At the top of the pantograph will sometimes parts broke. Maybe it is graphit??? This parts could do damage. Therefore the rear pantograph is used. But with a tank car, or other hazard stuff, they use the front pantograph. Wolfgang
Today I had another 15 minutes for taking pictures. Same spot, but the other side (the sunny one) of the track. Jct. "Heide", the first picture about 11a.m. , to my back: The first train, a freight, I missed. Here's the Jct. tower: The first train I could take a picture was a passenger, from Schwerte to Unna: For the next train my digital camera was too slowly. You can hit the button and wait... and wait...until it takes the picture. - And the train went by. :angry:
The next train was a freight from Unna to Schwerte: The train was longer, so I had more chances, three pictures from one train: Wolfgang
Wolfgang, Some digital cameras allow you to depress the shutter halfway down to set up the camera, then depress the rest of the way to trip the shutter. This way, the camera can determine focus and light level before the train arrives. Then the shutter will trip immediately when you see the proper picture. Perhaps your camera has this feature. The problem with this technique is that it can not be used for rapid exposures. The camera will still require the same set up time before each exposure. By the way, that is a lovely photo of the deer.....well done!
Yes, but waiting for the next train draws power. So I turn off the camera. BTW, this camera is from July 2001. Wolfgang
Great pics Wolfgang I have never been to watch trains in Germany, been over to Belgium a couple of times, it is always nice to see pleanty of freights still running about on the continent. I always have problems catching our high speed trains on the mainline near me with my digital camera, I used to be ok with my good old SLR, one day I will have to get a digital SLR.........
Wonderful pictures! Wolfgang, thank you for showing us the pictures. I have only been to Germany a few times, often just travelling through on the way to Switzerland or Austria, but did spend some time on Koln station a few years ago, it was very busy, with trains arriving or departing every few minutes! I would really like to get back there to photograph freight trains and locomotive hauled passenger trains. Good to see the class 111 are still in use on commuter trains Good shot of the class 145 on a freight, don't think I have seen any of those. Please keep taking pictures (and showing them here)
Today I had spent around noon a half hour at the station of Schwerte. I was at the end of platform with track one and track 2. The station: Again, I was too slowly, only the end of an ICE train. Waiting, I looked down at the street.
Detail at the platform, grounding bars. You need them for the catenary in emergency and maintenance. Next train was a rolling through freight train at track 3. A roll-by, you see at the right end of the picture the engine. She passed just the signal, it shows still proceed. And more cars with concrete ties.
And even more ties. Another freight rolling through Schwerte, no switching. This time at track 4, opposite direction.
This train was very slowly running. So I could take more pictures. And another details. Turnout at the end of platform with signal at the right. The yellow box next to the track, between track and signal, is for security. It's a magnet. If you run over the signal the train goes into emergency stop. Next time more pictures from this adventure. Wolfgang
And the other part of the photo session... Following the above turnout. To the left: "Schwerte (Ruhr)". Schwerte is located at the river Ruhr. And the track side of the station: The other end of platform 1, an old tower, now used for maintenance team Looking over the platforms at the hump tower:
Very nice. I would love to see a track plan. It seems like a rather small station. I also like how green the scenery is in germany. It is very lush compared to Colorado. Keep the pictures coming.
Geeky, thank you for the idea. With your question I came about it. :angel: You know Google Earth or Terra Server? For this thread posts #1 to 8 go to position 51°27'12.23''N and 7°34'35.83''E There's the bridge I took the first pictures. Most to the east. For posts #16 to #24 go to 51°2631.46''N and 7°33'37.33''E . There's the junction tower next to the highway bridge. Post #29, the station, 51°26'31.46''N and 7°33'37.33''E looking west. The last pictures are from platform 1, 51°26'36.08''N and 7°33'35.99''E for the north end as well as 51°26'7.02''N and 7°33'30.42''E for the south end. BTW, Westport Terminal RR is located at 51°26'18.41''N and 7°39'29.21''E. I hope Google gives accurat positions. :angel: Wolfgang
