After a refreshing night in Usti Nad Labem, in a hotel probably dating from the communist era, I checked out the immediate surroundings of the city’s main station. I didn’t have to wait a long time to see a cargo train cross the river. It is hauled by a Skoda 57E2 locomotive, dating from 1971, in the color scheme of Czech Railways’ cargo division. Vetruse … Continue reading Coal over the water
The Elbe also has a Czech name: Labem. On this photo, the train is running along the Labem river. Yes, I have finally arrived in the Czech republic. South of Decin, there are railway lines on both sides of the river. I had no idea where to see the trains, but I guessed cargo traffic woud run on the right bank of the river when … Continue reading Labem’s right bank
One recommendation when visiting the Elbe valley: try to avoid using a car. Roads that aren’t accessible and few parking spots give the car driver a hard time. And spots like this one are easily missed. It has been on my wishlist for a while, and I knew approximately where I needed to be… but had some difficulty locating it exactly. WIth a bicycle I … Continue reading Wish I had a bicycle
A Swiss engine on its way from the Czech Republic towards Dreseden, seems a bit odd. It turns out the loco is rented out to HSL, an operator that comes here more often. All of a sudden it makes more sense. The kettles are waking up the sleeping valley as I am catching my breath to get to this position right on time. Continue reading Waking up the sleeping valley
Siemens electrics have in the meanwhile taken over the traction of the Eurocity trains between Germany and the Czech republic – in september 2016 they were still all hauled by Skoda’s. These trains were part of the reason to go to the Czech Republic, apart from the fun of travelling to places I haven’t been to before. Continue reading Skoda rules
Today, Metrans is operating 30 Bombardier Traxx MS2e engines. This year, another 10 identical locomotives will be added to their fleet. On september 19th I could make my first photo of one of these engines – the line along the Elbe sees a lof of Metrans trains, no particular accomplishment there. Continue reading Metrans Traxx
On day 2 of the trip I followed the railway Line from Dresden to Usti Nad Labem, that follows the Elbe river. I’ll stay polite and not describe the weather… let’s see it as an opportunity to be able to shoot in 2 directions. I found a good shelter at the station of Obervogelgesang, only coming out to make a photo. I’ve alwyas been a … Continue reading No birds singing
The journey to Dresden went flawlessly. After checking into my hotel I took a train to Dresden Hbf, where I expected a couple of EuroNight trains. These trains change locos in Dresden, so it was a good opportunity to check out the Czech Skoda electrics, that would soon be replaced by modern Siemens Vectron locomotives. Continue reading Dresden, EuroNight Hbf
In the second half of september 2016 I had a week off work that I used for a trip to some – for me – unknown territory: the Czech and Slovak republics. Day 1 of the trip was the day to cover most of the distance: destination Dresden. I would use the following days to follow the Elbe river to Usti Nad Labem, and then … Continue reading Pilgrimage to eastern Europe
A little time spent along the tracks at De Pinte resulted in this photo of a grain train hauled by a BB36000 locomotive. I didn’t know this would be my last photo of this kind of engine in Belgium, but until now they haven’t reappeared on Belgian tracks. Who knows what the future will bring… I definitely appreciated seeing these cousins of the SNCB/CFL 13/3000 … Continue reading An unexpected goodbye
Railscapes 