The morning after the special trip with the two E36s, we headed back to the Steam Nostalgia Karlsruhe section of the Ulm Railway Enthusiasts. Further measurements on the carriages, which could not be completed the previous day, were on the agenda here. At this point, I would like to highlight the warm welcome and helpfulness of all the club members involved. Since the scheduled crew were operating a trip into the Murg Valley that Sunday, another volunteer helper was on site who supported the tour participants with advice and practical help and supplied them with drinks on this once again hot day.
Following the two days in Ettlingen, the journey continued to neighbouring Austria. The 600 kilometres to Styria were completed without any traffic issues, but due to the preceding survey work, the arrival extended into the night.
The following day, after just a few kilometres, the next stage destination was reached – the Erzbergbahn association in Vordernberg, Styria, where we were warmly welcomed. This location was already visited on the last tour, but now further survey work was to be carried out on the most powerful rack steam locomotive, the 297.4. After a short ride in an overhead line maintenance car, the time had come. In addition, the association's archive was successfully searched for sets of drawings.
Another highlight of the day was the ride on the club's BM100 handcar along the truly impressive route from Vordernberg Markt via Präbichl to Erzberg station. There, the history of Erzberg and its rail connection could be traced on several display boards inside a decommissioned ÖBB postal carriage. For the Chinese delegation, the small signal box next to the station was something very special, as they were allowed to operate remotely controlled and subsequently also manually operated points.
Following this eventful day and good, traditional food in a nearby inn, we continued straight away. The journey led us to discussions in Landshut, where we arrived well after midnight.
More of the tour will be in upcoming posts. Look forward to it!
Anyone who would like to experience a train journey to the Erzberg themselves, possibly in combination with a Hauly tour (converted Caterpillar heavy-duty dump truck) and/or support the Erzbergbahn association, can find out more at the following link: https://www.erzbergbahn.at
Now, here are a few photos from the experiences of this leg. Enjoy them!
