158722's Rail Trails and Trips http://158722.fotopic.net/ 4 rows en-gb 60 Portugal 2009; Rail Trails and Trips http://158722.fotopic.net/c1637524.html A collection of images taken during trips around Portugal. These will be added to as the year progresses, hopefully with a mixture of newsworthy events and whatever interesting scenes present themselves. Featuring in the Gallery are; 1408/47, 1555/59/63/64/66/67/69/70, 1902/03/07/09/12/13, 1932/40/46/47, 1963/68 2501, 2603/22/25, 4703/04/08/09/13/14/17-19/21-23, 5601-04/06/08-14/16/17/19/21-23/25/27/28/30 2261/86, 2323/35, 3508/18/19, 4004/05/07/09 Tuesday 30 November 1999: A collection of images taken during trips around Portugal. These will be added to as the year progresses, hopefully with a mixture of newsworthy events and whatever interesting scenes present themselves. Featuring in the Gallery are; 1408/47, 1555/59/63/64/66/67/69/70, 1902/03/07/09/12/13, 1932/40/46/47, 1963/68 2501, 2603/22/25, 4703/04/08/09/13/14/17-19/21-23, 5601-04/06/08-14/16/17/19/21-23/25/27/28/30 2261/86, 2323/35, 3508/18/19, 4004/05/07/09

0110.1 On January 10th, a recon mission for the PTG tour resulted in a trip to Louriçal on the Oeste line. A mere 5mins after arriving at the station, the adjacent level crossing barriers dropped and 1968 thundered north with a loaded cement train from Martingança to Pampilhosa. 0110.3 Also stabled at Entroncamento on January 10th were 1567 and recently overhauled 1557. The pair are seen sitting alongside 1555 and sisters, with 1462 just visable in the background. 0110.2 8000hp of Canadian muscle lined up at Entroncamento on January 10th. 1555 lead a line of sisters 1551, 1560 and 1565, all stabled for the weekend adjacent to the CP Carga HQ. 0201.1 1408 sits at the REFER limit of the Coina Siduragia branch on Feb 1, during the PTG tour. The remains of the fence which used to mark the boundary can be seen lying in the foreground. Stupid place to put a green mesh fence with no marker... 0517.1 Sneaking away from Parent's 40th wedding aniversary weekend whilst staying in Evora, allowed an explore around the city and Monte das Flores. On the morning of May 17th, 1940 leads the 0810 from Oriente on the final leg into Evora. 0517.2 Later the same day and 1932 was entrusted with the 1838 Evora to Oriente IC, again seen at Monte das Flores in lovely evening sun. 0530.1 5619 wheels a container train from Sines north past Pegões on the very hot afternoon of May 30th. 0530.3 1947 heads the 1338 Evora to Lisboa Oriente past Poceirão on May 30th. Note the non-air conditioned Budd coach behind the loco, a usual event at weekends. 0530.2 Alsthom 1912 separates 1563 and 1562 at Poceirão on May 30th. Noticable that no less than 6 1551s were stabled here - the class seeing much less work since the 4701s have arrived. 0530.4 For once, a nice and clean coal pair! 5621 and 5628 head a Sines to Pego coal run past Agualva at exactly 15h15 on May 30th... to be followed by... 0530.5 5622 and 5625 at 15h16 on May 30th with a Pego to Sines set of empty coal hoppers. You wait for ages then 2 come at once... 0530.6 4717 leads 1456 on the afternoon Loulé to Poceirão working at Zambujal on May 30th. 0530.7 Alfa set 4004 heads round the curve at Zambujal with the 1455 Faro to Porto working on May 30th. 0531.1 5608 on the 1320 Lisboa Oriente to Faro heads south at Zambujal on May 31st. 0531.2 1947 heads east at Poceirão with the 1410 Lisboa Oriente to Evora IC on May 31st - the same loco was captured here exactly 24hrs previously heading the opposite way! 0531.3 5627 leads 5621 at Zambujal with a Poceirão to Sines set of coal hoppers. 5621 had swapped partners from the previous day, grubby leading loco 5627 highlights some nice weathering for modellers to follow! 0531.4 2625 in hot spin mode at Zambujal with the 1320 Faro to Lisboa Oriente on May 31st. 0531.5 5617 on the Loulé to Poceirão sand working on May 31st, between Pinheiro and Zambujal. The trail in the foreground appears to be the trackbed for a second line, but provides a useful bush-highway for locals - 3 motorbikes and a car passed in the time I was sat waiting! 0531.6 4009 forms the 1455 Faro to Porto Alfa working on May 31st, storming along between Pinheiro and Zambujal. 0606.1 Alsthom 1912 heads north at Zambujal on June 6th with a Neves Corvo to Praias de Sado working. 0606.2 Jolly Green 5612 whirrs south at Zambujal with the 1320 Lisboa Oriente to Faro on June 6th. 0606.3 Dodging the clouds at Zambujal, 5630 wheels an Entroncamento to Sines container working south on June 6th. 0606.4 Rainbow 5602 on the 1320 Faro to Lisboa Oriente passes One Tree Hill near Zambujal on June 6th. 0606.5 CP's newest loco on June 6th, 4719, rolls train 81830 from Sines to Bobadela north at Zambujal with use of the 300mm tele-lens emphasising the purposeful look of the 4700s. 0606.6 A more normal view of 4719 heading north at Zambujal on 6th June. 0611.1 Not a class which has ever been too common at Pampilhosa, 1913 sits in the ayrd with a rake of empty flats on the scorching afternoon of June 11th. 0611.5 Sneaking up from behind whilst I was idly looking the opposite direction, 5616 rolls through Pampilhosa station on June 11th. 0611.6 Just to prove I do take shots of units, LILI 2261 trundles into Pampilhosa on June 11th with an Aveiro to Coimbra Regional working. 0611.3 1963 sits in the yard at Pampilhosa on Saturday June 11th. 0611.2 Coincidentally, both 1963 and 1913, seen here either side of 1422 at Pampilhosa on June 11th, were used on the PTG Jan 2009 tour. 0611.4 An elevated view of 1963 with yard pilot 1422 behind, complete with catenary wires spoiling the view of the locos... Where's Dave E and his magic catenary eraser when you need him? 0704.1 With the driver having just eased off the power having crested the summit near Zambujal, 1909 rolls downhill towards the junction at Aguas de Moura with a Neves Corvo to Praias Sado pyrites working. This is a regular Saturday working, which passes the 1320 IC ex-Oriente at Aguas de Moura station. 0704.2 A powerful image of clean coal pair 5621 and 5626 working hard up the gradient from Aguas de Moura past Zambujal on July 4th with 66582 Pego to Sines. 0704.3 Having tried 3 times to get the shot, 5621 and 5626 proved to be the lucky pairing. 0704.4 Not exactly contributing to CP Carga's profits, 4717 doodles northwards towards Zambujal on July 4th. 0704.5 5614 toys with the 3 coach load of the 1320 Faro to Oriente IC between Pinheiro and Zambujal on July 4th. 0704.6 Train 81830 Porto fo Sines to Terminal Bobadela heads north between Pinheiro and Zambujal with 4708 on July 4th. 0704.7 Alfa 4009 zooms north past Zambujal on July 4th with the 1455 Faro-Porto. 0717.01 Having worked Thursday night into Friday morning, July 17th provided the rare chance for a weekday of linesiding photting around Coina, Pinhal Novo and Palmela. To start things off, 1563 appeared at 12h17, just 5mins after arriving at Terrim, just west of Pinhal Novo with train 912xx Coina Siduragia-Setubal Mar. 0717.02 Checking out the next bridge along at Terrim and at 12h23, just 6mins after 1563 had gone east, 1569 headed west with train 912xx Setubal Mar to Coina Siduragia with a rake of steel coil pallets. 0717.04 My first action shot of a Fertagus 3500, 3518 rolls through Terrim with the 1140 Roma Areeiro-Setubal. 0717.03 At 12h44, the MLW fest continued with 1566 heading 69803 Penalva to Setubal Mar at Terrim, formed of the usual rake of car transporter wagons. Surprisingly, this is the first shot I've ever taken of these workings! 0717.06 Just to break the sequence of MLW and Fertagus traffic, 5604 heads the 0920 Faro to Oriente IC past Terrim. 0717.05 At 13h43, 1569 returned its by now empty rake of wagons from Coina to Setubal Mar, again seen at Terrim. 0717.07 Pictured from the overbridge west of the N379-2 road near Olhos de Agua, Green 5606 heads the 1320 Oriente to Faro. 0717.08 The regular car transporter trips between Auto Europa at Penalva and Setubal Mar docks were running late this day, train 69083 passing Olhos de Agua at 15h05, an hour or so late. I had no idea that these trains run wrong line westbound from Pinhal Novo! 0717.09 It still takes some getting used to, seeing Lisbon suburban 2300/2400 units on the Sado line! Unrefurbished 2335 forms the 1540 Praias Sado to Barreiro, north of Palmela. 0717.10 A pair of Fertagus 3500s, 3508 and 3507, form the 1640 Roma Areeiro to Setubal, near Palmela. 0717.11 Now carrying Fernave advertising, 5601 heads the well-loaded 1720 Oriente to Faro at Palmela. 0717.12 And lucky shot of the day just to finish off! Whilst lost on the way back home, I ended up on the bridge at Terrim where I had started the day. Just as I was about to do a U-turn, I noted an MLW appearing around the corner! Result! 1566 heads train 69085 from Setubal to Penalva in superb light at 18h32. In the next such flap I have, I really must remember to put the handbrake on the car...

Published in 158722's Rail Trails and Trips

]]> Tue Nov 30 1999 Portugal 2008; Rail Trails and Trips http://158722.fotopic.net/c1484325.html A collection of images taken during trips around Portugal. These will be added to as the year progresses, hopefully with a mixture of newsworthy events and whatever interesting scenes present themselves. Tuesday 30 November 1999: A collection of images taken during trips around Portugal. These will be added to as the year progresses, hopefully with a mixture of newsworthy events and whatever interesting scenes present themselves.

32. 0618 grinds away from Tunes on September 21st with the 1624 Lagos-Faro, havign connected with 5611 on the 1700 Faro-Lisboa IC. 30. Running earlier than usual, 1553 gets away from Tunes with empty sand wagons from Loulé at 1420 on Saturday 20th September. 18. Having arrived from the north at 15h10, MLW 1553 sat for 40mins in Tunes station, whilst the 14h55 ex-Faro and northbound freight passed. With around 700t in tow, 1553 was slogging away in grand style on the gradient away from Tunes station. This location can be reached easily by following the road south from Tunes station for about 0,5km, thence a dirt track up to the lineside. 34. Via the wonders of a 3G connection, a photo taken only 30mins earlier managed to be posted to the site! In glorious October sunshine, 1902 is thrashing away at the head of a Setubal to Poceirão cement trip working with no less than sister 1907, MLW 1552 and Moose 1456 in tow! Captured passing Aguas de Moura on October 25th at 16h25. 36. An unexpected hazard encountered at Praias do Sado on Sunday 26th October... around 400 (amazingly well behaved) goats, which came trundling down through the yard and continued onwards towards Setubal, pee-ing and poop-ing in copious quantities... 2507 and 1901 seen in the background, stabled for the weekend. 35. Pioneer 2551 leads 2512 past Aguas de Moura with a container service from Sines to Bobadela at 17h30 on Saturday 25th October. Also thanks to the driver for the tune on the horn! 17. Although seen earlier in the day at Loulé, 2623 was an unwelcome and unexpected addition piloting 1566 on a mixed rake of empty sand wagons, seen approaching the IC2 overbridge south of Tunes station. The train is due away from Loulé at 14h10, but was running late, passing Tunes at 15h45, resulting in freights passing in the station. 31. 5611 approaches Tunes staion with the 1700 IC from Faro to Lisboa Oriente on Sunday 21st September. 33. Presenting the new face of CP Carga... 5629 heads a rake of containers from Entroncamento to Sines, seen approaching Pegões, where it passed 1940 on the 1410 Lisboa to Evora IC on Saturday 25th October. 13. The first of the InterCity sector 5600s to receive new branding is 5612, seen here approaching Tunes on the 1320 Oriente to Faro on Friday 5th September. 14. Taking advantage of a few days in the Algarve, a chance find at Loule on the afternoon of Saturday 6th September were 1564 and 1552 being readied to leave on a rake of sand wagons. A quick spin to Tunes and the pair were captured hammering north in less than Algarve-style weather... 01. 1404 engages in a little shunting whilst on pilot duty at Vila Nova de Gaia on February 3rd. 03. The afternoon working from Gaia to Darque and Valenca prepares to depart with 1444 leading 1435 and 1412! The train eventually left an hour late after problems with 1435, which refused to start in multiple. 02. 2556 leads 2553 into Deveses yard at Vila Nova de Gaia with a rake of cement tanks en-route from Cimpor to Souselas, again on February 3rd. 05. 1944 sits at Beja having brought in the lightweight 0910 IC service from Lisboa on March 22nd. All Alentejo ICs are now formed of 2 coaches, more often a Corail FO and Budd SO, with speeds now limited to 100kmh because of braking capacity. 04. Double headed Trams! Well almost, as Car 582 hauls failed 556 on Av. India in Alcantara on their way back to the depot on March 20th. 06. Whilst out on a recon mission on March 29th for the following day's 1400 special, this location at Aguas de Moura Norte junction was discovered. Within a minute of arriving 1566 rolled into view with a rake of sand hoppers from the south. 07. With 1566 still disappearing into the distance, 5626 and 5621 head south with a empty rake of coal hoppers from Pego to Sines docks. 08. On a busy afternoon for freight, 5619 heads a rake of containers from the Port of Sines destined for Bobadela on March 29th, again seen passing Aguas de Moura. 09. In the all-new CP Carga livery of random graffiti, 5615 leads a considerable rake of Renault Clios through Aguas de Moura Norte junction en-route to Setubal on March 30th. 10. 1422 and 1455 power through Aguas de Moura with a FAP special from Tavira to Porto in the lovely evening sunshine of March 30th. 11. Another saturday afternoon (19th April) and just happened to pass Aguas de Moura, again... Within 10mins, 5615 appeared with a container train from the south. No sign of the graffitti being removed then. 12. And 20 minutes after 5615 had passed by, this rather nice trio of MLWs appeared with a rake of hoppers from the south again. 1562 leads 1558 and 1559 in a lucky patch of semi-decent light on an otherwise stormy day. 15. Contrasting duties for sister locos 2623 and 2625 at Loulé on September 9th. On the right, 2623 is stabled having brought a rake of sand wagons down from Santarem earlier, whilst 2625 arrives with the 1020 IC from Oriente. 16. Bendidildo 4005 forms the 1455 Faro to Oriente Alfa service on September 9th, seen approaching Tunes. 19. Lucky Saturday 13th September and a rather productive day trip! Having arrived this location near Pegões station, the westbound signal went off almost immediately, although it was with some surprise that this image of CP's 1428 dragging failed Takargo 1449 was captured (along with a Fiat Panda...) 1449 had failed at Bombel on a Poceirão to Evora training run, with 1428 despatched to collect it. The Panda's working was unknown... 20. A bit of a grab shot as I wasn't really expecting this, but failed Takargo 1449 brings up the rear of 1428's rescue mission. Neopul's World series Alco 1612 can be seen in the background. 21. Still not quite used to seeing 2600s on freight, but nevertheless, 2602 made a nice sight rolling into Pegões with a trip working from Poceirão to collect wood chips. 22. Having waited in vain for the 1344 ex-Evora (due at 1435), the 1410 Oriente to Evora (due 1515) duly appeared on time with 1945 and its measeley load 2... The story of the 1344 would become apparent later... Neopul's Alco 1502 can be seen in the owner's yard in the background. 23. Contrast in French and German traction... Frenchy 2602 faces off with 'Alentejo dust' liveried BMW whilst the former was shunting Ealos bogie hoppers into the loading siding at Pegões. 25. Despite being one the last 5600s to receive an overhaul, 5618 has already been badly graffittied as can be seen in this view of it wheeling a Sines to Gaia container train into Pegões. Again, image take from the N10 enbankment. 24. With empty and loaded wagons duly exchanged, 2602 headed back to Poceirão to change crews and run round before heading north for Vila Nova de Gaia. Photo taken from the N10 embankment, west of Pegões station. 26. A change of location and the 1455 Alfa service from Faro to Oriente heads through the junction at Aguas de Moura with 4006. The line in the foreground heads off to Praias de Sado and Setubal. 27. As seems normal these days, I cannot manage a trip south of the river without catching an MLW at Aguas de Moura! 1562 obliged today with the 1410 from Loulé to Poceirão, conveying the usual rake of sand hoppers. 28. Something new, something blue... On loan Comsa Rail Transport 335.001 sits in the yard at Poceirão, having been used for tests and crew training on the Evora branch in advance of Takarga's Vossloh 4000s arriving soon. 29. Completing the '1344' story, 1945 sits at Lisboa Oriente with the ECS off the 1844 from Evora, which it had brought in some 35 mins late. The service was formed of 1945, 2 Budd coaches, 1946 and 3 more Budd coaches! 1946 can be seen in the middle of the formation, with 1945 having run round the whole formation for the trip back into Santa Apalonia.

Published in 158722's Rail Trails and Trips

]]> Tue Nov 30 1999 UK; The 158722 Collection (or 'Desmond's Diaries') http://158722.fotopic.net/c1421858.html 158722; A tribute to Desmond the 158. A collection of images portraying 158722 at work around Scotland. We have heard the sad news that Desomnd (as of May 2008) is out of traffic following a crash into a tractor on the Far North line. We await news of his full recovery with baited breath Tuesday 30 November 1999: 158722; A tribute to Desmond the 158. A collection of images portraying 158722 at work around Scotland. We have heard the sad news that Desomnd (as of May 2008) is out of traffic following a crash into a tractor on the Far North line. We await news of his full recovery with baited breath

2004 07 158722 Sits facing south (towards Glasgow) at Stirling station. This is as near to the Model Rail club as Desmond has got as yet. In time he will venture to Alloa to be met with bunting and red carpets 2006 08 24. Simon Barratt was lucky enough to capture Desmond at work a couple of times on August 24th 2006 during one of his infrequent stop offs at Greenhill Lower Junction... In this view Desmond comes off the lower curve from Cumbernauld with a Glasgow Queen St to Falkirk Grahamston service. 2006 08 24. Such was SB's patience, that the rule of whatever goes up, must come back applies. Here Desmond (1587) TuTu returns from Grahamston to Queen Street in some lovely summer sunshine. 2006 02 26. The only photo of the two of us together... Having arranged to meet a friend at Stirling station off a train from Edinburgh, it was fairly predictable what he should roll in on...! Quality Traction. A grab shot from the mobile phone - maybe at Xmas we might meet up for a proper photo... 1994 08 31. This view shows off to advantage the original Regional Railways Express livery carried by the 158s, note the additional yellow band above the nearest windows denoting first class - a feature retro fitted to ScotRail's fleet. Note also the orginal cab front door arrangement. 158722 is seen here dropping into the platforms at Inverness. Most of the network was strikebound this day due a signalling dispute, hence Desmond was no doubt being readied for the following day as only Kyle and Far North services were operating at the time. 1994 08 31. It is easy to forget that the class 158s are now approaching 17 years in service, so views such as this taken at Inverness on August 31st 1994 are worth seeing again. 158722 comes off the fueling point and heads towards Milburn Yard, before setting back into the platform. 2007 A 'Little Desmond'. AD's Bachmann 158 with suitably Scottish ploughs fitted and Kadees for that all important friendship with other Scuds! 2007 Close up of little Desmond's faces. We will try to get one in every livery if we can? 2008 poor old Desmond in the Wabtec Hospital in Glasgow Works. He ran into a silly woman in a car up in the frozen north and has been out of traffic for some months for repairs. Why not put the Saltire livery on him at the same time? 5.2.09 Edinburgh Airport. Desmond Edinburgh bound The face that only a mother could love. After recent plastic surgery.... Desmond doing all the work as he batters uphill towards Plean on 9709

Published in 158722's Rail Trails and Trips

]]> Tue Nov 30 1999 Argentina 2007; Buenos Aires and the Pampas http://158722.fotopic.net/c1417872.html A variety of views taken on a 3 week visit to Argentina, during which most of lines which still see classic diesel hauled services were visited. - LSM Linea de San Martin from Retiro San Martin to José C Paz and Pilar. - TBA Trenes de Buenos Aires from Retiro to Capilla del Senor and Zaraté, plus Once to Merlo, Lobos and Moreno. - LBS Belgrano Sur metre gauge lines from Buenos Aires to Gonzalez Catan and General Belgrano (formerly Metropolitano) - LGR Linea de General Roca from Constituicion to La Plata and Temperley (formerly Metropolitano) - Ferrovias metre gauge running from Retiro to Grand Bourg and Villa Rosa. - FerroCentral from BA to Cordoba and Tucuman, local Cordoba service's to Villa Maria and re-opened Tren de Las Sierras. - A variety of visits arranged by the PTG to workshops and depots; CIFP Perez, Rosario; Liniers, Buenos Aires; Ferrocariles Museum, Remedios de Escalada, BA; Ferrocariles special, Lynch to Zaraté ALL Tuesday 30 November 1999: A variety of views taken on a 3 week visit to Argentina, during which most of lines which still see classic diesel hauled services were visited. - LSM Linea de San Martin from Retiro San Martin to Jos_ C Paz and Pilar. - TBA Trenes de Buenos Aires from Retiro to Capilla del Senor and Zarat_, plus Once to Merlo, Lobos and Moreno. - LBS Belgrano Sur metre gauge lines from Buenos Aires to Gonzalez Catan and General Belgrano (formerly Metropolitano) - LGR Linea de General Roca from Constituicion to La Plata and Temperley (formerly Metropolitano) - Ferrovias metre gauge running from Retiro to Grand Bourg and Villa Rosa. - FerroCentral from BA to Cordoba and Tucuman, local Cordoba service's to Villa Maria and re-opened Tren de Las Sierras. - A variety of visits arranged by the PTG to workshops and depots; CIFP Perez, Rosario; Liniers, Buenos Aires; Ferrocariles Museum, Remedios de Escalada, BA; Ferrocariles special, Lynch to Zarat_ ALL

21. After the hustle and bustle of Retiro and Constituicion, nothing prepares you for the backwater that is Buenos Aires station, terminal of the Belgrano Sur system. Country branchline is about the best description! On November 16th, 50 year old GE U12 F612 rolls in with the 0946 arrival from Catan, surrounded by a wonderful collection of semaphores. 22. F612 again, this time waiting for departure time at Gonzalez Catan with the 1101 to BA. This route is dominated by the U12s, supported by the pairs of U10s and U20s. The larger G22CUs are not permitted on the branch. 23. EMD G22CU MF705 sits at General Belgrano with the 1225 to BA on November 16th. Note the painted out Metropolitano logo on the nose end. In terms of stone throwing, this was the worst line encountered in BA, the section after Tapiales being particularly bad with a couple of streches during which the train seemed to be bombarded constantly. Locals were prepared and were all standing behind the window division sections on the worst sections of the line... 24. Still displaying the older Metropolitano livery of predominantly white with green and blue stripes, U12 F613 rolls into Tapiales with the 1246 Gonzalez Catan to BA. The main depot and works for the Belgrano Sur system is located here, the area to the right in this image being used for stock stabling. 01. My first Argentinian Moose shot and a spot of beginners luck! Being slightly wary of the security at Hurlingham and indeed other places, I was reluctant to be seen aiming the camera around. However, when 1418 rolled into Hurlingham with the 1616 ex-Retiro and surprised me by using the southbound platform, wrong line, it was too good a photoopporchancitunity to miss... Taken on October 30th. 13. The worst train of the trip. The weather added to the scene of utter depression and appalling stock used by TBA on the Victoria to Capilla del Senor line. Still in old red and yellow livery, 653 is seen at Capilla del Senor having run round its disgusting rake of 4 vehicles, ready to form the 1153 back to Victoria on October 31st. 25. Several EMD G22s can be found on the Roca system, under-rated locos in terms of thrash! Here, A704 storms away from Berazategui with the 1000 Consituicion to La Plata on November 1st. 27. A small number of GM GR12s are used on the Roca system, the only one still in Ferrocariles Argentinos red and yellow livery being A628. On November 1st it was captured coming off the Bosques line at Berazategui with the 0950 from Temperley. 26. The venerable GM G12s still see regular work on the Roca system, mainly on the Bosques and Temperley services and on November 1st, A604 was in charge of the 1015 Constituicion to Temperley via Bosques. It was captured positively storming away from the stop at Berazategui. 28. During my visit, the number of large GM EMD GT22s in use on the Roca system seemed limited. Despite this, the move to La Plata produced A921 out for A912 back... A614 working the proceeding train on the way out, A704 on the turn. Prior to departure with the 1538 to Constituicion, A912 sits at La Plata on November 1st. 29. E705 is seen arriving at Retiro Belgrano with the 1005 from termintaing service from Villa Rosa. Note the standard of the infrastructure compared with the other systems, a credit to the line's staff and management. 30. Waiting for departure time with the 1015 to Villa Rosa on November 2nd is last of the class of GM G22s, E720. The stock had arrived behind E705 at 1005, a swift coupling move and stock clean was done, ready for a spot on time departure. 31. E720 at the end of the line, Villa Rosa, with the 1145 back to Retiro. Alongside is a special set of stock which travels the country providing social and medical assistance. 32. Several services terminate short at either Grand Bourg or Del Viso. E713 gets away from the former with the 1222 to Retiro on November 2nd. 33. Heading north at Grand Bourg on November 2nd, E702 is in charge of the 1115 Retiro to Villa Rosa. 34. A regular working on the Ferrovias system is the 'money train', which goes out and back to Villa Rosa, stopping at all stations to collect the booking office takings. The workings are accompanied by armed guards, so do not try to board the services! They leave Retiro around 10h30, Villa Rosa at 1200. 02. B822 - the monster clagger doing exactly what a large ALCO RSD16 should do! Having bailed off the train rather rapidly at Muniz, a rather lucky grab shot was obtained as B822 is opened up with the 1459 Retiro to JC Paz on November 2nd. 03. On long term loan from freight operator FEPSA, 8450 has been a regular on the LSM for quite a while now. Bringing some colour to the scene, 8450 gets away from Muniz with the 1451 Pilar to Retiro on November 2nd. 04. B820 on the bins! On the LSM, there is a daily out and back working of a rake of 6 brake vehicles, which allows the numerous rubbish collectors to do their duties along the route out of Retiro. The return working leaves JC Paz about 15h and is seen here after stopping at Muniz to collect some more patrons, again, taken on November 2nd. 05. Corporate ALCO perfection! A very smart B823 and matching rake of stock approaches Muniz with the 1459 Retiro to JC Paz on November 2nd. Even at off peak times such as this, many people prefer travelling on the coach stepboards... 06. During the 3 weeks I was in the country, the ex-CP 1400 turns on the LSM were rather unpredictable with only one of the turns producing almost daily. On November 2nd, the 1550 ex-Retiro did not run, whilst the following 1616 produced 1417, seen here arriving at Hurlingham. 35. A surprise awaited the PTG tour group which arrived on the overnight service from BA on the morning of November 3rd - freshly repainted into FerroCentral colours 1423 was posed in Cordoba station with 1448 and 1410 alongside. 36. 1448 was out of traffic at the time of the PTG visit, with several parts removed from the loco - note the lack of coupling hook and horns! According to local staff, the loco will be repaired however. 37. The PTG charter from Cordoba to Villa Maria was worked by my favourite Moose - 1410, the final English built example. It is seen during the outward photostop at Rio Segundo (thanks to Alan Sprod for reminding me of this!) 38. 1410 at Villa Maria after the 3 hour run from Cordoba. The loco ran light to the nearby depot to be turned for the return working. 39. The return trip photostop was taken at Laguna Larga and caught the last of the afternoon light. Note the loco is still running cab forward! 40. On November 4th, the PTG group joined the newly re-opened Tren de Las Sierras, running from La Calera into the Cordoba suburbs at Rodríguez del Busto. Here ex-Porto Trindade metre gauge system Alsthom unit 9614 waits for departure time at La Calera. 41. Stabled at La Calera on the same date were sister units 9601 and 9602. All three units have been significantly modified and upgraded with new seating and interiors as well as new cabs which improve the look of the units. 46. And to prove there is life on the Belgrano Cargas system, a wander over the yard footbridge revealed the small depot with 2 GM locos in attendance, being prepared for the weekly service to Tucaman. In this view, GT22CU 9752 backs down onto G22CU 7772. 45. Whilst bouncing around the streets of Cordoba, the PTG tour party spotted this wonderful gantry protecting the still active Belgrano Cargas yard. Whilst thought to be abandoned at first, it turned out the track under the gantry is still in use! 42. On Sunday 4th November, 1410 was back on normal duties, namely the 1715 local service to Villa Maria, again formed of 2 ex-CP Sorefame coaches. Thanks to the station master, a nicely timed shunt was arranged prior to the PTG group's departure on the BA service. 44. 9021 is seen again waiting departure from Cordoba on Sunday 4th November, showing the extensive signal gantry at the south end of Cordoba station. 43. Cordoba is linked with BA three times a week by FerroCentral. On sunday departure is at 1621 from Cordoba, with 9021 in charge. FerroCentral is a partnership between freight operator NCA and the Ferrovias group, operators of the Belgrano Norte system in BA. 52. CIFP Perez. It is not only the older classes which are stored at Perez, a pair of GM GT22s, 9031 and 9034, dating from 1972 sit in the yard. 51. CIFP Perez. The oldest surviving Alco RSD16 is 8487, built as 4602 in 1958. It has been stripped at Perez and surely awaits scrapping. Note the auction number sprayed on the nose end. 47. CIFP Perez. A seemingly endless field of abandoned GAIA locos litters the site. Here 5279 and 6244 wait the inevitable amongst the grass. Most locos were marked with numbers for a forthcoming auction. 53. CIFP Perez. Completely stripped for overhaul, GT22 9040 bears the remnants of Ferrobaires livery, although its current or future owner and operator is unknown. 49. CIFP Perez. Silently abandoned inside the main shed, World Series Alcos 8403 and 8421 sit alongside a pair on RSD16s, all having been stripped of most usable parts. 48. CIFP Perez. A pair of stripped Alco RSD35s, 6468 and 6463, sit in the middle of the main workshop. 50. CIFP Perez. One of the few locos under repair was TBA's 651, an ex-RENFE 313. 14. Probably the worst condition loco seen in Argentina! GAIA class loco 5272 is loaned to TBA and was in use on the Villa Ballastre to Zaraté line on November 1st. No speedo, no ammeter, four traction motors... It is seen here trundling into Zaraté with the 1532 from Villa Ballestre. 07. Anywhere else and the EMD GT22s might be seen as rateable traction! With roughly the same traction package as the IrishRail class 071s, there are very rateable locos - just not on the LSM where we want ALCOs! On the morning of November 6th, A913 rolls into Hurlingham with the 1011 Retiro to JC Paz. 08. B814 gets away from Hurlingham with the 1006 Pilar to Retiro on November 6th. Several of the ALCO RSD16s have been through works of late and the attractive LSM blue and grey livery is replacing the green and white of the former Metropolitano. 09. Hired in from MaterFer, MF001 or B001 is the former 8465. On November 6th it was in charge of the 1219 Retiro to Pilar, this train being caught by the PTG tour group further along the line. It is seen here leaving Villa de Parque. 10. Another complete train in Metropolitano colours, as B802 heads the 1235 Retiro to JC Paz between Villa de Parque and Devoto on November 6th. This loco was first Argentinian haulage on day 1 of the holiday. Having planned the trip for so long, the urge to have a spin on the first morning was irresistable and when B802 dropped on to a rake of stock at Retiro. 12. One oddball member on the LSM roster is GM EMD GR12 6617, on loan from NCA. Being only 1350hp, the loco has to be worked quite hard by crews to maintain timings meant for 1600hp Alcos or 2450hp GM GT22s. On November 6th, the 'shredder' was in charge of the 1604 Retiro to JC Paz, seen approaching Hurlingham. 11. The third LSM Moose to appear was 1440, which was covering the 1616 ex-Retiro turn, seen here arriving at Hurlingham on November 6th. This loco is notable from the others as the object deflector is a different, narrower shape than 1417/18. 15. The CP class 1200 exiles seem to have found regular use on the Merlo to Lobos services, along with the SoreFame Budd stock. On November 7th, 1217 was employed on the 1018 Merlo to Lobos and 1240 return, however, it encountered a spot of bother on this return working... Seen entering Marcos Paz station. 16. 1217 as viewed from the other side reveals the problem! Unbelievably a strong gust of wind, blew the central engine room cover off, with it coming to rest on the side walkway of the loco! This damaged the side doors, but the loco remained on the train. It was later seen at Haedo depot receiving the bodyside doors off sister 1223. 18. The Lobos line is largely dominated by the fleet of ex-RENFE class 313s, of which 18 were received by TBA. 659 seen here leaving Lobos with the 1504 to Merlo on November 7th with a rake of Argentine stock.

Published in 158722's Rail Trails and Trips

]]> Tue Nov 30 1999