A good start

From October 20 until 26 I managed to sneak out for a couple of days for some good old railfanning action. Weather forecasts were demotivating, but I decided to try to make the most of it. Letting the weather forecast determine my next destination seemed worth a try. Heading to the unknown was good motivation to eventually head off, after dropping the kids at school. An opening between the clouds would be moving east throughout the day and I decided to follow it, looking for opportunities. Number one was only half an hour from home, as BLS Cargo Nord was heading towards Antwerp withtheir daily Zeebrugge-Antwerp shuttle. On Monday 20/8 it was lead by 475 417. Sun and autumn colors didn’t disappoint.

Many colors

The first success in Beervelde encouraged me to continue the chase. In Griendtsveen I expected quite some color and a high chance to see a freight train. The Betuwe route was closed due to works on the German side and train were rerouted over Eindhoven. And yes, once set up I didn’t have to wait long for a freight train. We see Rurtalbahn Cargo 193 793 with a train from Maasvlakte to Blerick. Why do they so often forget to place a container on the first wagon?

Vectron in disguise

There was still a big blue opening between the clouds so I tempted for another sunny shot near Sevenum. LTE was right on time with its special liveried Vectron, which blends in quite well with the surrounding colors.

Black & white – or not

The fun wasn’t over yet. Following the blue sky, I ended up in Breyell on the Venlo – Kaldenkirchen route.
A bit unexpected this grey train came out of the colourful forest. I had to aim fast to capture Rail Force One’s 2019 304 that was heading train 44793 connecting Maasvlakte to Duisburg-Wedau.

Vintage beauty

The nice weather was flying north-east, but on Tuesday I wanted to be more to the south-east. Considering the time, my compromise was to head east for making a photo of the RB37 between Neuss and Krefeld, that is operated with TRI rolling stock.
Under a threatening sky, with a subtle amount of sun barely lighting the scene, TRI E11 112 is seen heading the RB37 towards Neuss.