Last Saturday, we got some spectacular weather conditions in Flanders. Huge rainclouds, alternated by blue sky. Much possibilities for the light to be not that great, so I had to hope for good timing. Fortunately, there was more freight traffic than usual near my home town due to detours, increasing my chances. The first photo I made was bang on. I had to hold on … Continue reading The sunny escape
On the way back home after a day of work in Antwerp, I needed some air. I decided to spend some time on the Schelde’s left bank, and see what would be coming.I was lucky enough to get one of the first rides of a Vectron locomotive from BLS Cargo. And some other interesting trains. It weren’t the trains, however, that made it a good … Continue reading Beautiful light, after all
3 photos, 3 regions, 1 day. I started the day in Drongen on the 4-track section of line 50A from Ghent to Bruges. The second freight train that came through was the Railtraxx containershuttle from Oradea to Zeebruges. Second destination: Idergem, between Geraardbergen and Denderleeuw, where I could catch a 1344 with a train connecting Longeau to Aalst.Third destination: Berneau, for a few trains in … Continue reading Cargo from west to east
The railway line running along lake Erie seems busy. I convinced my girlfriend for a short break along the tracks, and immediately saw headlights in the distance. A few seconds later a long doublestack container train rumbled over the 7-track railway crossing. In the background a Nestlé Purina plant, with the old Ralston Purina logo. Continue reading Animal feed
A chilly autumn morning, one of the first ones of 2016. Through the fog I reached this spot, only guessing it’s the spot I had in mind. One opening at the right time was sufficient to reveal a splendid view on the High Tatra mountain chain. Traffic seemed to be rather dense, and interesting: a passenger pulled train each way per hour, followed by one … Continue reading Sticking my head through the fog
Next stop: the station of Horna Stubna. Research showed that a freight train could be arriving, hauled by 3 Bardotka locomotives. Upon arrival, I knew I as right… but only caught the 3 loose engines heading back to Zilina. Tough luck. Upside is that I met 2 local photographers, who were so kind to show me around. They know the region and the traffic very … Continue reading Meeting up with the locals
The local line from Zalhostice, along the Elbe, to Ceska Lipa is…, well, rural. It is a nice contrast to the relatively busy valley, and I wanted to make some photos on these small lines. I was hoping to get some locomotive hauled trains, but got this modernised Regionova vehicle in front of the lens. Ah well, it fits nicely between the bushes this way. Continue reading Rural Regionova
The longer days of the year make after-work photography sessions worthwhile. Typically I visit only one location then, for some oldschool sitting and waiting what comes by. I spent a successfull evening in Beveren on the branch line that comes from the port (left river bank), right before it connects to the main line to Gent. Of the three trains I saw here, I like … Continue reading A blasting summer evening
I honestly don’t remember why I went to spend some time waiting at Pepingen. It may have been for a rush hour train that I ended up not seeing… anyway, I ended up with some nice pictures of other passenger trains. Continue reading There doesn’t always have to be a reason
The opening of the TGV-Est, planned for december 2016, would meant the end of the Eurocity trains between Brussels and Basel. Following all logic of French railways, passengers from Brussels to Switzerland have to use the TGV and pass through Paris… We love these classic trains, allowing cheap and relatively fast travel. That’s one of the reasons we were chasing them in the Vosges on … Continue reading Along the Marne – Rhine canal
Railscapes 