Unforeseen circumstances made this photo happen. I had to work from home to take care of a sick child, and the daily coal train to France was delayed by several hours. Result: during lunch break I could quickly run off to the tracks and make a photo of this train in fall colors. Continue reading Seize the day
ECR is executing a 6-month contract hauling coal from Poland to Dunkerque. I have made quite a few photos of this train, but bad luck and dito weather made that this is the first picture in nice sunny weather.Because of constructin work in Kortrijk, the train was rerouted over Bruges. I had thought the switch of train drivers would have taken place there, but alas, … Continue reading Finally
A railway crossing in the middle of nowhere, right next to an abandoned bridge and railway bed, seems to be a preferred spot for local painters. This adds to the already abondened feeling scene, which probably looks and feels a lot different during another season. I still find the view from this side of the bridge quite fascinating. I also like the modern train in … Continue reading Desolate crossing
The Ruhr area is densely populated with not only people, but also train tracks. Difference is that population is probably increasing, and the number of tracks are probably decreasing. This photo is taken standing atop a bridge of a once active railway line. The line going underneath connects Oberhausen to the Dutch Betuwe route and thus sees a lot of traffic from the port of … Continue reading An abandoned bridge
A view on Palisade Canyon. On the right of the Humboldt river the eastbound train from the previous shot can still be seen, while a westbound, loaded, coal train is approaching Palisade ghost town. Continue reading The canyon
Train traffic in Price River Canyon is impressive. I’m speaking quality wise. This loaded coal train is hauled by 5 engines, and has 6 helpers in the middle of the train. The curvy rails and steep grade assured the audiovisual spectacle. It has a been a very long time since I experienced such a power showdown. Continue reading The road to the top is curvy and steep
We spent the night at a shabby motel in Helper, Utah – it’s good location was the selling argument. On the morning of june 2nd, we only needed a short ride up Price River Canyon to Colton to witness the sunrise. We underestimated the temperature at this altitude though: shorts are not the recommended clothing when it’s -literally- freezing outside! We knew a passenger train … Continue reading Standing the cold
After being recopomposed, the train is slowly gaining speed again. The sun was starting to set, indicating almost the end of us following this coal train. 6 hours, and very relaxed, and lots of photos. This was definitely worth the effort. Continue reading And off we go again
It was obvious that no real effort from our part was needed to make some more photos of this train. We took our time packing our stuff and continueing the road up the canyon. The road follows the line rather well, so it’s easy to find new locations, even without having been there before. In no time we had passed the hard-working rear and middle … Continue reading Taking our time
Sometimes all you need to do is turn around. A rear helper was definitely necessary to get this heavy train up the hill. What you can’t see on the photo are the mid-train helpers. No need to tell the heavy train was rolling by really slowly. A treat for our eyes and ears! Continue reading Just turn around
Railscapes 