Still July 4th, more than 13 hours after the previously posted photo. At 20:52, to be more precise, I made my last photo of the day. It was a warm summer evening, quiet like it can be in rural France. Continue reading Reminiscent of the long days (IX)
After the SNCF infrastructure train I didn’t really know what to do next. I didn’t expect another freight train to Cambrai soon, so I was looking for something else to do. Too late I thought of the Eurocity to Paris, whic would be positioned well for the sun south of Busigny. But there was also a freight from Aalst heading south, so I gave that … Continue reading Busy behind the graveyard
Almost 2,5 hours after 60023 brought some cars for maintenance to Achiet, I captured it with some freshly maintained cars. After capturing the Lineas grain train to Tergnier, I looked for still another spot, as I expected the train from Achiet to be rather short. This new location gives a better view on the town of Feuchy, with the Roman-style Notre-Dame-du-Bon-Conseil church towering above. Continue reading Maintained cars
I expected the train serving Achiet to return to Somain, so I drove to Feuchy to look for a spot. On the map it looked good, but in reality I had to look really good to find the position from where a minimal amount of bushes would be in front of the train. First I got an empty Lineas grain train headed for Tergnier. Continue reading Exploring Feuchy
With no long-distance trains on the way, I concentrated on finding a spot for the train serving Inveho UAB, a freight wagon maintenance facility located in Achiet. Wagons are brought in from Somain before noon. The return train with serviced wagons arrives back in Somain around noon. Continue reading Wagons for maintenance
On a beautiful Friday morning beginning of July, I drove to the north of France. Very early, because I wanted to see the morning rush of trains to the terminals in Somain, Dourges, Lille. Many trains leave these terminals southbound in the evening, their counterparts arrive north in the morning. I chose the line from Amiens to Arras. Unfortunately, northbound trains were held in the … Continue reading Quiet morning rush
Day 2 of 2025 saw sun and clouds. When this train to Gent passed me, I saw mostly clouds. It wasn’t as bad as a few hundred meters more towards Lokeren. There, sun and rain added some spectacle to the photo.Timing is everything, as a few minutes earlier the foreground scene was also lit by the sun. And a few minutes after this shot, I … Continue reading Timing is everything
Medway’s Neuss to Antwerp container shuttle for mother company MSC was right on time to enjoy some early spring sunshine. A few more kilometers to go before it has reached its final destination, it passes through this rare rural lap of ground just north of Antwerp. Continue reading Yellow train in yellow light
A work day in France on June 6th was the perfect opportunity for me to stay a bit longer in this beautiful country. I wanted to go to Miraumont, of which I had seen many nice photos. The Miraumont spot was only good for 2 freights though, as I arrived a bit too late. I then set off to explore the region around Miraumont and … Continue reading Afterwork south of Arras
Spreading like a virus in the rail photographer community, it seems, and after resisting for a long time it caught me as well: the use of a light stand for getting your camera higher up there. Light weight and capable of towering above the many bushes along the tracks, I must admit I’m sold. Below the first 2 shots using this new tool. Continue reading Up in the air
Railscapes 