Germany: NRW NatEx "Ersatzzug" (RB48)

[Spoorslag '70]

Just a quick sidenote for those of you, who are thinking about going to the Köln/Wuppertal area over the next few months: due to two TALENT II units being demaged, National Express are running an "Ersatzzug" (formed of 110 469 and a couple of "n-Wagen"-type rather comfy coaches) on some local services between Köln and Wuppertal, via Solingen. The timetable can be found on the NationalExpress Germany website, https://nationalexpress.de/presse/einsatz-ersatzzug-rb-48
https://nationalexpress.de/presse/einsatz-ersatzzug-rb-48
There might be some alterations due to engineering works or extra services (it's carneval season).

 

[eastwestdivide]

I like their description from the link above: "einen zwar schon etwas betagten, aber charmanten Ersatzzug" = "a rather aged but charming replacement train"

 

[Bletchleyite]

They also seem to sell the benefits of it not being DOO!

 

[duesselmartin]

I would assume that at least one Talent EMU goes to the scrap heap. So I He charming replacement might be around for a while.

 

[43096]

I would assume that at least one Talent EMU goes to the scrap heap. So I He charming replacement might be around for a while.

A similar situation, then, to what happened Bavaria after the Bad Aibling crash involving two Meridian units where hauled stock was hired in for peak workings with Lokomotion traction (and a rather varied selection it was). Shame this doesn't have a similar variety of traction.

 

[AlexNL]

The timetable of these trains:

These trains run Mon-Fri only, excluding public holidays.

 

[Shaw S Hunter]

Anyone in the area could do worse than take a side trip on the "back" route between Solingen and Wuppertal via Remscheid (service S7) which passes over Germany's highest railway bridge, the Muengsten Bridge which stands some 107m (351ft) above the river Wupper. A non-electrified route, back in the day when peak hour extras were loco-hauled only the smallest locos could be used due to a weight restriction on said bridge. However check before travelling; in recent years its had a lengthy closure for renovation work and apparently a further closure may be necessary this year to deal with corrosion issues (says Wikipedia).

 

[duesselmartin]

The line is open, although Lint DMU only. Freight from Remscheid ( only a handfull) also avoids the bridge .
For a full view of the bridge, Exit at Solingen Schaberg and take the path into the Wupper valley.

 

[317666]

Very interesting - the 110s have been out of use with DB Regio for a few years now, so this is a nice opportunity to (easily) travel behind one again!

 

[BRX]

 

[87015]

There is an article here on the previous Meridian turn - the likes perhaps will never been seen again. If anyone has any additional workings to report, there is a comment box at the end, perhaps the last great kick out turn in Western Europe. I certainly have no complaints over picking up locos on it, despite hitting a running in week for 187312!

https://europeantraction.com/2017/06/07/munchen-to-kufstein-meridian-vice-turn-the-story-so-far/