard Sassmann.

Grand-Prix in Budapest

2009-10-09T17:39:00.006+02:00

The most important annual railway event in Hungary is also one of the finest in Central and Eastern Europe! Each September since 2000, MAV Nosztalgia, the specialized heritage subsidiary of the Hungarian State Railways (MAV), has hosted an entertaining and ever-growing meeting and "Grand-Prix" of European steam locomotives. The list of attending guest locos has always read itself a bit like a "who's who" of European steam, ranging from high-speed race horses, to giant freight haulers, to little tank engines and small shunters. Aside from the "usual suspects" of the Hungarian national collection, including the legendary 109.109, a former Austro-Hungarian Südbahn locomotive, also guest locomotives from Slovakia, Austria, Germany and Poland attended the 2009 edition of the Grand Prix in Hungary's capital. Among those were the Slovak 422.0108, the Austrian 109.13, the German 03 204, and the massive Polish Pt 47-65. The heart of the entire exhibition area is the large roundhouse, which features no less than 34 bays and one sizeable turntable!

The whole plot of real estate is indeed one the most intact railway heritage parks in Europe, and is truly impressive for the vastness of its space and the harmonious cohesion of its infrastructure and exhibits. Amongst the displayed objects are also many non-operational steam locos as well as functional diesel locomotives and railcars. Just as entertaining as the locomotive Grand-Prix is also always the associated meeting and competition of international dining cars that coincides with it. One can already look forward to 2010, and speculate on what kind of an illustrious guest list of participants the meeting might feature then?! All pictures courtesy of Eduard Sassmann.

The Paddle Wheels of PS "Neuchâtel"

2009-10-05T20:25:00.002+02:00

In early October Trivapor completed the removal of the two paddle wheels from the side boxes of the paddle steamer "Neuchâtel". Both paddle wheels had been cut in half after the conversion of the vessel into a restaurant ship in the late 1960s and later simply remained for show. Now the wheels will be shipped to the SGV yard in Luzern, where they will be accurately reconstructed. Each wheel needs a half set of new paddles. The fact that the original paddle frame still is somewhat in tact, however is a big boon for the efforts to remake the rest. In Luzern the paddle wheels will therefore join the Maffei marine steam engine that is progressing remarkably well and fast in its detailed overhaul process. With all these ongoing efforts, it is the hope of Trivapor to have the "Neuchâtel" back in service during the next few years. All photos courtesy of Oli Bachmann.

Tank Train in Slovakia

2009-09-30T01:18:00.002+02:00

As part of the 65th anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising (SNP) against the Nazis in 1944, a commemorative and original military tank train was put into show in August and September in Central and Southern Slovakia, between Banská Bystrica, Zvolen, and beyond. The tank train is one of the original armored units used by Slovak partisans as part of their heavy equipment during the uprising. It was hauled by the Zvolen-based steam locomotive 422.0108 for these recent ceremonies and also took part in various military re-enactments. All pictures courtesy of Eduard Sassmann.

Steam Loco Grand-Prix in Slovakia

2009-09-25T23:26:00.003+02:00

Since 2002, the southern Slovak city of Zvolen has annually hosted the formidable and highly entertaining Grand-Prix Slovensko. Aside from the large depot festivals each April in Košice and every June in Bratislava, the late summer event in Zvolen is a firm fixture and one of the top-caliber happenings in the Central European railway calendar. Each year a different assortment of illustrious steam locos from all around Slovakia and the immediate neighboring countries meet up on the spacious and straight tracks of the Zvolen freight yard, and compete against each other in different mock events, such as beer-can balancing on the driving rod and short acceleration races, not only testing the handling skills of the crews, but mainly also putting on a fine show for the large crowds in attendance. This year the Grand-Prix featured the participation of an impressive list of guest locomotives, including 464.001, 475.196 and 477 013 from Slovakia, 423.021 from the Czech Republic, the green TKt 48-191 from Poland and the legendary 109.109 from Hungary, a former Südbahn engine. Zvolen has always been a popular happening for attending crews and crowds, because it puts the focus on fun! All pictures courtesy of Eduard Sassmann.

PS "Krippen" between Dresden and Seusslitz

2009-09-24T10:07:00.002+02:00

For the end of the paddle steamer season in Dresden, PS "Krippen" has been continuing its regular runs downstream, sailing from Dresden via Meissen to Seusslitz and back, through the heart of Saxony's scenic wine country. The following pictures show the steamer in service in mid September. All pictures courtesy of František Vichta.

PS "Vltava" at Slapy

2009-09-19T21:19:00.002+02:00

For the mid September weekend PS "Vltava" made its first all-day journey from Prague to the Slapy dam, since the completion of its extensive overhaul in late spring 2009. The following picture provides a nice visual effect of the steamer in front of the massive river barrage and the natural surroundings of the area. Also notice the dissassembled wheel-house, required to pass under several of the low-lying bridges along the way. Picture courtesy of František Vichta.

Late Summer Steam in the Harz Mountains

2009-09-10T00:59:00.013+02:00

The Harzer Schmalspurbahnen (HSB) operates Germany's most expansive narrow-gauge network and also the country's largest fleet of steam locomotives. On top of that, it provides the greatest density of daily, time-tabled steam services. The attraction is obvious, combine quaint towns steeped in history and with handsome German "Fachwerk" architecture, an evocative and wildly romantic landscape that offers something of a combination between deep forests and lush fields, and a steep track gradient to the highest mountain in northern Germany, ideal to challenge any huffing and puffing 2-10-2 behemoth of a tank engine, and there you go, that's the HSB! In addition to that, and to let all hearts of railway buffs beat even faster, the variety of steam locomotives is quite dazzling, with a combination of old Mallets dating from the turn-of-the-century as well as 1950s new-builds from former East German days. Anyone who hasn't been yet should go at some point, be it for nature, culture, railways, or all of that combined together. The HSB is without doubt one of the top touristic attractions in all of Germany! The above images, all taken this late summer and during various steam specials, additionally illustrate just how modern and progressively up-to-date the infrastructure and facilities of the railway are! See: http://www.hsb-wr.de/ All pictures courtesy of Urias von Meyenburg.

The new Statue of Sir Nicholas Winton in Prague

2009-09-04T12:32:00.001+02:00

On September 1st and concurrent with the launch of the commemorative Winton Train, also a new bronze statue of Sir Nicholas Winton and two of the children he helped save from Nazi concentration camps was unveiled at Praha hl. n. The sculpture, designed by artist Flor Kent, is ideally situated on platform 1 of the historic main station building and in such a form interacts ideally with its environment. The statue has a truly reflective quality and radiates remembrance and melancholy, as well as raising contemporary awareness. The statue is complimented by a formal dedication plaque.

The Winton Train in Furth im Wald

2009-09-02T12:38:00.001+02:00

At the German border station of Furth im Wald, the motive power of the Winton Train was exchanged from the double-headed 486.007 "Anton" and 498.022 "Albatros" to the German 2-8-2 power package 41 018, normally based in Augsburg. The attractive image shows all three locomotives lining up next to each other and in front of the Furth station building. The 41 018 then hauled the train for the rest of the day and on to Nürnberg. Picture courtesy of Vlastimil Buba.

The Departure of the Winton Train from Prague

2009-09-01T15:51:00.006+02:00

On Tuesday morning, September 1st, and also exactly 70 years after the outbreak of World War II, the commemorative Winton Train departed Praha hl. n. at exactly 9:01, the same departure time as the original trains in 1939. Many dignitaries where on hand to mark the occassion and to also unveil a statue of Sir Nicholas Winton and of two saved children on platform 1 and immediately adjacent to the historic station lobby. All the participants of the re-enactment of the historic and life-saving train evacuation runs gathered together with representatives from the Czech government and the German and British embassies in Prague. Amongst others also long-time Czech foreign minister Karel Schwarzenberg and Czech Senate President Přemysl Sobotka where on hand for the official part of the ceremonies. Also many children, direct discendants of the 669 kids that Nicholas Winton saved in 1939 with his evacuation trains, were present for the forthcoming trans-European journey through Czech Republic, Germany, Holland, across the English Channel and finally from the Eastcoast right into London.

The whole Winton Train is being escorted by various film crews for the BBC, Czech Television and also indpendent documentary producers. As such the media contingent was also quite large for the send-off of the train.

From a railway operations point of view, the entire consist was made up of 11 carriages, the bulk of them dating from before 1940 and being supplied by the Hungarian Railway Museum and MAV Nosztalgia in Budapest. This was complimented by two heritage German carriages from the Ulmer Eisenbahnfreunde (UEF) as well as by the well known Czech Masaryk Presidential Saloon car from 1930. The motive power for the Czech leg and from Prague to the German border station at Furth im Wald was supplied by the flagship 4-8-2 steam locos 486.007 and 498.022. In the case of 486.007 "Green Anton", also a perfectly suitable 1936 vintage locomotive that would have also been used on such a consist in 1939.
For the rest of the journey the train will be hauled by 41 018 throughout Germany and 01 1075 in Holland. In the UK the new-build A1 Tornado will do the honors from Harwich into London Liverpool Street. Anyone who has a chance, should be encouraged to follow the story of this train through the media and through television and learn more of the remarkable story of Sir Nicholas Winton and the lives of the kids and people he helped save.

See the official website: http://www.wintontrain.eu/ and also the in-depth coverage from the BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8231004.stm