Double stack container trains (and the Stagger’s act, check wikipedia) have played a major role in the revival of American railroads. They allowed huge efficiency gains and competing prices, helping rail freight transporters become profitable companies. To illustrate the point made in the previous chapter of this story: this shot was made after switching lenses and setting up again. 2 trains and a number of … Continue reading Long live double stack trains
When out shooting, one of my goals is to not make two photos from the same point of view. Always try different angles. Unless I want the conditions to be exactly on the spot, of course. So, when the next eastbound train announced itself, I set up to shoot the photo that will follow next, but first made this image of the portal of the … Continue reading A well used tunnel
Making photos of the same train doesn’t become boring. For getting this shot, I had to run down the hill a bit and zoom out. The speed of the trains allows it easily… Continue reading More curves
The Tehachapi loop is spectacular to see, but the line between Bakersfield and Mojave still has a lot more to offer. It runs almost completely through a mountainous area. There seems to be no meter of straight track on the line. A lot of tunnels were needed to conquer the pass. They are identified by a number, counting up from Bakersfield. Here an eastbound train … Continue reading Tunnels and curves
1 day. That’s what it takes to get from Brussels to the west coast of the United States. The flight brought my friend and I safely to San Francisco International Airport. I recommend visiting San Francisco, it’s a nice city. I visited a couple of years ago already though, and the longing for adventure in the wide open was too strong… so after getting our … Continue reading The loop
The sun was finally out and shining from a non-optimal angle, so looking for another viewpoint in the same area was the least preferable option. I decided to head to the viaduct in Visé. When arriving at the car, I heard a rumble that couldn’t possibly be a passenger train. And that’s how I got a photo just past the curve of Alt-Hoeselt. B-Logistics’ 2829 is pulling an empty … Continue reading And when you decide to leave…
Strolling over the beach in the last sun of the day and eating some sea-born food on a small terrace. That’s what jumped into my mind when thinking of Boulogne-sur-Mer. Unfortunately, Boulogne turned out to be a rather big city, thus popping the daydream. It is the endpoint of the Paris – Boulogne trains though, so I decided to check out the station instead. The SNCF … Continue reading Colorful corails
For the last train of the day, I chose this viewpoint from on top of a bridge in Noyelles-sur-Mer. The plains in the back lead to the famous natural reserve Baie de Somme. SNCF 67455, Noyelles-Sur-Mer 13.6.2015 The Amiens – Boulogne line looks promising. I’ve seen some interesting spots that I’ll definitely try when I have some time to go out there again. I’m thinking … Continue reading Thinking of next time
The cloudy day had now definitely turned into a nice sunny day. I found this spot north of Noyelles-sur-Mer. This town is the starting point of the Baie de Somme railway. I could hear their train running closeby… but definitely wanted to wait for the train to Paris. While waiting, I also met a friendly couple. The husband used to watch trains at this exact … Continue reading Opportunities
Railscapes 