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2009 NEWS

477.043.

October 18, 2009. The first photo is above being of a magnificient machine 477.043.

477.043, 434.1100, 498.022 and M124.001.

October 18, 2009. Today webmaster had a a day out with the above locos. Come back for the pictures of these super machines, particularly M124.001 which is a 1903 one coach steam motor and unique and fully operational. Some superb photos have been obtained but it will take some work to get them all in. Also included will be a complete set of photos of the Czech Rail Museum in Luzna.

It is worth noting in passing that the Czech Republic has, arguably, the best steam program in Europe and while this year is almost finished, you could plan for a visit between June and September next year. Apart from two scheduled service steam lines Trmesna v Slesku to Osoblaha and Jindrichu Hradec to Nova Bystrice - both narrow gauge - every weekend sees standard gauge steam all over the country. The fact that there were four steam locomotives doing scheduled servie to Luzna today, all on different routes, plus more in steam in the museum means that there is no equal anywhere in Europe. Details of all Ceske Drahys steam services are in their timetable and all Czech steam services can be found on www.zelpage.cz. Come and see for yourself.

475.101 LOOKS MAGNIFICENT

SOLLER TRAMWAY

October 17, 2009. What has to be one of the most interesting tramways in the world is the Puerto de Soller tramway. The complete article can now be accessed by clicking on the menu on the left. The following give a flavour of this 1913 tramway still operating the original equipment.

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475.101 LOOKS MAGNIFICENT

September 26, 2009. Today one of the most beautiful machines in the CSD preserved steam collection made a trip from Brno to Zastavka and looked absolutely magnificent. The following photos give a flavour of the day. She pulled a nine piece set.

A sight that makes life worth living as 475.101 races across the horizon.
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For the full set of photos of the day click on menu on left under 475.101.

GLOUCESTERSHIRE WARWICKSHIRE RAILWAY (GWR).

OVERVIEW

September 6, 2009. The GWR is an all-volunteer steam and diesel heritage railway in the English Cotswolds. Since 1981, the volunteers have restored over 10 miles of line, together with platforms, buildings, steam and diesel locomotives and rolling stock. But it was in 1984 that the first services ran over just 700 yards of track at Toddington, using a tiny tank locomotive and one coach.

Today, the railway runs a comprehensive timetable of services as well as a host of special events. These include steam and diesel galas, visits by Postman Pat and Fireman Sam, as well as the popular 'Cheltenham Fryer' Fish & Chip Specials, Elegant Excursions dining trains and of course the acclaimed Santa Specials.

For full details and complete set of photographs click on menu on left.

The crest.
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Ready to depart from Cheltenham racecourse.
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Classic GWR at Toddington Station.
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Toddington Station, beautifully restored.
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The dining train set for lunch.
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The coaches are beautifully restored.
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Gotherington Station, again beautifully restored.
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Fireman Tom Couling, Winchombe Stationmaster and Driver Ian Carpenter.
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Toddington Stationmaster and Office Manager.
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5542 on arrival at Toddington.
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433.002 TRAVELS TO VELKE KARLOVICE ON AUGUST 23, 2009.

August 23, 2009. 433.002 once again turned in a stunning performance on a glorious sunny day when it took its train from Velasske Mezirici through Vsetin to Velke Karlovice and back. These Czech steam days are well worth a visit and a full list can be found on www.zelpage.cz. The following photos give a flavour of the visit and for the full set of photos click on Velke Karlovice on the menu under 433.002.

Approaching Vsetin en route to Velke Karlovice.
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On its way.
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Approaching Velke Karlovice.
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The service train of two trailer coaches pulled by a Class 742 loco.
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Driver Václav Jasný and Fireman Miroslav Vašků
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Driver Antonín Keprta
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The Conductors.
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The Dining Car Crew who kept everyone fed.
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On the return trip at Halenkov
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Jindrichohradecké místní dráhy (Jindrichův Hradec Local Railways) (JHMD)

August 20, 2009. This is one of the two remaining Czech 2 foot six narrow gauge railways and offers twice daily steam service in summer. It is well worth a visit and the following are some photos taken on my visit on August 20, 2009. To see the full article on the railway as a complete set of over 200 photographs go to JHMD under Czech railways on the menu.

In Jindrichuv Hradec. Webmaster and Railway owner awaiting departure.

A beautiful sight.

At Blazejov

Leaving Blazejov

Running around its train at Nova Bystrice.

Leaving Nova Bystrice on the return and working hard.

The afternoon departure from Jindrichuv Hradec

The dual gauge track used in conjunction with the Ceske Drahy main line.

JULY 30, 2009. IRISH RAIL CORK TO MIDLETON LINE REOPENS.

On July 30, 2009 after some forty years the first scheduled train entered Midleton Station. Thousands turned out to greet it and it was fantastic tribute to Dr. John Lynch, Chairman, Ciaran Masterson, General Manager, Hilary Twomey, Regional Manager and all the supporting staff who did such a fine job which can only be described as superb. Following are some of the photos.

First Train Approaching Midleton.

Some of the crowd.

Dr. John Lynch, Chairman.

Ciaran Masterson General Manager.

Hilary Twomey, Regional Manager with the General Manager.

Cal Carmichael, Northern and Western Manager on the right.

Ray Foley, Cork Stationmaster.

Mark Tyrell and Vincent Prendergast Chief Ticket Inspectors.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL SET OF PHOTOS OF THE REOPENING

JULY 25, 2009. SUPER PHOTOS ON SLEZSKE ZEMSKE DRAHY.

On July 25, 2009 U57.0012 performing its usual faultless duties on the Czech Osoblaha narrow gauge turned in some fantastic photos due to the appalling weather. To see them go to the menu on left and click on Slezske Zemske Drahy. Following is a sample.

Approaching Divci Hrad.

Letting off steam in Osoblaha.

On the crossing at Horni Povelice.

Almost like a model train!

SUMPERK TO KOUTY NAD DESNOU

July 12, 2009. Continuing our series on Czech branch lines this article covers the privately operated branch from Sumperk to Kouty Nad Desnou. Go to menu on left for full details and photos of the branch. Following the photographs is a history of the line.

The following photographs give a flavour of the line.

Class 814 is normal Kouty Service Train.

Class 710 services the Sobotin branch!

Typical of the Scenery!

Along the line!

Kouty Station!

For full details of details and photos of the line click on the menu on the left.

DOUBLE HEADED STEAM ON TREMESNA V SLEZSKU TO OSOBLAHA

On June 20, 2009 double headed steam returned to the Osobalaha branch and a most fantastic day was enjoyed by all with fantastic photos. Following is a sample.

Approaching Rudoltice

Closeup of the two engines U57.001 leading.

Leaving Bohusov

Entering Osoblaha Station

Both engines on shed taking water awaiting return service.

For the full article and all the photos click on the menu on the left.

433.002 GOES TO JESENIK

As part of the series on Czech Steam a new article has been prepared on 433.002 which on May 1, 2009 did a long trip from Mikulovice to Ostruzna on the Zabreh na Morave to Jesenik branch and back. It can be accessed by clicking on the menu on the left.

The following may whet your appetite to look at the full article which can be accessed by clicking on the left.

433.002 entering Jesenik.

433.002 storming up the hill.

433.002 Leaving Horni Lipova for Ostruzna.

433.002 Leaving Ramzova.

433.002 entering Horni Lipova on the return.

433.002 on the turntable at Horni Lipova.

433.002 Another View.

Webmaster and crew.

Driver Vaclav Jasny, main driver of 433.002 and who looks after her superbly.

Cab View with cinders everywhere.

NEW SERIES OF ARTICLES ON CZECH BRANCH RAILWAYS. ROZNOV BRANCH PHOTOS NOW INSERTED.

Czech Railways have many interesting branches, some of which may only see a few trains a year. I have started a series to cover as many as possible before I snuff it - it may well take that long - and hopefully in time this will be a major record of czech railways because there is little logic to keeping many of these branches.

So far the following branches, which can be accessed by clicking on the menu on the left, have been covered:

Tremesna ve Slezsku to Osoblaha. Steam and Diesel. August 2008.
Nemotice to Koricany. Steam. September 2008.
Valasske Mezerici to Rosnov. Railcar. October 2008.
Breclav to Lednice. Diesel. April 2009.
Jesenik to Branna, Steam and diesel. May 2009.

NEW ARTICLE ON LEDNICE BRANCH NOW INSERTED.

For the full article on the Lednice branch click on left. Here are two photos. M131 Class No. 448 at Lednice.

M262 class No. 018 at Lednice.

ECUADOR RAILWAYS ARTICLES ARE CURRENTLY BEING REDONE.
In the interim the menu lists two places for the same article.
Use the upper of the two.

SLEZSKE ZEMSKE DRAHY

The new steam season on the charming Narrow Gauge Czech Railway starts on June 1 and there will be service every Saturday and Sunday in June, July and August from Tremesna ve Slezsku to Osoblaha. Do come and visit it. For full article and timetable click on menu on left. Here are some photographs from 2008.

The train ready to depart from Osoblaha.

Service train on the branch is a Class 705 Ceske Drahy locomotive

The steam locomotive for the branch U46 002.

Webmaster, Conductor, Driver, Foreman and Diesel driver.

Tremesna station. Standard gauge tracks on the left and the narrow gauge branch tracks on the right. Train being got ready in Yard.

Ready to leave the station at Horni Povelice

Service Train approaching Slezske Rudoltice

Approaching Bohusov.

Leaving Bohusov.

En route to Osoblaha.

Ready to leave Osoblaha station.

The trees brushing the sides of the train.

Happy passengers.

The train approaches Sletzske Rudoltice on its return.