A lot of the 2004 weekends suffered under bad weather conditions.
And unfortunately most of the 150 years Semmering railway
anniversary events did so.
June
20th, 2004 was unfortunately a rainy and foggy day too.
But
no disadvantage without any positive aspect. Weather conditions
like that contribute in one's training to produce useful photo
results even under bad weather conditions.
A
good place and opportunity to outwit poor light and foggy scenery
situations ...
This
day steam trains again were on tour to Muerzzuschlag. One of them
approached from Graz, the other one from Vienna. I started my photo
tour close to the city of Baden and scheduled my activity with regard
to the train going this line.
Both
locos of that special event train are real veterans of the former
steam operated traffic
across the Semmering ramps. From Vienna to Gloggnitz the 109.13
and the 629.01 were on tour
as a tandem. In Gloggnitz the common train was separated and one
steam loco was moved to
each head and one additional electric push loco was clutched to
the trains end on security reasons. Select enlarged images by clicking
on the preview thumbnails.
This
is the Pfaffstaetten area. Because it started raining heavily, I had
to look for a dry place under the roof of the former freight magazine.
A steam tandem is heading the train this day. (6/2004).
Today
decorated locomotives are rarely seen. This day both steamers have
such decorations attached. This is one of my favourite photo places
at the St. Egyden station (6/2004).
This
is the Gloggnitz station area. The separation of the trains is already
finished. The train in front with the 109.13 gets pushing support
by the 1020.47 and the one behind with the 629.01 receives help from
the 1116.200 (6/2004). (top of page)
To
take a picture of both trains together, I decide to try it at the
Kueb station area. And it was the right decision, both trains approached
the way I had assumed. The 109.13 in front and the 629.01 staggered
behind. At the 109 cabin the BBC moderator Bob Symes is visible
(6/2004).
Even
for the driver of the 1020.47 the working 629.01 is not a daily
and usual experience. For him it seems to be the same fascination
like for many guests and photographers (5/2004).
The
train with the 629.01 goes without stopping up to the Breitenstein
station. The other one with the 109.13 stops at the Eichberg station
in order to let some down coming train pass. I am on time to get a
picture of this stop over (6/2004). (top of page)
This
location is close before the Klamm Schottwien station. Producing heavy
steam clouds, the train climbs up the wet rail path. Of course not
everybody likes the colourful decoration (6/2004).
At
the Semmering station I again meet both trains together. The BBC moderator
Bob Symes speaks his comments regarding this event into a camera lens
and a microphone. If the working marks on his jacket are real or mask,
I can not decide. (6/2004).
Both
trains are waiting for continuing the journey. It is foreseen to perform
another parallel drive down to Muerzzuschlag. Though rain has stopped
for a moment, steam clouds and high humidity absolutely prevent crispy
images … (6/2004). (top of page)
I
proceed to the Spital am Semmering station and hope to catch another
fine photo situation. And I don't get disappointed. Both trains approach
the station beautifully synchronous. With the tele lens I did this
shot before trains reached their curve peak positions (6/2004).
Proceeding
to Muerzzuschlag by car, I recognize waiting photographers. Obviously
one or both trains did not pass this position already. I also stop
and a few minutes later I can take this additional image document
of this steam train journey (6/2004).
Now
Muerzzuschlag. All locos get declutched from their trains and transferred
to an open area, where formerly additional locomotive maintenance
buildings were situated. Here the engines are placed to give all visitors
opportunity to closely study all details of interest. Despite ongoing
rain it seem to be Christmas for rail fans (6/2004). (top
of page)
When
I do shots at such events, I try to find a good balance between photo
objects and visible visitors. At such occasions, I frequently try
to find some higher position in order to have a better overview and
a neutral perspective. (6/2004).
Of
course steam locomotives are something special today. Their appearance
is fascinating for youngsters and oldies the same way. The highest
level of attraction obviously has the driving mechanism with the attached
rod construction. (6/2004).
The
52.7612 is the engine which approached with the train from Graz. Class
52 derived from class 50 and was constructed and sold during world
war 2. Between 1942 and 1945 a lot of them were built. Class 109 and
629 were built starting 1904 and 1913 (6/2004). (top
of page)
The
axle scheme of 629.01 is 4-6-2. 629 is the class category which was
used during the BBOe age. Later it was classified as class 77. Class
629 is equipped with driving wheels of 1574 mm diameter and reaches
a highest speed of about 90 kmh. The Austrian constructors were Mr.
Prossy jun. and Mr. Steffan (6/2004).
The
classification 109.13 goes back to the time when the Southern Railroad
Company was an independent company still. During BBOe age it was classified
as 209 and later during DRB and OeBB the class number was 38. This
engine is the first important Austrian construction after the period
of constructor Karl Goelsdorf (310). The constructor was Eustach Prossy
(6/2004).
Still
raining, for a short time also this constellation was available. Three
generations of electric locomotives are staggered. In the back
a class 1020 built since 1939, in the middle a class 1042 representing
the modern age of OeBB and built since 1963 and in the front
class 1116, the latest construction built in 2004 (6/2004).
(top of page)
Once
again a portrait of the 629.01. The both water tanks may keep
up to 10,5 m³ water and the tender compartment is constructed
for up to 3,3 tons of coal. Over a 30 years period 329 items
of this class were built in several countries. Obviously it
was a very competitive construction (6/2004).
This
is a later evening shot and it is still raining. The foggy weather
together with the steam clouds produce an atmosphere which seems
to be a bit unreal. A short timer later all steamers left the
area for driving home (6/2004).
The
carriage train is already waiting for the drive home to Vienna.
Both steamers are turned for the new direction and clutched
together. They leave the maintenance area and proceed to the
corresponding platform. I hope this image overview could give
you an impression about this fine event (6/2004). (top
of page)
Close
to the Steinhaus station, the Holzergraben viaduct is situated.
That's my very last image of the train and of this day. The
fine steam clouds remember the times, when it was usual that
all trains looked like this… (6/2004).
