GERMAN VISIT Day 1 - 10 07 18

Discussion in 'Locomotives' started by class48nswfan, Jul 14, 2018.

  1. class48nswfan

    class48nswfan Full Member

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    Just back from a 2.5 day to Germany where I spent some time travelling on and observing the network. I based myself in Cologne as there was an early flight from Manchester. After dropping off the suitcase and camera gear I went back to the Hauptbahnof (HBF) station. The amount of traffic is quite jaw dropping with ICE trains, Regional Expresses (a lot still loco hauled but my gut feeling is that will not last long) plus numerous EMU and DMUs. There was even a short trip freight working through the station and shortly after a specialist electrification locomotive (Class 711). However freight was my target and Koln West was according to the internet a fairly good location.

    The train passed by the extensive carriage sidings to the north and past the turntable at the north end before arriving in Koln West. What an excellent location Koln West proved to be with a steady stream of freight and passenger services (although no ICE trains). This is on the passenger route to the west bank of the Rhine towards Koblenz and there is a large marshalling yard to the south called Koln Eifeltor Yard. I must mention I purchased the European Rail Atlas by MG Ball for £13.95 which comes with a PDF download which proved invaluable for this trip.

    After several hours at Koln West I took a train to Koln Mulheim on the other side of the river. This is on one of the main lines north of Cologne towards the Ruhr and the freight lines are observable from the S-bahn platforms. Like most German stations it often helps to have binoculars to hand as they are spacious. The location was OK although there is only the shortest of opportunities to grab pictures of freight trains although a shunter did conveniently pose for a few minutes.

    By now my 0450 start was catching up so a brief call into Koln HBF before football, beer, bed and food (although not necessarily in that order). A selection of photos is attached.
     

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  2. ianvolvo46

    ianvolvo46 Staff Member Moderator

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    interesting thread thanks for the photos

    ian vt
     
  3. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

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    Terrific images and sounds like an interesting journey as well.

    Cheers

    Toto
     
  4. class48nswfan

    class48nswfan Full Member

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    Thanks for the comments - day 2 to follow later
     

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