Saturday 26 February 2011

the smallest gauge in Switzerland





(All 25.5.1987)

Most of Switzerland's minor lines are metre gauge but the Waldenburgerbahn is just 750mm gauge. This line is really a roadside tramway running from Liestal to Waldenburg. Despite its small gauge the trains are pretty spacious and the line is very busy.

There are plans to eventually convert the line to metre gauge and to this end any future infrastructure works will be large enough to accomodate this. there's also talk of eventually connecting the route to the Basel tramway network at Pratteln, though this is obviously dependent on the gauge change!

With these changes being put forward it would be a good idea to visit the line when you can as the 750mm gauge line may not be there for ever.
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Saturday 12 February 2011

salisbury 1983





(All 27.10.1983)

Salisbury was always a favourite photographic location for me. In the 80s, like today, it was exclusively diesel operated, but still had very much a steam and 60s atmosphere. Of course back then I regretted missing the steam period, but then I reckon we all feel we were born a few decades too late!

The point is - get down there and photograph everything that goes through NOW - it's even easier with digital photograpy. Nothing stays around long on the railways, or stays the same. One thing is for certain - in thirty years time there'll be no diesels at Salisbury. All trains will be electric or steam!
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