Minilad
Established Member
Having dipped my toe in the foreign loco bashing scene with a trip to Brussels this sort of report is really making me want to get going properly
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Interrail Report
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Jordy
Established Member
Some more photos!
Day 4
1142009 at Zagreb with our train from Villach
2044002 on a Varazdin service provided a convenient 'fill in' move
433201 at Gyekenyes- the single coach behind the loco is the one that came through from Croatia, the two others were added here!
Hungarian M41 418320 arriving at Murakeresztur
664108 on EC246 'Citadella' at Pragersko, having worked from Hodos
There's a video of the 664 on Citadella below as well
[youtube]4HE2wNHHk6Q[/youtube]
Day 4
1142009 at Zagreb with our train from Villach
2044002 on a Varazdin service provided a convenient 'fill in' move
433201 at Gyekenyes- the single coach behind the loco is the one that came through from Croatia, the two others were added here!
Hungarian M41 418320 arriving at Murakeresztur
664108 on EC246 'Citadella' at Pragersko, having worked from Hodos
There's a video of the 664 on Citadella below as well
[youtube]4HE2wNHHk6Q[/youtube]
Kristofferson
Member
- Joined
- 23 Nov 2012
- Messages
- 1,132
Those are some beastly looking trains and some beautiful locations! Good call going to the "Irish" pub - I found the ones in Eastern Europe pretty decent 
47403
Established Member
well, that 664 sounded very throaty, if a 68 and an HST had a train child, I think thats what it would sound like.
Jordy
Established Member
Day 5
The view in the last 30 minutes of our journey from Zagreb to Rijeka
1141389 at Rijeka - this was our train from Zagreb
664111 at Borovnica having worked from Rakek
The scenic line between Ljubljana and Zagreb
The view in the last 30 minutes of our journey from Zagreb to Rijeka
1141389 at Rijeka - this was our train from Zagreb
664111 at Borovnica having worked from Rakek
The scenic line between Ljubljana and Zagreb
Jordy
Established Member
Of course, after theblackwatch left on Day 10 I still had another week to go - so I shall pick up the story from Budapest where we parted company!
Day 10 - Thursday 11th June
Having eaten at the restaurant on Budapest Keleti station we headed back to the hotel so I could collect my bags before parting company. We returned to the station where I found Slovak 350005 on the front of my overnight to Dresden, I walked up to find the correct coach - a fresh air couchette. There was no steward to be seen so I just got straight on and went into my 4 bed couchette – two others were already here (a fourth person never arrived).
We were soon away; the steward appeared and took our tickets – promising to return them in the morning as usual. The two others in my couchette took the top bunks and kept themselves to themselves, other than being particularly insistent about how important it was to have the door locked! Thankfully they seemed happy to leave the window open – it was rather stuffy. I slept on and off until Breclav in the Czech Republic, where I was awoken by a loud announcement on the platform – discovered some portion working was going on so went out to have a look. I’m not entirely sure what the full process was, but having disappeared with the front portion of the train 350005 eventually returned with the front portion of the train from Vienna – which itself was now going to Warsaw. The train engine from the Vienna portion then returned to the front of its train with the portion off mine, fairly complex but all done with little issue! The main thing I wanted to know was whether or not the loco had changed, since it hadn’t I went back to sleep.
Day 11 - Friday 12th June
I believe we may have been in Germany the next time I woke up, if not then we were very close to the border. Either way, the steward soon arrived to ask if I wanted tea or coffee – which was a bit unexpected for a couchette! Soon enough my tea (“with honey or milk”…err milk please!) turned up, along with a croissant! Arrival in Dresden was just a couple of minutes late, I headed to the front of the train to find required 371004 on the front, presumably from Prague! The next few hours were spent ticking off various 143s and 182s, mostly on S-Bahn services.
I eventually left on the 1307 IC to Berlin, with 101123 up front. The train was already in the platform having arrived from Czech and looked rather busy, thankfully DB had provided an additional coach which had just been shunted onto the rear of the train so I joined that. The run was punctual and soon enough I was in Berlin – after spending the best part of 15 minutes climbing through the station I found winning 112146 could be scooped on a fill in move to Berlin Zoo, a bit of a bonus since most things around here are units these days! The first of many currywursts was had before heading back to Hbf, then up to Gesundbrunnen on winning 112109.
Having spent the first half of the day scooping in as many locos as possible the pace was really slowing down now – and it was time for a move which was always a bit ‘risky’, the portion off IC2426 to Seebad Heringsdorf. This is a Fridays only working, with a class 218 diesel over what is usually a unit only branch, there hadn’t been much in the way of gen to be found and my hotel was at the end of the branch – so if it didn’t produce it’d be a long slog on a plastic DMU for no particular reason! Things looked promising as there was reference to the portion (rear 3 coaches) at Gesundbrunnen, and the stock was labelled up correctly as 101135 rolled in with the train to Binz. After a couple of hours in a lovely empty air conditioned compo we rolled into Zussow where the portion was due to detach, sure enough 218366 produced and coupled to the rear of the train.
The journey along the branch was pleasant, although I did find myself wondering why this portion exists as it wasn’t very busy! Tiny shacks, tight bends and a swing bridge at one point – this was definitely not the place you expect to see an Intercity train! I had half an hour or so at Seebad Heringsdorf before catching a DMU along the final 10 minutes of the branch to my overnight stop in Swinoujscie - just over the border into Poland.
Day 10 - Thursday 11th June
Having eaten at the restaurant on Budapest Keleti station we headed back to the hotel so I could collect my bags before parting company. We returned to the station where I found Slovak 350005 on the front of my overnight to Dresden, I walked up to find the correct coach - a fresh air couchette. There was no steward to be seen so I just got straight on and went into my 4 bed couchette – two others were already here (a fourth person never arrived).
We were soon away; the steward appeared and took our tickets – promising to return them in the morning as usual. The two others in my couchette took the top bunks and kept themselves to themselves, other than being particularly insistent about how important it was to have the door locked! Thankfully they seemed happy to leave the window open – it was rather stuffy. I slept on and off until Breclav in the Czech Republic, where I was awoken by a loud announcement on the platform – discovered some portion working was going on so went out to have a look. I’m not entirely sure what the full process was, but having disappeared with the front portion of the train 350005 eventually returned with the front portion of the train from Vienna – which itself was now going to Warsaw. The train engine from the Vienna portion then returned to the front of its train with the portion off mine, fairly complex but all done with little issue! The main thing I wanted to know was whether or not the loco had changed, since it hadn’t I went back to sleep.
Day 11 - Friday 12th June
I believe we may have been in Germany the next time I woke up, if not then we were very close to the border. Either way, the steward soon arrived to ask if I wanted tea or coffee – which was a bit unexpected for a couchette! Soon enough my tea (“with honey or milk”…err milk please!) turned up, along with a croissant! Arrival in Dresden was just a couple of minutes late, I headed to the front of the train to find required 371004 on the front, presumably from Prague! The next few hours were spent ticking off various 143s and 182s, mostly on S-Bahn services.
I eventually left on the 1307 IC to Berlin, with 101123 up front. The train was already in the platform having arrived from Czech and looked rather busy, thankfully DB had provided an additional coach which had just been shunted onto the rear of the train so I joined that. The run was punctual and soon enough I was in Berlin – after spending the best part of 15 minutes climbing through the station I found winning 112146 could be scooped on a fill in move to Berlin Zoo, a bit of a bonus since most things around here are units these days! The first of many currywursts was had before heading back to Hbf, then up to Gesundbrunnen on winning 112109.
Having spent the first half of the day scooping in as many locos as possible the pace was really slowing down now – and it was time for a move which was always a bit ‘risky’, the portion off IC2426 to Seebad Heringsdorf. This is a Fridays only working, with a class 218 diesel over what is usually a unit only branch, there hadn’t been much in the way of gen to be found and my hotel was at the end of the branch – so if it didn’t produce it’d be a long slog on a plastic DMU for no particular reason! Things looked promising as there was reference to the portion (rear 3 coaches) at Gesundbrunnen, and the stock was labelled up correctly as 101135 rolled in with the train to Binz. After a couple of hours in a lovely empty air conditioned compo we rolled into Zussow where the portion was due to detach, sure enough 218366 produced and coupled to the rear of the train.
The journey along the branch was pleasant, although I did find myself wondering why this portion exists as it wasn’t very busy! Tiny shacks, tight bends and a swing bridge at one point – this was definitely not the place you expect to see an Intercity train! I had half an hour or so at Seebad Heringsdorf before catching a DMU along the final 10 minutes of the branch to my overnight stop in Swinoujscie - just over the border into Poland.
ThePannier
Member
Sounds like a fantastic trip, practically a holiday. 
Jordy
Established Member
It was a holiday! :P
Day 12 - Saturday 13th June
The majority of today was to be spent getting to Hamburg – a fairly late start was had, not leaving Swinoujscie until 9am to prevent me having to get a unit all the way back! I caught a unit back to Seebad Heringsdorf and then picked up the return IC with 218366 which had spent the night there. Changing at Zussow I flagged yet another unit in preference of 101060 to Stralsund – an hours break there before 101014 to Hamburg. I took this train all the way to Hamburg Harburg, some decent track coverage here – particularly linking up Rostock which I had only done north from Berlin.
By this point it was already 5pm, but there was plenty to do yet! I took required Metronom 146502 back into Hamburg Hbf and then headed over to Altona for a spot of 223/251 bashing. My first run was all the way out to Friedrichstadt on 223001, I then spent a couple of hours leaping between shacks, managing 5 223s and 3 251s – arriving back at Hamburg at 2333 and immediately heading to my hotel for the night!
Day 13 - Sunday 14th June
Today I planned to tick off Westerland – something I’d been wanting to do for years but kept putting off, but with the uncertain future for 218s on this route I’d decided it had to be part of this trip! My train of choice was IC2314, the 0916 from Hamburg which was worked by 101038 as far as Itzehoe, where it gave way to a pair of winners in the form of 218371+218379. A good run to Westerland was had, with a portion of the train for Dagebull coming off at Niebull (and being attached to a DMU!) – the only let down was the weather, it was raining by the time I got to Westerland! I went for a walk regardless and then returned for the 1326 departure which was formed of the same pair of 218s.
I headed south to Husum where there was a chance of an extra winning NOB diesel, but it was one of the ones I’d had last night so I festered here for a little longer. Eventually winning 251002 turned up so this was taken to Heide where I’d pick up my IC – this one was to be taken all the way to Berlin! 218359+218319 were up front, only one winner this time but better than nothing. Annoyingly 101123 came onto the front at Hamburg – the one I’d had from Dresden to Berlin two days previous! Frustrating but never mind.
I grabbed a bite to eat in Berlin before catching the S-Bahn to Lichtenberg for my overnight to Heidelberg - I could’ve picked this up from Hbf but Lichtenberg is a required shack for locos, so I thought I’d get ahead of the crowds. This turned out to be a good plan as I was happily settled in my 6 berth couchette by the time the other 5 occupants turned up at Berlin Hbf – reducing the flapping somewhat!
More to come...
Day 12 - Saturday 13th June
The majority of today was to be spent getting to Hamburg – a fairly late start was had, not leaving Swinoujscie until 9am to prevent me having to get a unit all the way back! I caught a unit back to Seebad Heringsdorf and then picked up the return IC with 218366 which had spent the night there. Changing at Zussow I flagged yet another unit in preference of 101060 to Stralsund – an hours break there before 101014 to Hamburg. I took this train all the way to Hamburg Harburg, some decent track coverage here – particularly linking up Rostock which I had only done north from Berlin.
By this point it was already 5pm, but there was plenty to do yet! I took required Metronom 146502 back into Hamburg Hbf and then headed over to Altona for a spot of 223/251 bashing. My first run was all the way out to Friedrichstadt on 223001, I then spent a couple of hours leaping between shacks, managing 5 223s and 3 251s – arriving back at Hamburg at 2333 and immediately heading to my hotel for the night!
Day 13 - Sunday 14th June
Today I planned to tick off Westerland – something I’d been wanting to do for years but kept putting off, but with the uncertain future for 218s on this route I’d decided it had to be part of this trip! My train of choice was IC2314, the 0916 from Hamburg which was worked by 101038 as far as Itzehoe, where it gave way to a pair of winners in the form of 218371+218379. A good run to Westerland was had, with a portion of the train for Dagebull coming off at Niebull (and being attached to a DMU!) – the only let down was the weather, it was raining by the time I got to Westerland! I went for a walk regardless and then returned for the 1326 departure which was formed of the same pair of 218s.
I headed south to Husum where there was a chance of an extra winning NOB diesel, but it was one of the ones I’d had last night so I festered here for a little longer. Eventually winning 251002 turned up so this was taken to Heide where I’d pick up my IC – this one was to be taken all the way to Berlin! 218359+218319 were up front, only one winner this time but better than nothing. Annoyingly 101123 came onto the front at Hamburg – the one I’d had from Dresden to Berlin two days previous! Frustrating but never mind.
I grabbed a bite to eat in Berlin before catching the S-Bahn to Lichtenberg for my overnight to Heidelberg - I could’ve picked this up from Hbf but Lichtenberg is a required shack for locos, so I thought I’d get ahead of the crowds. This turned out to be a good plan as I was happily settled in my 6 berth couchette by the time the other 5 occupants turned up at Berlin Hbf – reducing the flapping somewhat!
More to come...
33056
Established Member
A 664 is actually what I wish a 66 would sound like! It has a GM engine in it which is a slightly different version of the type used in class 57s (type 645) the 66s and 67s have a newer version (type 710).
Thanks for an interesting report.
The Usedom line may be quiet in mid June (check the sea temperature!) but the line is heaving in high season and the Saturday traffic jams can be dire. Mind you, the trains are extremely uneconomical to work, IIRC the 218 is based at Kiel....
The DMU worked IC to Dagebuell is fun, too.
The Usedom line may be quiet in mid June (check the sea temperature!) but the line is heaving in high season and the Saturday traffic jams can be dire. Mind you, the trains are extremely uneconomical to work, IIRC the 218 is based at Kiel....
The DMU worked IC to Dagebuell is fun, too.
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Sounds like a rather hellfire time!
87015
Established Member
664s are a different league to anything in the UK. No comparison to be made. Ear bleeding.
47403
Established Member
First time Ive ever heard one to be honest 87015, have to admit I liked what I saw. i bow down to your wisdom on that, they must sound truly awesome when they pull the handle back.
Jordy
Established Member
Day 14 - Monday 15th June
After a somewhat broken and relatively short nights sleep (but still more than I’d get sitting in a seat) I was up for the 0458 call at Heidelberg! Desperate but necessary…there was time to grab a coffee before joining 111097 on an all shacks to Frankfurt. I had planned to get an IC 20 minutes later, but the 111 was a winner – and more valuable than a 101 I though, so went for that. I slept most of the way – with the train being packed out by the time I arrived in Frankfurt!
My next move was the reason for the early start, the 0749 departure of IC2358 – booked for a pair of 181s, a required class that is quickly dwindling – another last chance perhaps? It wasn’t even 7am yet so I went for a spin out to Frankfurt Sud and back, scooping in 146240 in the process. I arrived back at around 0730 and spotted 181201+181218 on the front of a rake of IC stock, excellent! I had a slow wonder over and then alarmingly spotted the screen was showing a departure time of 0739. I quickly jumped on, that was close…or not as it turned out, the screen then changed its mind and went back to the booked 0749 – the train went for the halfway mark and left at 0744! The important part was I’d made it, and finally got not one but two 181s in the book.
I bailed off the train at Darmstadt and joined EC113 to Stuttgart, unexpected power in the form of top and tail Austrian 1116s. Both required so no complaints from me…arrival in Stuttgart was just before 10, I then commenced a couple of hours of 143 and 111 ticking. My plan had been to stay until almost 3pm and then catch the direct IC to Oberstdorf, but I had my eye on MRCE 182507 which was lined up for IC119. I took the preceding IC to Goppingen which got 101053 in the book, before sure enough 182507 rolled in on 119. More good news was awaiting at Ulm in the form of winning 218481. I decided to stay with the train to Biberach before doubling back to Ulm (dud 218432 this time but never mind). It was at this point I became aware of a news report about some flooding in Oberstdorf which seemed to have done a fair bit of damage…hope the branch is still open!
We were held outside Ulm for some 10-15 minutes due to a weather related farce (it had raining quite heavily – hence the flooding) but eventually made it in with time to spare before the Oberstdorf IC, which was late anyway. Eventually it rolled in with 218343+218499 (both required) at the helm, thankfully the journey passed without a hitch – 218499 being detached at Immenstadt and 343 continuing up the branch solo. In a slight change of plan I alighted at Fischen rather than going all the way to Oberstdorf as my connection into the Alex train back to Sonthofen (where I was staying) wouldn’t have made due to the late running. After a short wait at Sonthofen the main attraction of the branch appeared in the form of 2143018, a good result. It was only 18:39 but given the early start I headed for my hotel (which also happened to be a brewery…) for a few beers and an early night.
Day 15 - Tuesday 16th June
A fairly leisurely start today, breakfast and then down to the station for the 0900 unit to Oberstdorf to complete the branch. Upon arrival at Oberstdorf I discovered the morning Alex portions were all cancelled! Good job I’d gone for the 2143 the previous night. After a brief wonder around it was 218495 (required) up the branch to Immenstadt, before a quick dash over to 218343 (again) which would take me to Kaufbeuren – this was a change to my planned move as for some reason my Alex train to Munich was starting at Kaufbeuren and I didn’t fancy a replacement bus.
223065 took me from Kaufbeuren to Munich – the train being pretty much empty throughout. On arrival at Munich Hbf I did the long trek round to the ‘other’ bay platforms used by the Muhldorf trains and immediately concluded I needed to leave my bag somewhere - it was far too heavy. The train I’d gone to observe was dud anyway so it was back to find a locker before returning to Munich Pasing with 223065 again. After a short wait a 245 produced on a train back to Hbf – first of this new class for me so that did the trick nicely. The following few hours were spent ticking off 111s, 218s and 245s, with a couple of long distance moves to Buchloe to cover the Zurich IC workings which kept kicking up pairs of winning 218s. I sighted MRCE black 223013 on one such run out to Buchloe so managed to fit that in as well before finishing for the day.
Back at Munich Hbf there was just time for a beer after collecting my bag, and it was then back to the platform for the 2250 City Night Line to Amsterdam – a journey of some 10 hours. I had the top bunk of a 6 berth couchette, which was spacious and comfortable, and had probably the best night’s sleep I’ve managed on any of the overnights on this trip, even if I did have to get up at 1am to check the loco from Stuttgart…
Just two more days to come now!
After a somewhat broken and relatively short nights sleep (but still more than I’d get sitting in a seat) I was up for the 0458 call at Heidelberg! Desperate but necessary…there was time to grab a coffee before joining 111097 on an all shacks to Frankfurt. I had planned to get an IC 20 minutes later, but the 111 was a winner – and more valuable than a 101 I though, so went for that. I slept most of the way – with the train being packed out by the time I arrived in Frankfurt!
My next move was the reason for the early start, the 0749 departure of IC2358 – booked for a pair of 181s, a required class that is quickly dwindling – another last chance perhaps? It wasn’t even 7am yet so I went for a spin out to Frankfurt Sud and back, scooping in 146240 in the process. I arrived back at around 0730 and spotted 181201+181218 on the front of a rake of IC stock, excellent! I had a slow wonder over and then alarmingly spotted the screen was showing a departure time of 0739. I quickly jumped on, that was close…or not as it turned out, the screen then changed its mind and went back to the booked 0749 – the train went for the halfway mark and left at 0744! The important part was I’d made it, and finally got not one but two 181s in the book.
I bailed off the train at Darmstadt and joined EC113 to Stuttgart, unexpected power in the form of top and tail Austrian 1116s. Both required so no complaints from me…arrival in Stuttgart was just before 10, I then commenced a couple of hours of 143 and 111 ticking. My plan had been to stay until almost 3pm and then catch the direct IC to Oberstdorf, but I had my eye on MRCE 182507 which was lined up for IC119. I took the preceding IC to Goppingen which got 101053 in the book, before sure enough 182507 rolled in on 119. More good news was awaiting at Ulm in the form of winning 218481. I decided to stay with the train to Biberach before doubling back to Ulm (dud 218432 this time but never mind). It was at this point I became aware of a news report about some flooding in Oberstdorf which seemed to have done a fair bit of damage…hope the branch is still open!
We were held outside Ulm for some 10-15 minutes due to a weather related farce (it had raining quite heavily – hence the flooding) but eventually made it in with time to spare before the Oberstdorf IC, which was late anyway. Eventually it rolled in with 218343+218499 (both required) at the helm, thankfully the journey passed without a hitch – 218499 being detached at Immenstadt and 343 continuing up the branch solo. In a slight change of plan I alighted at Fischen rather than going all the way to Oberstdorf as my connection into the Alex train back to Sonthofen (where I was staying) wouldn’t have made due to the late running. After a short wait at Sonthofen the main attraction of the branch appeared in the form of 2143018, a good result. It was only 18:39 but given the early start I headed for my hotel (which also happened to be a brewery…) for a few beers and an early night.
Day 15 - Tuesday 16th June
A fairly leisurely start today, breakfast and then down to the station for the 0900 unit to Oberstdorf to complete the branch. Upon arrival at Oberstdorf I discovered the morning Alex portions were all cancelled! Good job I’d gone for the 2143 the previous night. After a brief wonder around it was 218495 (required) up the branch to Immenstadt, before a quick dash over to 218343 (again) which would take me to Kaufbeuren – this was a change to my planned move as for some reason my Alex train to Munich was starting at Kaufbeuren and I didn’t fancy a replacement bus.
223065 took me from Kaufbeuren to Munich – the train being pretty much empty throughout. On arrival at Munich Hbf I did the long trek round to the ‘other’ bay platforms used by the Muhldorf trains and immediately concluded I needed to leave my bag somewhere - it was far too heavy. The train I’d gone to observe was dud anyway so it was back to find a locker before returning to Munich Pasing with 223065 again. After a short wait a 245 produced on a train back to Hbf – first of this new class for me so that did the trick nicely. The following few hours were spent ticking off 111s, 218s and 245s, with a couple of long distance moves to Buchloe to cover the Zurich IC workings which kept kicking up pairs of winning 218s. I sighted MRCE black 223013 on one such run out to Buchloe so managed to fit that in as well before finishing for the day.
Back at Munich Hbf there was just time for a beer after collecting my bag, and it was then back to the platform for the 2250 City Night Line to Amsterdam – a journey of some 10 hours. I had the top bunk of a 6 berth couchette, which was spacious and comfortable, and had probably the best night’s sleep I’ve managed on any of the overnights on this trip, even if I did have to get up at 1am to check the loco from Stuttgart…
Just two more days to come now!
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Quite an adventure there, lucky move avoiding the cancellations and not getting bowled by the weather!
I'd love to do the 218s but I doubt my chance will come. I've never heard of most places you did, certainly you covered quite some territory though!
I'd love to do the 218s but I doubt my chance will come. I've never heard of most places you did, certainly you covered quite some territory though!
Jordy
Established Member
Here's the final instalment, will have to get round to adding some more photos at some point too if people are still interested!
Day 16 - Wednesday 17th
Arrival at Amsterdam Centraal was only a few minutes late at 0900, sleeper regular 186148 was found at the front of the train. Once again I opted to leave my bag in the (rather expensive) luggage lockers at the station before commencing yet more loco ticking. This involved quite a number of visits to Schiphol scooping in 186s on the Intercity Direct workings to Rotterdam and Breda! I did also manage to get a 1700 in the book – sadly there were none out on the booked ‘local’ diagrams around Amsterdam, everything seemed to be a unit, but they are still working the IC trains to Berlin as far as the German border.
Having got a good number of 186s in the book I headed for Brussles, paying an “ICD supplement” to cover the high speed line to Rotterdam, briefly home to the doomed FYRA units which have now of course been replaced by loco hauled stock. I changed at Rotterdam for the classic Amsterdam – Brussles train which produced required 2804. I changed at Mechelen and took a unit to Wetteren for another to Aalst which was my final overnight stop of the trip.
Day 17 - Thursday 18th
Not a lot to say about today really, other than it was a ridiculously early start for a day of rather intense loco ticking in the tunnels at Brussles! I did have a break at lunchtime to stop myself going completely mad…before returning to get a few more Type 21s in the book – these only work in the peak and are expected to be withdrawn in December this year.
Before long it was time for my Eurostar home, after such a long trip I think I was actually ready to go home! Arrival back at St Pancras was early at just before 9pm, so I easily made the 2124 departure from Euston, London Midland kindly providing a packed 4 car 350 – welcome home!
-----
So that was it! 15 countries in 15 days for me (when averaged out) and a total of 206 new locos. I've no idea what sort of mileage I covered, but it must be pretty substantial! Maybe one day I'll get round to working it out...
Day 16 - Wednesday 17th
Arrival at Amsterdam Centraal was only a few minutes late at 0900, sleeper regular 186148 was found at the front of the train. Once again I opted to leave my bag in the (rather expensive) luggage lockers at the station before commencing yet more loco ticking. This involved quite a number of visits to Schiphol scooping in 186s on the Intercity Direct workings to Rotterdam and Breda! I did also manage to get a 1700 in the book – sadly there were none out on the booked ‘local’ diagrams around Amsterdam, everything seemed to be a unit, but they are still working the IC trains to Berlin as far as the German border.
Having got a good number of 186s in the book I headed for Brussles, paying an “ICD supplement” to cover the high speed line to Rotterdam, briefly home to the doomed FYRA units which have now of course been replaced by loco hauled stock. I changed at Rotterdam for the classic Amsterdam – Brussles train which produced required 2804. I changed at Mechelen and took a unit to Wetteren for another to Aalst which was my final overnight stop of the trip.
Day 17 - Thursday 18th
Not a lot to say about today really, other than it was a ridiculously early start for a day of rather intense loco ticking in the tunnels at Brussles! I did have a break at lunchtime to stop myself going completely mad…before returning to get a few more Type 21s in the book – these only work in the peak and are expected to be withdrawn in December this year.
Before long it was time for my Eurostar home, after such a long trip I think I was actually ready to go home! Arrival back at St Pancras was early at just before 9pm, so I easily made the 2124 departure from Euston, London Midland kindly providing a packed 4 car 350 – welcome home!
-----
So that was it! 15 countries in 15 days for me (when averaged out) and a total of 206 new locos. I've no idea what sort of mileage I covered, but it must be pretty substantial! Maybe one day I'll get round to working it out...
Techniquest
Veteran Member
It must have been rather strange stepping onto British soil after so long on the continent!
I do love a good bit of tunnel bashing in Brussels, amazing just how much you can score in no time at all.
The amount of terrain covered must be incredible, and the mileage in some silly number of thousands!
I do love a good bit of tunnel bashing in Brussels, amazing just how much you can score in no time at all.
The amount of terrain covered must be incredible, and the mileage in some silly number of thousands!
Kristofferson
Member
- Joined
- 23 Nov 2012
- Messages
- 1,132
Wow, the scenery in those photos was incredible - and the locos looked beastly too.
Looking forward to more pics if you put them up - enjoyed the read of the last few days too! It's reassuring to know even mainland Europe has RRBs and high speed supplements
Not sure id fancy that many sleeper trains - the "sleep" part would be thin on the ground...
Looking forward to more pics if you put them up - enjoyed the read of the last few days too! It's reassuring to know even mainland Europe has RRBs and high speed supplements
Not sure id fancy that many sleeper trains - the "sleep" part would be thin on the ground...
Jordy
Established Member
Day 6
The unit which annoyingly produced on the Split locals
The island of Brac where we spent most of the day
Day 7
2044021 at Osijek on a local train to Beli Manastir
A 'station' en route to Beli Manastir
441009 at Belgrade with our train south to Macedonia
Skopje - Macedonia, shortly after arrival around 5am
The unit which annoyingly produced on the Split locals
The island of Brac where we spent most of the day
Day 7
2044021 at Osijek on a local train to Beli Manastir
A 'station' en route to Beli Manastir
441009 at Belgrade with our train south to Macedonia
Skopje - Macedonia, shortly after arrival around 5am
Jordy
Established Member
Day 8
The rather run down and unwelcoming station at Skopje
441108 at Veles
642401 at Skopje having dragged 441108 in from Lisice
661223 on the Kosovo train at Skopje Sever
661223 departs with its single coach, this is typical of the rolling stock we saw in Macedonia!
The rather run down and unwelcoming station at Skopje
441108 at Veles
642401 at Skopje having dragged 441108 in from Lisice
661223 on the Kosovo train at Skopje Sever
661223 departs with its single coach, this is typical of the rolling stock we saw in Macedonia!
Kristofferson
Member
- Joined
- 23 Nov 2012
- Messages
- 1,132
Wow, some amazing machinery there! Surprised it's all still going to be honest. Eastern Europe is home to some great soviet architecture - went to a bus station in Poland that wouldn't have looked out of place on a propaganda poster!
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