European Railway Photographs by Paul Steane http://paul-steane-europe.fotopic.net/ 21 rows en-gb 60 Bulgaria 2009 http://paul-steane-europe.fotopic.net/c1764296.html This was my second visit to Bulgaria. From Sunday 4th to Friday 9th October I was on the "Great Bulgarian Track Bash 2009" railtour organised by PTG Tours - another excellent trip by them. The railtour routes were: 4th: Sofia to Bobov Dol, Petrich and Kulata (on the border with Greece), mostly hauled by 87012-1. 5th: Dobrinishte to Septemvri on the narrow gauge line, then to Plovdiv via the branch to Peshtera. 6th: Plovdiv to Veliko Tarnovo via the branch to Panagiurishte. 7th: Veliko Tarnovo to Pleven via the branches to Svishtov and Trojan. 8th: Pleven to Vidin via the branches to Cherkvica and Zlatna Panega. 9th: Vidin to Sofia via the branch to Lom. An add-on visit was made on 10th October to the Koncar works in Sofia where the ex-BR Class 87s are having their finishing touches applied before use with BZK in Bulgaria - see <a href="http://paul-steane-europe.fotopic.net/c1601323.html">this collection</a>. Other days: 1st & 2nd: from Wien to Sofia on the overnight train via Budapest, Beograd and Nis. 3rd: service trains from Sofia to Pirdop and back. Spare time in Sofia was taken up doing tram routes. N.B. BDZ = Bulgarian State Railways, BZK = Bulgarian Railway Company, an independent freight operator. <b> N.B. This collection is "Work in Progress"</b> Thursday 1 October 2009: This was my second visit to Bulgaria. From Sunday 4th to Friday 9th October I was on the "Great Bulgarian Track Bash 2009" railtour organised by PTG Tours - another excellent trip by them. The railtour routes were: 4th: Sofia to Bobov Dol, Petrich and Kulata (on the border with Greece), mostly hauled by 87012-1. 5th: Dobrinishte to Septemvri on the narrow gauge line, then to Plovdiv via the branch to Peshtera. 6th: Plovdiv to Veliko Tarnovo via the branch to Panagiurishte. 7th: Veliko Tarnovo to Pleven via the branches to Svishtov and Trojan. 8th: Pleven to Vidin via the branches to Cherkvica and Zlatna Panega. 9th: Vidin to Sofia via the branch to Lom. An add-on visit was made on 10th October to the Koncar works in Sofia where the ex-BR Class 87s are having their finishing touches applied before use with BZK in Bulgaria - see <a href="http://paul-steane-europe.fotopic.net/c1601323.html">this collection</a>. Other days: 1st & 2nd: from Wien to Sofia on the overnight train via Budapest, Beograd and Nis. 3rd: service trains from Sofia to Pirdop and back. Spare time in Sofia was taken up doing tram routes. N.B. BDZ = Bulgarian State Railways, BZK = Bulgarian Railway Company, an independent freight operator. <b> N.B. This collection is "Work in Progress"</b>

OBB/GySEV electric locomotive 1116 061-1 at Wien Westbf with the 18:50 overnight train to Budapest (and in my case on to Beograd and Sofia). Serbian Railways diesel locomotive 661-157 heads out of Nis towards the border with Bulgaria at Dimitrovgrad. 87012-1 stands at Sofia's main station ready to depart with the first part of the PTG railtour. 87012-1 is dwarfed by 07042-5 at Dupnitsa. The 07 worked the railtour to Bobov Dol and back. 07042-5 at Bobov Dol, the terminus of the branch from Dupnitsa. 87012-1 at Dupnitsa, the junction station for the branch to Bobov Dol. 87012-1 at General Todorov, the junction station for the branch to Petrich. 87012-1 at Petrich, the terminus of the branch from General Todorov. 87012-1 on arrival at Kulata, just north of the border with Greece. Kulata is the farthest south a Class 87 locomotive has ever been. 87012-1 after running round the train at Kulata, with Greece visible beyond the train.

Published in European Railway Photographs by Paul Steane

]]> Thu Oct 1 2009 Bulgaria 2008 http://paul-steane-europe.fotopic.net/c1601373.html This was my first visit to Bulgaria. From Saturday 4th to Friday 10th October I was on a railtour organised by PTG Tours - my first trip with them, and it was excellent. The railtour routes were: 4th: short tram tour in Sofia. 5th: Sofia to Berkovica and back, hauled by 87019-6 all day: the first railtour anywhere for a Class 87 loco since withdrawal of the class from service in the UK. 6th: Sofia to Plovdiv via the branches to Asenovgrad and Hisar. 7th: Plovdiv to Stara Zagora via Mihajlovo, Simeonovgrad and Nova Zagora. 8th: Stara Zagora to Burgas followed by a visit to the salt railway there. 9th: Burgas to Veliko Tarnovo via Sliven, Dabovo, the branch to Gabrovo and an added run to Gorna Orjahovica. 10th: Veliko Tarnovo to Sofia via Gorna Orjahovica. Other days: 2nd: service trains from Sofia to Pernik via Volujak. 3rd: service trains from Sofia to Makachevo, out via Botunets and back via Obedinena. 4th: a private visit was made to the Koncar works in Sofia where the ex-BR Class 87s are having their finishing touches applied before use with BZK in Bulgaria - see <a href="http://paul-steane-europe.fotopic.net/c1601323.html">this collection</a>. 11th: service trains from Sofia to Gjueshevo via Kjustendil and back. Spare time in Sofia was taken up doing tram and trolleybus routes. N.B. BDZ = Bulgarian State Railways, BZK = Bulgarian Railway Company, an independent freight operator. Thursday 2 October 2008: This was my first visit to Bulgaria. From Saturday 4th to Friday 10th October I was on a railtour organised by PTG Tours - my first trip with them, and it was excellent. The railtour routes were: 4th: short tram tour in Sofia. 5th: Sofia to Berkovica and back, hauled by 87019-6 all day: the first railtour anywhere for a Class 87 loco since withdrawal of the class from service in the UK. 6th: Sofia to Plovdiv via the branches to Asenovgrad and Hisar. 7th: Plovdiv to Stara Zagora via Mihajlovo, Simeonovgrad and Nova Zagora. 8th: Stara Zagora to Burgas followed by a visit to the salt railway there. 9th: Burgas to Veliko Tarnovo via Sliven, Dabovo, the branch to Gabrovo and an added run to Gorna Orjahovica. 10th: Veliko Tarnovo to Sofia via Gorna Orjahovica. Other days: 2nd: service trains from Sofia to Pernik via Volujak. 3rd: service trains from Sofia to Makachevo, out via Botunets and back via Obedinena. 4th: a private visit was made to the Koncar works in Sofia where the ex-BR Class 87s are having their finishing touches applied before use with BZK in Bulgaria - see <a href="http://paul-steane-europe.fotopic.net/c1601323.html">this collection</a>. 11th: service trains from Sofia to Gjueshevo via Kjustendil and back. Spare time in Sofia was taken up doing tram and trolleybus routes. N.B. BDZ = Bulgarian State Railways, BZK = Bulgarian Railway Company, an independent freight operator.

1918-built 600mm gauge Henschel 0-8-0T steam locomotive No.479 stands on a plinth inside Sofia Central station. BDZ 30025/30425/30026 stands at at Makachevo after arriving on the 16:52 from Sofia via Botunets. Services on the route towards Karlovo were terminating at Makachevo due to engineeering works. Sofia metre gauge tram 92, with trailer 501, waits at Pl. Vazrazhdane ready to work a charter service for PTG Tours. Formerly BR Class 87, now owned by BZK, locomotive 87019-6 stands at Jana in the rain/sleet/snow. Jana is on one of the suburban routes north of Sofia. 87019-6 in the rain at the photo stop at Elisejina on the Sofia - Mezdra route. During a short break at Vratza, 87019-6 shares the station area with heavily-graffitied Riga-built EMU 32107/32108. After running round the railtour stock, 87019-6 stands at the branch terminus at Berkovica. The mountains are white-capped from the snow earlier in the day. 87019-6 at Montana on the Bojchinovci - Berkovica branch (not the Montana in the USA!!). 87019-6 at Bojchinovci. 87019-6 at work - but not very hard! 70km/h and 450 Amps shows that the loco is having an easy time. Those familiar with the 87s will see a number of modifications made for use in Bulgaria. A view of the Iskar gorge north of Sofia, through the front cab window of 87019-6. 87019-6 at Sofia Central after arrival of the railtour. 1900-built standard gauge Maffei 0-6-0T steam locomotive No.47.05 is plinthed outside Sofia Central station. Skoda-built BDZ Electric Loco No.61002-2 at Sofia Central ready to work the first part of Monday's railtour. 61002-2 disappears into the undergrowth during the run-round at Bankja, the terminus of the branch from Volujak. After arrival back at Sofia, the railtour was taken forward by Russian-built BDZ diesel loco 07068-0. For the afternoon/evening visit to the Hisar branch, 07070-6 took over the railtour at Plovdiv. While the railtour was awaiting a path at Dolna Mahala up the branch to Hisar, BZK-owned 87019-6 and BZK-leased former Romanian loco 40 0582-3 pass through on a light engine move from Sofia to Pirdop. BZK locos 87019-6 and 40 0582-3 passing through Dolna Mahala heading north to Pirdop on a light engine move from Sofia via Plovdiv and Karlovo. 07068-0 at Hisar, the terminus of the branch from Dolna Mahala. 43 533-9, built by Skoda in the early 1970s, passes through Svoboda, between Plovdiv and Mihajlovo. A new power station under construction at Maritza, viewed from the railtour on the freight-only route between Simeonovgrad and Nova Zagora. Electric locomotive 134 of the Maritza power station system, seen shunting at Radnevo. Another view of Maritza electric locomotive 134 shunting at Radnevo. 1925-built 0-10-0 steam locomotive 555 (or 28.48) plinthed outside Stara Zagora station. Slightly the worse for a graffiti attack, late 1960s-built Skoda 42081-0 on railtour duties at Kalojanovets BZK 40 0582-3 (again!) at Karnobat. 42081-0 pauses at Karnobat while - unfettered by any form of protection - a member of the station staff paints white lines on the platform edge. A pair of class 55s - led by 55011-1 - heads for Sarafovo on the freight-only branch from Burgas. This route formerly continued to Pomorie. Railtour participants enjoying a ride on the salt extraction railway north of Burgas. A flat crossing of one of the salt railway tracks over the standard gauge branch from Burgas to Sarafovo. A view of the beach at the Black Sea resort of Nesebar. The fortifications of the old town at Nesebar. 07001-1 ready to head the railtour west from Burgas, with the station's distinctive clock tower in the background. Burgas is one of many Bulgarian cities with trolleybuses. 07001-1 heads into the mountains on the line west from Zimnica to Dabovo via Sliven. 07001-1 crosses two EMUs at Careda Livada, the junction for the branch to Gabrovo. Two of the PTG Tours reps get an extra ride at Careva Livada. 07001-1 running round the railtour train at Careva Livada. A view down the valley from the hotel in Veliko Turnovo. Another view from the hotel in Veliko Turnovo. 42081-0 waits to work Friday's railtour at Veliko Tarnovo. This unusual locomotive is part of a cafe at Pleven. 07091-2 and the railtour at Roman. Separate tunnels in the Iskar gorge looking north at Cherepish. 07091-2 in the Iskar gorge at Cherepish. In several places in the Iskar gorge north of Sofia, the two tracks of the double-track line follow completely separate alignments, such as here south of Cherepish. 07091-2 at Bov. Diesel units 10007/8 & 10011/12 at Kjustendil after working from Sofia. The station building at Dolno Selo, between Kjustendil and Gjueshevo, has seen better days.

Published in European Railway Photographs by Paul Steane

]]> Thu Oct 2 2008 Bulgaria - Class 87s exported from UK http://paul-steane-europe.fotopic.net/c1601323.html The British Rail-built Class 87 locomotives were withdrawn from service in the UK in the early 2000s when the Pendolino fleet of high speed trains was delivered. Following trials with 87012 and 87019, most of the remaining locos have been for use in Bulgaria by the open-access freight operator Bulgarian Railway Company (BRC). The locomotives are being prepared for export from the UK by <a href="http://www.electric-traction-services.co.uk">Electric Traction Services Ltd</a> at Long Marston. At the moment they are then being moved by rail to Crewe LNWR (for some photos see <a href="http://paul-steane-uk.fotopic.net/c1497911.html">here</a>) for high voltage testing before being moved overseas. Finally they receive the final batch of modifications (snowploughs, horns, headlights, cab modifications and other necessary Bulgarian safety equipment) at the Koncar works at Podujane near Sofia. <b>October 2008</b> Thanks to Electric Traction Services Ltd and BRC for the arrangements made for the visit to the works at Podujane in October 2008. Many more photos of my October 2008 visit to Bulgaria are available <a href="http://paul-steane-europe.fotopic.net/c1601373.html">here</a>. These include some shots of 87019 working a railtour. <b>October 2009</b> A year later, a visit was made to Pirdop where the 87s are based. 87022 was parked in the station then 87003 & 87010 arrived on a freight train. Later the same week 87007 and 87003 were seen arriving at Karlovo, with 87019 bringing up the rear. Finally a further visit was made to Koncar works where new arrivals 87020 and 87033 were being prepared for traffic. More photos of my October 2009 visit to Bulgaria are available <a href="http://paul-steane-europe.fotopic.net/c1764296.html">here</a>. These include some shots of 87012 working a railtour. Tuesday 30 November 1999: The British Rail-built Class 87 locomotives were withdrawn from service in the UK in the early 2000s when the Pendolino fleet of high speed trains was delivered. Following trials with 87012 and 87019, most of the remaining locos have been for use in Bulgaria by the open-access freight operator Bulgarian Railway Company (BRC). The locomotives are being prepared for export from the UK by <a href="http://www.electric-traction-services.co.uk">Electric Traction Services Ltd</a> at Long Marston. At the moment they are then being moved by rail to Crewe LNWR (for some photos see <a href="http://paul-steane-uk.fotopic.net/c1497911.html">here</a>) for high voltage testing before being moved overseas. Finally they receive the final batch of modifications (snowploughs, horns, headlights, cab modifications and other necessary Bulgarian safety equipment) at the Koncar works at Podujane near Sofia. <b>October 2008</b> Thanks to Electric Traction Services Ltd and BRC for the arrangements made for the visit to the works at Podujane in October 2008. Many more photos of my October 2008 visit to Bulgaria are available <a href="http://paul-steane-europe.fotopic.net/c1601373.html">here</a>. These include some shots of 87019 working a railtour. <b>October 2009</b> A year later, a visit was made to Pirdop where the 87s are based. 87022 was parked in the station then 87003 & 87010 arrived on a freight train. Later the same week 87007 and 87003 were seen arriving at Karlovo, with 87019 bringing up the rear. Finally a further visit was made to Koncar works where new arrivals 87020 and 87033 were being prepared for traffic. More photos of my October 2009 visit to Bulgaria are available <a href="http://paul-steane-europe.fotopic.net/c1764296.html">here</a>. These include some shots of 87012 working a railtour.

One of the trial locomotives, 87019-6 stands in the yard at Podujane. Two days later this locomotive worked the first Class 87 railtour since the last few 87s were withdrawn from service in the UK in 2007. The driving desk of 87008-9 shows that a few modifications have been made. 87008-9 stands outside the Koncar workshops in Podujane near Sofia. 87007-1 being worked on in the Koncar workshops in Podujane near Sofia. 87022-0 stands between duties at Pirdop station on 3rd October 2009. 87003-0 and 87010-5 arrive at Pirdop on 3rd October 2009 on a freight from Ruse. 87003-0 has joined 87022-0 in the siding at Pirdop to await their next working. 87007-1 and 87003-0 arrive at Karlovo at the head of a freight train. 87019-6 was providing assistance at the rear. 87019-6 bring up the rear on arriving at Karlovo. 87007-1 was detached at Karlovo leaving 87003-0 to continue alone towards Pirdop. 87019-6 and 87007-1 (presumably, not confirmed) at Koncar works. Recent arrival from the UK, 87033-7 receives its finishing touches in Koncar works. 87020-4 is nearly ready to leave the Koncar works. 87020-4 (and 87033-7) have been modified with these new panels for easier access to the rear of the main transformer.

Published in European Railway Photographs by Paul Steane

]]> Tue Nov 30 1999 Italy http://paul-steane-europe.fotopic.net/c1425068.html These photographs were taken on a trip to Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia and Italy in December 2005. Tuesday 30 November 1999: These photographs were taken on a trip to Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia and Italy in December 2005.

Slovenian Railways Pendolino unit 310-001 at Monfalcone, on a Ljubljana to Venezia working. Italian Railways locomotive E646 093 Monfalcone. An Italian Railways electric multiple unit at Trieste. Italian Railways locomotive E402 040 at Udine.

Published in European Railway Photographs by Paul Steane

]]> Tue Nov 30 1999 Switzerland http://paul-steane-europe.fotopic.net/c1425050.html These photographs were taken on a trip to Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia and Italy in December 2005. Tuesday 30 November 1999: These photographs were taken on a trip to Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia and Italy in December 2005.

The lower terminus of the Trogenerbahn outside St Gallen HB. The upper terminus of the Trogenerbahn a Trogen. Tram and trolleybus routes converge outside St Gallen HB. An Uetliberg train in the low level terminus at Zurich HB. The summit at Uetliberg. Note the offset overhead wiring and pantographs, which allow different electrification systems to be used at the Zurich end of the route. Trolleybus outside Zurich HB.

Published in European Railway Photographs by Paul Steane

]]> Tue Nov 30 1999 Sweden http://paul-steane-europe.fotopic.net/c1381001.html Sweden Tuesday 30 November 1999: Sweden

Arlanda Airport Express trainset 1 at Tillberga TGOJ depot in Sweden on 13 January 1999 during commissioning tests. These 200km/h EMUs have now entered service between Stockholm and Arlanda Airport.<br/><br/>This train contains equipment designed by me whilst working for Alstom at Manchester.

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]]> Tue Nov 30 1999 Greece http://paul-steane-europe.fotopic.net/c1381000.html Greece Tuesday 30 November 1999: Greece

OSE (Organismos Sidirodromon Ellados, Greek Railways) diesel locomotive 220 030 stands at Idoméni station whilst working train 410 northwards from Thessaloníki. This loco will be replaced by a Macedonian Railways electric at Gevgelija, just across the border. Though the whole line is nominally electrified at 25kV 50Hz, the Greek section was being worked by diesels due to long term engineering works. Train 410 works through to Beograd and Ljubljana, hence the JŽ restaurant car (at the rear) and Slovenian coaches.

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]]> Tue Nov 30 1999 Slovakia http://paul-steane-europe.fotopic.net/c1380994.html Slovakia Tuesday 30 November 1999: Slovakia

ŽSR (Slovak Republic Railways) double locomotive 131 079-6/131 080-4 heads a southbound freight train at Kysak on 4 May 2002. Two Class 125 broad gauge (1520mm) double locomotives pass the loop at Hornád with an empty ore train from the U.S. Steel works at Haniska near Košice. These locomotives will work this train as far as the border with Ukraine at Matovce where UZ locomotives will take over. 20 July 2003. Carrying On summer weekends this horse-drawn tram operates through the centre of Košice. The tram tracks are left over from when the city centre routes were moved away from this pedestrian-only area. 20 July 2003.

Published in European Railway Photographs by Paul Steane

]]> Tue Nov 30 1999 France http://paul-steane-europe.fotopic.net/c1380992.html France Tuesday 30 November 1999: France

Known as the The Germany-France cross-border route between Dillingen (Saar) and Bouzonville normally sees passenger trains only as far as Niedaltdorf in Germany. However, special services operate over the whole route on a couple of dates per year, including to a Good Friday market in Bouzonville. Three DB class 628 diesel units stand at Bouzonville on Good Friday, 18 April, 2003 having arrived at 14:36 from Dillingen. The two country flags can be seen on the front of the train.

Published in European Railway Photographs by Paul Steane

]]> Tue Nov 30 1999 Czech Republic http://paul-steane-europe.fotopic.net/c1380317.html Czech Republic Tuesday 30 November 1999: Czech Republic

Number 1470, one of the last surviving Tatra T2 type trams, carrying Here I am (second from the left) with three friends at Mladec. At the time, 15 April 1998, this short (6km) branch had just a few trains on certain (inconvenient) days of the year only, and now has no passenger service at all. However it was, and still is, possible to charter a train on the branch for a price equivalent to 50 tickets, so this is our end-of-line group photograph having spent the princely sum of about GBP4 on our own special train. The camera is set for time-delayed exposure and is balanced on the buffer beam of the diesel railcar 810 121-4: with the engine switched off, of course. This is claimed to be the shortest international railway in the world, at 105m long. Called At Horelice, the secondary line between Beroun and Praha crosses the route of a long freight line to the quarry at Morina. Access to this line requires a reversal, to the left of this view; beyond the reversal point the line used to continue to Kladno. CD railcar 810 278-2 is posed for photographs whilst on a GIL special to Morina, with a service train at the higher level heading for Beroun. 17 October 2003. CD railcar 810 278-2 stands in the remains of the steelworks at Kladno during a visit on 18 October 2003. Preserved railcar M240 0089 stands next to one of CD's newest possessions - a FIAT/ALSTOM Preserved railcar M240 0089 (CD 820 089-1) on the

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]]> Tue Nov 30 1999 Germany http://paul-steane-europe.fotopic.net/c1380259.html These photographs were taken on various visits to Germany between 2001 and 2007. HSB (Harzer Schmalspurbahnen) is the operator of the metre gauge railway system in the Harz region. <a href="http://www.ibse.de">IBSE</a> (Interessengemeinschaft zur Bereisung von Straßenbahn- und Eisenbahnstrecken e.V., or in English "Interest Group for the Study of Tram and Railway Routes") is a group of friends whose interest is the German railway network, especially special trips to travel over parts of this network. Tuesday 30 November 1999: These photographs were taken on various visits to Germany between 2001 and 2007. HSB (Harzer Schmalspurbahnen) is the operator of the metre gauge railway system in the Harz region. <a href="http://www.ibse.de">IBSE</a> (Interessengemeinschaft zur Bereisung von Stra_enbahn- und Eisenbahnstrecken e.V., or in English "Interest Group for the Study of Tram and Railway Routes") is a group of friends whose interest is the German railway network, especially special trips to travel over parts of this network.

Oberpfalzbahn diesel railcar VT35 at Waldmünchen in Bayern on 27 May 2001. This branch line, from Cham, was operated by Oberpfalzbahn though still owned by Deutsche Bahn. Deutsche Bahn diesel locomotive 218 304-4 on arrival at Weidenberg on 28 May 2001. This branch line, eastwards from Bayreuth, was expected to see its last passenger trains on 8 June 2001: however the line has been repreived - for a while at least. One of the reasons quoted for closure was On 6 December 2002, 1926-built diesel railbus VT04 stands at Enzweihingen ready to work the 11:55 service to Vaihingen (Enz) Nord. This short line, operated by WEG (Württemburgische Eisenbahn GmbH, now part of Connex Gruppe), was expected to close to all traffic on 13 December 2002. No bicycles this time: the 11:30 departure from Marienplatz to Degerloch on 8 December 2002, worked by Stuttgart rack tram 1003, is seen here climbing Alte Weinsteige towards the station stop at Haigst. Former London Docklands Light Railway no.11 was sold, along with the other early build DLR cars, to run on the tram/U-Bahn network in Essen in Germany. Now 5211, the set is seen at the depot in Essen on 6 February 2003. Saarbahn tram 1010 has worked down from the new northern terminus at Riegelsburg Süd and is seen here departing from the Saarbrücken Hauptbahnhof stop on 19 April 2003. This service continues on to the main German Railways network then into France at Sarrguemines, so these trams need to be capable of operating over two electrification systems, 750V dc and 15kV 16.7Hz. DB dmu set 628 316 stands briefly at Eiswoog station on 20 April 2003. This section of the branch from Grünstadt only sees trains on Sundays, and the whole route is under threat of closure despite being only a recent re-opening. Behind the camera, the rails continue over a high viaduct, though it is not possible to walk across it: the route used to continue to Enkenbach. metronom service ME81422 from Hamburg Hbf has just arrived at Bremen Hbf in the late afternoon of 9 December 2004. metronom is jointly owned by companies OHE, EVB, Hamburger Hochbahn and Bremer Strassenbahn. This dedicated fleet of locomotives and double-deck coaches work fast services between Hamburg and Bremen and between Hamburg and Uelzen. What an amazing station Uelzen is, apparently created by artist-architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser, but maybe better suited to Morocco than to northern Germany. 10 December 2004. Siemens HSB Steam Locomotive 99 7242-3 on a scheduled passenger working from Nordhausen arrives at Eisfelder Talmuehle. HSB diesel railcar 187 012-0, working an IBSE railtour, performs a photo-runpast between Hasselfelde and Stiege. Very unusually, the summit at Brocken can be seen in the distance.

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]]> Tue Nov 30 1999 Austria http://paul-steane-europe.fotopic.net/c1380252.html These photographs were taken on trips to Austria in 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2007. Tuesday 30 November 1999: These photographs were taken on trips to Austria in 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2007.

Some distance east of Graz in Styria is the Steiermärkishe Landesbahnen route between Feldbach and Bad Gleichenberg. Unusually the line is electrified at 1.8kV dc. This view taken on 21 March 2002 shows railcar ET1 at the terminus at Bad Gleichenberg; this is one of two cars dating from the opening of the line in 1931, though it has been rebuilt extensively. Rack railways do not cross main roads very often but here is an example a short distance from Puchberg station. Steam locomotive 999 03 is seen here on 29 August 2002 on the 14:25 from Hochschneeberg to Puchberg am Schneeberg. The Zillertalbahn is a very pleasant and scenic 760mm gauge line running south from Jenbach, about 35km east of Innsbruck. In this view of Mayrhofen, the southern terminus, on 10 April 2004, power unit VT6 plus two trailers are about to work the 13:35 departure to Jenbach. One of the many cable car routes can be seen beyond the station. LILO (Linzer Lokalbahn) unit 22 163 at Linz Hbf. New Linz tram 019 in the city centre. An older Linz tram 75 at the Urfahr terminus. OBB (Austrian Federal Railways) Desiro unit 5022 020-1 at Linz Urfahr. Siemens Dispolok ES 64 U2-027 at Linz Hbf. Stern & Hafferl electric railcar 25 103 at Eggerding. Stern & Hafferl electric railcar 24 114 at Haag am Hausruck. A collection of older Stern & Hafferl vehicles at Haag am Hausruck. A long way from home, German Railways 151 144-3 on a freight train in the yard at Ebenfurth, close to the Hungarian border.

Published in European Railway Photographs by Paul Steane

]]> Tue Nov 30 1999 Hungary http://paul-steane-europe.fotopic.net/c961372.html These photographs were taken on visits to Hungary in 2002, 2003 and 2007. MÁV (Magyar Államvasutak) is the national railway operator in Hungary. ÁEV (Állami Erdei Vasutak) operate the State Forestry Railways. GySEV (Györ-Sopron-Ebenfurti Vasút) /ROeEE (Raab-Oedenburg-Ebenfurter Eisenbahn) operate on some routes in the west of Hungary. Tuesday 30 November 1999: These photographs were taken on visits to Hungary in 2002, 2003 and 2007. M_V (Magyar _llamvasutak) is the national railway operator in Hungary. _EV (_llami Erdei Vasutak) operate the State Forestry Railways. GySEV (Gy_r-Sopron-Ebenfurti Vas_t) /ROeEE (Raab-Oedenburg-Ebenfurter Eisenbahn) operate on some routes in the west of Hungary.

Believe it or not, this train belongs to Hungarian National Railways (MÁV)! This is the 13:55 departure from Somosgyszentpal to Balatonfenyves GV, with locomotive 5727 hauling one coach. This is one of the lines of the Balatonfenyvesi gazdasagi vasut (Balatonfenyves Farm Railway) and was built in the mid 1950s at 760mm gauge. Under threat of closure for some time, most of the Balatonfenyves system closed at the end of August 2002, leaving a limited seasonal service on some routes. M62 517, one of MÁV's M62s fitted with broad (1520mm) gauge bogies, is seen at Eperjeske (Záhony) on 30 April 2002. The locomotive is pulling a train through the ore transfer plant where loaded broad gauge wagons are emptied for later loading into standard (1435mm) gauge wagons. Fully restored in original livery, and ready to work an enthusiast's charter train, M62 001 stands at Szolnok depot on 6 September 2002. From 1965 onwards nearly 2500 locomotives of this and similar types were built at Lugansk, now in Ukraine, for Hungary, Poland, the former Czechoslovakia and the former German Democratic Republic. There have been widespread withdrawals from service in recent years, and the type only sees significant usage in Hungary on freight trains. Many more were built for the former Soviet Union's home market, including double versions. ÁEV locomotive C50-409 stands with a one coach charter train at the end of the line at Marki erdö, the extreme south-eastern end of the Csömödér Forestry Railway. The old and the new - two nearly-new Class 1047 locomotives flank one somewhat older Class V43 locomotive in the stabling sidings at Sopron station. Whilst the V43 can only operate on 25kV 50Hz supply, the 1047s can also operate on the Austrian 15kV 16.7Hz system and are intended for use on cross-border services. These locos are operated by Györ-Sopron-Ebenfurti Vasút (GySEV)/Raab-Oedenburg-Ebenfurter Eisenbahn (ROeEE), an interesting company largely owned jointly by the Austrian and Hungarian governments. MÁV also has some 1047s, which are similar to the Austrian Class 1116. ÁEV locomotive MK48.410 hauls a single coach through the village of Fütõház on the line from Lajosháza to Gyöngyös. This was a chartered train; this route normally only sees services on summer weekends. Rush hour at Sarbogard, on the main line between Budapest and Dombovar. Brand-new Stadler EMU 5341 004-9 (plus another) at Szekesfehervar forming a service to Budapest Deli pu.

Published in European Railway Photographs by Paul Steane

]]> Tue Nov 30 1999 Romania http://paul-steane-europe.fotopic.net/c960553.html These photographs were taken on a visit to Romania in April 2002. CFR (Compania Na&#355;ional&#259; de C&#259;i Ferate) is the national railway operator in Romania. Tuesday 30 November 1999: These photographs were taken on a visit to Romania in April 2002. CFR (Compania Na&#355;ional&#259; de C&#259;i Ferate) is the national railway operator in Romania.

CFR diesel locomotive 62 1130-4 at Satu Mare. This locomotive is about to work train 1742, the 17:02 overnight service to Bucuresti Nord, on 29 April 2002. MÁV (Hungarian Railways) diesel railcar Bzmot 351 on foreign rails at Carei on 29 April 2002, ready to form the 19:40 to Mátészalka. CFR locomotive 81 0395-4 sits alongside.

Published in European Railway Photographs by Paul Steane

]]> Tue Nov 30 1999 Slovenia http://paul-steane-europe.fotopic.net/c960466.html These photographs were taken on trips to Slovenia in April 2004 and December 2005. SŽ (Slovenske Železnice) is the national railway operator in Slovenia. Tuesday 30 November 1999: These photographs were taken on trips to Slovenia in April 2004 and December 2005. S_ (Slovenske _eleznice) is the national railway operator in Slovenia.

SŽ has two classes of electric locomotive that show off their Italian design heritage, including class 362. Here 362-018 is seen arriving at Sevnica with a Zagreb - Wien train on 2 April 2004. Only the locomotive is Slovene, the train consisting of a Croatian restaurant car plus three Austrian coaches. A three day railtour covered many of the freight lines in Slovenia and Croatia. Here SŽ diesel multiple unit 711-001/002 is seen at Koper passenger station on 3 April 2004, having just visited the Koper docks area. A line used to run north-west from Kranj some 16km to Tržič but is now closed beyond Naklo (5km from Kranj) and only sees freight traffic. SŽ diesel multiple unit 713/715-111 is seen at Naklo station on the railtour on 4 April 2004. A lot of snow fell overnight 6/7 April 2004 in the Ljubljana area and west thereof, as can be seen in this view of Jesenice station on 7 April. SŽ class 312 electric multiple unit is departing towards Ljubljana; the lines to the left are a freight line to the local steelworks and the passenger route towards Nova Gorica. The same day as the photo at Jesenice, but on the other side of the mountains, SŽ diesel multiple unit 813/814-123 has arrived at Ajdovščina. This branch sees only two return trains per weekday, none at weekends, and on schooldays only. SŽ locomotives 363-018 and 362-023 stabled at Ljubljana. SŽ locomotive 342-010 at Ljubljana.

Published in European Railway Photographs by Paul Steane

]]> Tue Nov 30 1999 Ukraine http://paul-steane-europe.fotopic.net/c959374.html These photographs were taken on visits to Ukraine in 2002 and 2003. UZ (Ukraïnski Zaliznitsi) is the national railway company in Ukraine. Tuesday 30 November 1999: These photographs were taken on visits to Ukraine in 2002 and 2003. UZ (Ukra_nski Zaliznitsi) is the national railway company in Ukraine.

UZ diesel locomotive ЧМЭ3-1867 with a special train at Vilok on 29 April 2002. There are some Hungarian-speaking parts of Ukraine, and Vilok's station building also displays the Hungarian name Tiszaújlak. A Ganz-built UZ broad gauge diesel multiple unit, with vehicle Д1656-1 leading, arrives at Borzhava on a Solotvino to Batjevo local working. 29 April 2002. 760mm gauge locomotive ТУ2-020 heads a train out of Vinogradov towards Hmel'nik on 29 April 2002. The route through Vilok is dual gauge 1520mm/1435mm, and is single track with passing loops. The closeness of the gauges means that it is not possible to use a common rail, so track layouts are complex at stations and junctions. In this picture, taken at Vilok, the standard gauge can be seen deviating to the right to allow the broad gauge loops to join from the left. Standard (1435mm) gauge freight trains between Halmeu (Romania) and Čierna nad Tisou (Slovakia) operate over this route, via Korolevo, Batjevo and Chop. UZ electric multiple unit EP2-315 on arrival at Užhorod with a local service from Čop on 19 July 2003. UZ double electric locomotive ВЛ11-111 has just backed on to a charter train at Batjevo ready to work to Užhorod on. The UZ diesel locomotive 2M62-1241 that had worked the train from Eperjeske Rendező is visible at the rear. 19 July 2003. MÁV (Hungarian Railways) diesel locomotive M40 910 stands at Čop on 21 July 2003, ready to work the 14:00 cross-border service to Záhony in Hungary. Note the Cyrillic and Roman versions of the station name on the building.

Published in European Railway Photographs by Paul Steane

]]> Tue Nov 30 1999 Macedonia http://paul-steane-europe.fotopic.net/c959345.html The following photographs were taken on a trip to Macedonia in May 2004. MŽ (Makedonski Železnici) is the national railway company in Macedonia. Strictly, the proper name for Macedonia is "Former Yugoslav Republic Of Macedonia". Tuesday 30 November 1999: The following photographs were taken on a trip to Macedonia in May 2004. M_ (Makedonski _eleznici) is the national railway company in Macedonia. Strictly, the proper name for Macedonia is "Former Yugoslav Republic Of Macedonia".

MŽ EMU 412-059 etc. stands at Skopje station in the pouring rain on 9 May 2004 ready to work train 2902, the 15:22 to Tabanovci. These four-car 25 kV 50 Hz units work some of the local services on the electrified main line north and south of Skopje. They are identical to units working in Serbia (around Beograd) and Montenegro (around Podgorica). Skopje is a depressing station, particularly in the rain, with minimal cover over the platforms as can be seen. It must rank as the least inspiring principal station in any European capital city. MŽ 3-car DMU 712-102 etc. has arrived at Kočani from Skopje on 9 May 2004, and will soon work the 18:50 return service. The recent rain has provided plenty of fresh water for the local duck and chicken population. Beyond Veles, the line towards Bitola passes through some interesting rugged limestone scenery. MŽ diesel locomotive 661-241 powers through the vineyards on 11 May 2004 with 5 coaches - and 4 wagons on the rear from Veles. MŽ 661 241 has arrived at Bitola on 11 May 2004. The train, complete with wagons, can be seen. Kicevo station has been deserted since June 2001, since when no passenger trains have operated due to the political situation in this region close to the border with Albania. Sorry, Kicevo station is not quite deserted - this narrow gauge train is parked in the station forecourt. The whole route from Skopje through Kičevo to Ohrid used to be narrow gauge, only the route as far as Kičevo being converted to standard gauge.

Published in European Railway Photographs by Paul Steane

]]> Tue Nov 30 1999 Serbia (including Kosovo) and Montenegro http://paul-steane-europe.fotopic.net/c955678.html These photographs were taken on visits to Serbia, Kosovo and Montenegro in 2001, 2003 and 2004. JŽ (Jugoslovenske Železnice) was the national rail company in Jugoslavia. In 2003/2004 this was split into ŽS (Železnice Serbije) in Serbia and ŽCG (Železnice Crne Gore) in Montenegro. In 2004 trains within Kosovo were being operated by UNMIK (United Nations Interim Administration Mission In Kosovo). Place names within Kosovo are rendered in Albanian first, followed by the Serbian version. Tuesday 30 November 1999: These photographs were taken on visits to Serbia, Kosovo and Montenegro in 2001, 2003 and 2004. J_ (Jugoslovenske _eleznice) was the national rail company in Jugoslavia. In 2003/2004 this was split into _S (_eleznice Serbije) in Serbia and _CG (_eleznice Crne Gore) in Montenegro. In 2004 trains within Kosovo were being operated by UNMIK (United Nations Interim Administration Mission In Kosovo). Place names within Kosovo are rendered in Albanian first, followed by the Serbian version.

Former JŽ 760mm gauge locomotive 83-173 was built in 1949 by the Požarevac is where trains between Beograd and Knjaževac via Majdanpek change from electric to diesel traction: JŽ diesel locomotive 666-004 has just backed onto train 971 on 1 September 2001. The route onwards from Požarevac to Majdanpek only sees one pair of trains per day. Class 666 was originally used to haul Tito's famous South-eastern Serbia also has some spectacular scenery, the railway route between Knjaževac and Niš passing through a long limestone gorge with many bridges and tunnels. On 2 September 2001 the 11:07 train from Zajeèar to Niš comprised JŽ diesel locomotive 661-138, two coaches, a mail van and 25 empty coal wagons. In this view backwards down the train, some of the wagons can be seen, the end of the train being beyond the second tunnel. The scenic 61km branch from Podgorica to Nikšiæ in Montenegro was - at the time - advertised to see two return passenger services per day, but in early September 2001 there were no servicable locomotives available to work the trains. On 3 September 2001, thanks to the kindness and generosity of local railway staff, this draisine was made available to take a small group of enthusiasts to Nikšic (pictured) and back. The Mala Rijeka viaduct is the highest railway bridge in the world, being 198m (650ft) from rail level to river level. It lies in Montenegro between Kolašin and Podgorica on the Beograd - Bar line and was completed in 1976. This view was taken on 3 September 2001 from the afternoon Bar to Beograd train a short distance before curving around onto the viaduct. The river bed (dry on this date) is at the bottom of the gorge between the two tallest piers. JŽ railbus B812-017 stands at Zvornik Grad on 28 August 2003. This location is the terminus of the branch line from Ruma, and only sees one service train per day. There is no station building, and the track continues a little further beyond where the orange-coloured van is parked. TENT (Termoelektrana 'Nicola Tesla') electric locomotives 443-04 (left) and 441-02 at Obrenovac power station on 29 August 2003. The TENT system runs for a total of over 50km from coal loading sidings at Vreoci, adjacent to the Beograd - Požega line, to power stations at Obrenovac and Vorbis. The Czech-built 443s haul the trains through the coal loading and unloading areas, and the 441s, similar to the Jugoslav 441s, haul the trains between Vreoci and the power stations. UNMIK locomotive 3641 heads a rake of former-Swedish Railways stock at Lešak on 10 May 2004. The train is 4303, the 16:20 arrival from Fushë-Kosovë/Kosovo Polje. Still showing markings for JŽ, diesel locomotive 744-011 stands at Tuzi in Montenegro on 14 May 2004. This locomotive is now operated by ŽCG. The train is a special to Podgorica from Tuzi, which is on the freight-only route into Montenegro from Albania. In a new all-red livery, ŽS Co-Co electric locomotive 461-017 stands at Lapovo in Serbia on 15 May 2004 ready to work train 9610 onwards to Beograd. UNMIK locomotive 3619 at Fushë-Kosovë/Kosovo Polje on 15 May 2004, working train 4103, the 18:42 to Hani i Elezit/Ðeneral Jankovic. ŽS Bo-Bo diesel locomotive 641-331 has just arrived at Niš with train 7830, from Kuršumlija, on 16 May 2004. Note the attached wagons.

Published in European Railway Photographs by Paul Steane

]]> Tue Nov 30 1999 Croatia http://paul-steane-europe.fotopic.net/c955646.html These photographs were taken on trips to Croatia in 2002, 2003 and 2004. HŽ (Hrvatske Željeznice) is the national rail company in Croatia. ŽFBH (Željeznice Federacije Bosne i Hercegovine) is one of the two train operators in Bosnia-Hercegovina. Tuesday 30 November 1999: These photographs were taken on trips to Croatia in 2002, 2003 and 2004. H_ (Hrvatske _eljeznice) is the national rail company in Croatia. _FBH (_eljeznice Federacije Bosne i Hercegovine) is one of the two train operators in Bosnia-Hercegovina.

HŽ 25kV 50Hz electric locomotive 1141 214 stands at Strizivojna-Vrpolje on the 15:36 Vinkovci - Zagreb stopping service on 30 March 2002. Many Croatian station buildings proudly display their country's flag - Pleternica is no exception in this view on 31 March 2002. HŽ diesel multiple unit 7121 019 + 4121 019 pauses for reversal here whilst working the 11:15 service from Našice to Velika. ŽFBH diesel locomotive 661-267 temporarily in foreign territory at Drenovci in Croatia on 27 August 2003. Having arrived earlier from Tuzla, it will soon return home: this pair of trains is the only passenger service across the Bosnia-Hercegovina - Croatia border at the Brcko - Gunja crossing. Seen here at Zagreb Glavni Kolodvor on 3 September 2003, 1141 385 is in the newer Hrvatske Željeznice livery. There are two Croatian railway routes on the Istrian peninsula that are completely separate from the remainder of the HŽ system. They are only accessible by rail through Slovenia, crossing the border at Rakitovec/Buzet. At Lupoglav the line splits into two: a little-used freight line to Raša and the passenger route to Pula (see other photo). Particularly at the northern end, the scenery on both routes is rugged and spectacular, the lines running high above the valley floors. After emerging from a tunnel just south of Ucka on the line to Raša, Slovenian Railways diesel multiple unit 711-001/002 pauses for photographs in limestone scenery on a railtour on 3 April 2004. Most Pula trains run to and from Pula

Published in European Railway Photographs by Paul Steane

]]> Tue Nov 30 1999 Bosnia-Hercegovina http://paul-steane-europe.fotopic.net/c955621.html These photographs were taken on a trip to Bosnia-Hercegovina in August 2003. Bosnia-Hercegovina has a train operator for each of its regional entities, with an umbrella organisation BHŽJK (Bosansko Hercegova&#269;ka Željezni&#269;ka Javna Korporacija), which is based in Doboj, co-ordinating activities such as timetabling and fare management. The two train operators are ŽFBH (Željeznice Federacije Bosne i Hercegovine) and ŽRS (Željeznice Republike Srpske). Tuesday 30 November 1999: These photographs were taken on a trip to Bosnia-Hercegovina in August 2003. Bosnia-Hercegovina has a train operator for each of its regional entities, with an umbrella organisation BH_JK (Bosansko Hercegova&#269;ka _eljezni&#269;ka Javna Korporacija), which is based in Doboj, co-ordinating activities such as timetabling and fare management. The two train operators are _FBH (_eljeznice Federacije Bosne i Hercegovine) and _RS (_eljeznice Republike Srpske).

ŽFBH electric locomotive 441-411 has just backed onto train 397, Zagreb to Ploce via Sarajevo, at Doboj on 22 August 2003 - and is just lowering its pantograph. Doboj is where through trains across Bosnia-Hercegovina change locomotives from ŽRS to ŽFBH. Note that 441-411 is still showing itself as belonging to ŽBH, the former name of ŽFBH. Rebuilt in 2001 but not yet seeing any passenger traffic, the line between Knin in Croatia and Bihač in Bosnia-Hercegovina crosses the border a total of seven times. Martin Brod has been designated the official border station. On the left, HŽ 2062 113 has arrived on a special train from Knin, and ŽFBH 661-323 will work another special train forward to Bihaæ and Novi Grad. The ŽRS coach behind 661-323 has been donated by Swedish Railways. ŽRS locomotive 212 019-4 has just arrived at Doboj on a local service from Petrovo Novo on 24 August 2003. Apart from painting the company name on it, not much seems to have changed since this loco was working in Germany - it is still showing as being as allocated to Darmstadt shed. ŽFBH electric locomotive 441-404 at Doboj on 26 August 2003, showing the new ŽFBH livery and markings. Behind it are derelict electric multiple units, some of which still show markings for the 1984 Winter Olympic Games in Sarajevo. Industrial steam in action: standard gauge steam locomotive 62-677 at Banovici near Tuzla on 26 August 2003. The locomotive was being used to shunt the wagons as they were being loaded, ready for taking away to the power station. Industrial steam in action: 760mm gauge steam locomotive 25-30 at Banovici near Tuzla on 26 August 2003. This loco was only dragging the loaded wagons through the unloading area, the task of bringing the coal down from the mines at Grivice and Omazici falling to a number of class 720 diesels.

Published in European Railway Photographs by Paul Steane

]]> Tue Nov 30 1999 Albania http://paul-steane-europe.fotopic.net/c955574.html These photographs were taken on a trip to Albania in May 2004. HSH (Hekurudha Shqipëtare) is the national railway company in Albania. Tuesday 30 November 1999: These photographs were taken on a trip to Albania in May 2004. HSH (Hekurudha Shqip_tare) is the national railway company in Albania.

HSH diesel locomotive T669 1059 stands at the head of the 13:08 train from Pogradec to Tiranë on 12 May 2004. The disused works at Pogradec can be seen in the background. This photograph was taken from the afternoon Pogradec to Tiranë train on 12 May 2004 whilst travelling over the viaduct at Fushtriza, which is the highest and longest in Albania. Note the lack of parapet on the viaduct, and also the line-up of photographers on the road. This is the station and signalbox at Shkozet (just outside Durrës), and must be a strong candidate for the most tasteless colour scheme on a railway structure anywhere in the world. The green paint has been over-sprayed onto the windows of the signalbox operating room. 12 May 2004.

Published in European Railway Photographs by Paul Steane

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