Class 20 close sisters

[Giugiaro]

Not sure if there was another post about these locomotives, but here goes nothing:

http://youtu.be/CFkfhVA46UM

http://youtu.be/PlMgJP2kI3E

http://youtu.be/RhxTBbNTJoQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhRSvssVn1A



CP 1400 English Electric by Giugiaro21, on Flickr

 

[33056]

Thanks for the picture and videos.

Unfortunately, I won't be in Portugal next month for my (previously) annual fix of orange locos but here is one from earlier this year

Really must get around to posting more CP pictures on our site, just the one gallery on there at present.

 

[Zamracene749]

Very nice!

Are there any booked passenger workings for these locos in 2012?

 

[87015]

Are there any booked passenger workings for these locos in 2012?

They are most entertaining, had a selection on the Algarve a few years back now. Much better noise than our 20s if you ask me!

The 1400s have regained a passenger working due to recent CP budget cuts, one is booked to power the daily Lisbon-Madrid overnight service from Entroncamento to the border post where it swaps to the return working and comes back. Its somewhere on my very long wish list for 2012...

 

[Zamracene749]

Hmmm- looks like my wishlist just got longer too!

What type of stock is used on the sleepers? Can you open the windows and soak up the atmosphere or is it all sealed air con stuff?

As an aside, if i visit Portugal I quite fancy doing the Douro valley lines too. Any idea what works these services?

Cheers

 

[Giugiaro]

beermaddavep, the Lusitania Tren Hotel, the train in question, is a Talgo consist from the Spanish hotel-train series. It doesn't have opening windows and are Air Conditioned.


In the Douro Line, both the "Amendoeiras" and "Vindimas" trains were held by a CP 1400 locomotive (always the nº 1413) and 4 to 5 Sorefame passenger cars. They were replaced last year by the Spanish "Camellos" DMU's, series Renfe 592, a AC train, which also replaced the Portuguese DMU's on the regular regional services.

All the remaining Narrow Gauge lines from the Douro Valley were permanently closed this year and the last NG line in Portugal may close pretty soon has well.

 

[theblackwatch]

Sadly, Portugal's railways are a shadow of their former self - and not just from an enthusiasts point of view. As Giugiaro points out, the narrow gauge lines have shut, and several other routes have either been closed or are under threat of closure. I guess one good thing in recent years (although not from a diesel cranks point of view, as it resulted in 1400s/1931s being taken off the Algarve) has been investment in the electrification of the line down to Faro. Certainly the place is nothing like when I went on my first visit back in 1999 and had multiple 1400s for haulage, see http://www.sixbellsjunction.co.uk/galas/240499.htm for what it was like back then!