Roni
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Following is a two-part report of the Lika/Dalmatian Railroad to Split. However, I will only show night train pictures, not a complete treatment of the line. Also just one non-sleeper pic per part, so be ready for high percentage action!
GM soundtrack e.g.:
2005
2006
2007
July 13 2019
That summer afternoon, G/B 1204 "Adria" to Split had been readied at Budapest-Keleti 1 1/2 hours before departure:
https://www.vagonweb.cz/razeni/vlak.php?zeme=HZPP&kategorie=B&cislo=1204&nazev=Adria&rok=2019
The first two cars only were conveyed to Gyékényes. IC 407 "Corona" to Braşov in the background to the right, its engineer later asked me for the photos by mail.
In the tropical evening of June 29 2018, "Giant" 630.020 accelerated G 1204 out of Budapest Kelenföld junction.
Now to the second seasonal express of the series, "Jadran" ("Adriatic" in Croatian) Prague - Split - Prague:
https://www.vagonweb.cz/razeni/vlak.php?zeme=MAV&kategorie=G&cislo=1202&nazev=Jadran&rok=2007
I met it at Zalaszentiván on July 17 2007, this junction has been electrified since.
The express turned north towards Szombathely, a Croatian HŽ car transporter at the back.
Arrival of B 824 from Split at Zagreb Gl. kol. punctually at 6:26 a.m. on July 19 2012.
Return from an island holiday on August 21 2009 by "Jadran" Czech ČD sleeping car.
A reflection at night on August 17 2019 with...
... B 821 to Split.
Electric traction usually takes over to Ogulin, where engines are changed to GM diesel. Only rarely Zagreb was left already behind a class 2062, like on July 12 2007:
Coincidentally, brunoh155 filmed the same scene from outside, we later found it out via Youtube - the internet connects people:
Image from July 26 2015.
B 824 from Split at Karlovac early morning on April 22 2011.
B 821 had taken me to Knin still in darkness on August 18 2019.
Due to the separation of Croatian Railroads into different companies by sector, 2044s have taken over passenger trains on the Lika line for the past years while 2062s became exclusively freight engines. 2044-028 hauling B 1204 "Adria" in front of Knin fortress.
Back on July 1 2008, everything still was dominated by 2062s. Original green 2062-025 approached the same spot with B 825 before sunrise. A little more of the former Una railroad electrification was visible.
I dared to visit the former war front at Drniš on August 11 2010. Of course I only moved very carefully due to the land mine danger. B 825 showed up in the valley punctually at 5:09 a.m. ...
... and had climbed to my spot within five minutes.
B 1204 "Adria" Budapest - Split followed in the valley after sunrise.
B 1823 had arrived at Unešić on July 27 2015, time to pick up the phone.
One of the strangely shrunk semaphore signals only typical of this station showed "clear", and 2044-008 already known from the flatlands departed under heavy deployment of sand.
I changed to a hill position for B 15800 "Adria" from Budapest.
The first morning of the GM tour on June 28 2008: B 1203 "Jadran" accelerated after the signal had come into view.
I sometimes traveled this line as a small child in the 1980s to our traditional beach holiday place Tučepi at hotel "Jadran", other times we went there via Sarajevo to visit grandma and Kardeljevo (today Ploče). On my first photographic visit to Dalmatia, I arrived early morning on August 19 2005 at Perković, the railroad junction away from major settlements - since then also known to my non-railroad friends. B 1823 had taken me there, followed in daylight by B 825 to Split which conveyed MÁV through cars from Budapest of B 204 "Maestral" as connection to previous report parts.
HŽ 2062-1xx, so called "Turnerica"s, had been modernized by TZV Gredelj and British company Turner Rail Services Ltd. 2001-2003. In contrast to the rest of the "Ličanka" class 2062, these renewed engines are usually exclusively found on the Lika line Ogulin - Knin and Dalmatian railroad Knin - Perković - Šibenik / - Split.
The one non-night train picture of this part: I took a local DMU towards Knin one station to Koprno, across the newly built freeway. Into the other direction came... a Croatian original GM! 2061-011 (ex-JŽ 661-022, GM-EMD #26215 / built in 1960) hauling freight to Šibenik.
Depature of B 1823 from Perković to Split on August 8 2012.
And July 18 2012.
On August 15 2009, we had arrived as pure island tourists by B 1204 "Adria". Through cars from Belgrade were conveyed at the rear of the train.
As railroad photographers, we awaited 1 3/4 hours delayed B 1823 including "Jadran" through cars on July 10 2009. Thanks to the delay already in sunlight.
One hour delayed B 825 followed half an hour later, leaving a through car to Šibenik here. The second GM took over as Pu 5831 down the line to the left (operating as Pu 5821 due to the massive delay).
Green 2062-025 departed Perković with B 1822 to Zagreb as conclusion of the Dalmatian GM tour in the evening of July 1 2008. Afterwards, I had a convenient MÁV single sleeper compartment on B 824 / 205 "Maestral" to Varaždin.
Exact spotlight for punctual B 825 on July 8 2009 next to the Split-side home signal of Primorski Dolac.
1998-2003 newly built church St. Anthony of Padua can be spotted in several of the following images.
Photo clouds in Dalmatia? How untypical...
That's more like it: B 1823 including "Jadran" thundering up the grade on beautiful Sunday, June 29 2008.
I had arrived over the weekend and was rewarded: 2062-025 once more - with Austrian ÖBB car transporter and couchette car, leaving Vienna Saturday afternoon by EuroCity 159 "Croatia" and taken over at Zagreb by B 825.
B 825 on July 14 2007 including pink disco car.
Bakovići stop is located at the crest of this horseshoe curve.
B 825 on July 25 2006.
Brdašce is undoubtedly the favorite spot, an abandoned mountainside house passed by long night trains struggling with the steep winding grade. 2044-029 in a sorry state hauled B 821 on August 19 2019. The "Adria" picture from this spot was already shown in report part 15.
Of course, bigger GMs are more spectacular: 2062-042 with B 1823 on July 14 2007 pulling ČD through cars including HŽ sleeping car in old livery.
Virtual sandwich with B 825 at Primorski Dolac station in the background and in the foreground at Brdašce on August 20 2005.
This is the station.
"Jadran" thrashed up the grade hauling three car transporters.
The train took a minute just around this corner. Next, I waited for my local train connection to Perković. Do you still remember that my non-railroad friends also know Perković? Well, I wanted to meet them at Gospić taking ICN 520. What came first? Of course the ICN, the supposedly connecting local train followed behind, one hour delayed...
We still managed to get to our fishing hut with boat in the national park on the island of Kornat - one of the most beautiful holidays, I can recommend it to anyone who wants to get away from the tourist hustle and bustle.
B 825 approached Brdašce on July 18 2012 in a virtual sandwich.
And artificially elongated around Preslo stop horseshoe.
B 825 dieseled uphill towards Preslo on July 26 2006.
MÁV sleeping car from "Maestral".
Afterwards, we met "biggg spiderrr" at Preslo stop (only for spider lovers):
http://raildata.info/heck/bigggspiderrr.jpg
Next time, we will reach Split across the mountains!
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August 22 2016
We start at the wet dead-end tracks of Zagreb main station...
A ray of light in the morning of August 23 2016 as Pu 3101 Ðurmanec - Zagreb passed through Kupljenovo.
I waited at Žejinci for Pu 3017 Varaždin - Zagreb in the late afternoon of July 17 2012.
A short sprint across the meadow later.
The time before was spent at Novi Dvori, the first station after mainline junction Zaprešić.
B 790 Zagreb - Kotoriba rushed past the station.
Pu 3010 departed towards Kotoriba 20 minutes later.
Pu 3015 accelerated towards Zagreb, consisting of about all car- and livery-variations in common use at the time. Hauled by already known but now modernized 2044-017.
Spot on an almost finished road bridge.
Pu 3012 stirred up dust of the farm road below.
Next stop Zaprešić, Pu 3014 came along. The virtual meeting with B 414 and more from this area was already shown in this report:
(Pre)-Alpine Connections - 1: Following Lisinski (50 p.)
Starting the GM-tour on June 27 2008, you could get into the mood for the beach at the Mojito-Bar - although the weather appeared gray at first.
Back then, the electrification stopped in this curve, now it continues to Zabok.
Departure of Pu 3016 to Kotoriba on July 17 2012.
2044-007 hauling Ub 995, now finally rid of its green colors but with new American-style lit loco numbers (newly made, as they don't correspond to the old Yugoslav era numbers in most cases).
Before reaching Zagreb Glavni Kolodvor (main station), Zapadni Kolodvor (western station) with its switchyard had to be passed. Pu 3015 on July 12 2007.
2132-304 had just been modernized by Gredelj.
Reading your magazine and waiting for the trains to pass - like on a regular road crossing.
On Jukićeva, you can find the bar "Roni" where it is even possible to stay the night, but it looked like a rather shady honky-tonk...
Pu 3003 arrived at Glavni Kolodvor in morning light at 6:20 a.m. on July 19 2012.
You cannot count on sunlight during summer at Zagreb, especially in the afternoon the chance of a thunderstorm shower is above 50%.
It became particularly dark while Pu 3016 departed towards Kotoriba at 7:03 p.m. on July 7 2009.
Such a deluge began shortly afterwards, even the pillars supporting the roof were spouting water.
Still green 2044-007 arrived once more hauling Ub 995 on June 27 2008.
This semi-fast train operated on a strange horseshoe route, returning behind diesel from Zagreb to Koprivnica close to Varaždin via the electric mainline. 2044-007 left the storm clouds behind.
Arrival of Ub 995 on July 14 2007.
On July 17 2012, I also did not arrive at the dead-end tracks.
The train did not continue to Koprivnica anymore, so 2044-007 switched away.
International arrival expected...
Now to my "home tracks" 4 and 5, probably nowhere I have spent that much time at a station away from home...
You can get away from the hustle and bustle, sit down, read a book, light a cigarette (not me, of course)...
And always have everything in view, like on August 13 2018.
A few more people during morning rush-hour on July 30 2015.
I already had feared for the end of the convenience on August 7 2012, but nothing changed.
Connections not only to Varaždin but also home are waiting to depart here, seen upon return from the Bosnia steam tour on April 11 2010.
Departure of Ub 994 to Kotoriba in the morning sunlight of August 21 2009.
In 2012, traction was changing, the first 2044s were hauling trains to Split, August 7 2012.
But of course also class 2062 - GM-hauled from Zagreb as replacement for a tilting DMU forming ICN 525 on July 17 2012.
Notice the different types of catenary masts on the two sides of the picture. Once, DC electrification had terminated at Zagreb, that's why you can still find these Italian style masts here. Nowadays, all of the Croatian railroads have been transformed to AC electrification.
A rare encounter with a class 2041 at the main station on July 19 2012.
Early light on August 12 2010.
2044-001 switched the rake of Pu 3003 with which it had arrived at 6:22 a.m. To the left EuroCity 212 "Mimara" to Frankfurt, next to it InterCity 500 "Rijeka".
1141-233 still in JŽ orange livery on July 30 2006.
Local train towards Sunja consisting of Baat two-axled cars seen during my first visit to Croatia after the war on October 1 2003. Trains to Varaždin also had been composed of two-axled cars until shortly before. You can still catch a Baat in regular operation sometimes on the SŽ-"Avtovlak" along the Bohinj line.
Predecessors of modern DMUs to Varaždin were "Frenchmen" like 7021-009 (ex JŽ 610-009, Brissonneau et Lotz / built in 1970). 2044-007 in the background.
Slightly closer on July 14 2007.
With this highlight we diesel to the next part: Departure of Pu 3016 at 7:03 p.m. in best evening light.
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Videos for this part:
August 2018:
https://youtu.be/Bggik8SiMIc?t=3230
August 2016:
https://youtu.be/puhBeBDsf5Y?t=548
July 2008
July 2007:
July 2006:
https://youtu.be/ymd3I-46_-U?t=52
July 3 2008
We have reached the flatlands towards Zagreb across "the mountain":
I left Varaždin once more very early on the last morning of the epic 2008 summer solstice GM tour. By Pu 3003 with 2044-008, arrival at Konjščina 4:50 a.m.
7122-034 (former Swedish Y1, Fiat - Kalmar Verkstad / built 1979-81) still wore its Nordic livery as international Pu 3092 Konjščina - Murakeresztur.
Pu 3005 followed at 5:40 a.m.
2044-004 dieseled towards Zagreb with the sun.
As first train from Zagreb, Pu 3000 approached at half past six with 2044-001 (ex JŽ 645-001, Đuro Đaković #1125 / built in 1981).
2044-001 met 2044-002 (ex JŽ 645-002, Đuro Đaković #1126 / built in 1981) pulling Ub 991 Kotoriba - Zagreb. The rest of HŽ 2044 loco numbers, however, are not corresponding to their former JŽ counterparts.
Pu 3002 to Budinšćina.
Already quite strong lighting contrasts for contre-jour before eight o'clock with Pu 3007 and green 2044-007. A relic from a bygone era: cashier's office for freight traffic.
Regional rail express meeting at 8:30 a.m.: 2044-010 had arrived hauling B 791 Kotoriba - Zagreb and waited ten minutes for...
... our B 205 "Maestral" Zagreb - Budapest!
Simultaneous departure at 8:39. I had arrived by MÁV through car Split - Budapest at Varaždin the previous day. The Hungarian sleeping car conductor funnily did not have any clue where that mysterious Varaždin on my ticket was supposed to be. Obviously, he did not care at all which corners of the countryside he was passing through all day...
I stayed for the return of 2044-008, then traveled home via Zagreb.
July 24 2006
After the morning session at Podrute, we ate lunch in old town Varaždin. Subsequently, we took the train to Budinšćina, one station further than Podrute.
First, Ub 992 passed by, together with an old truck.
Already known from the first "Maestral" report part: the gravel train had been transported across the summit in two parts and recombined at Budinšćina. 2062-014 thundered out of the station towards Zagreb. Accompanying sound can be found in the corresponding video at minute 2:25.
Of course I had to include the regional tractors again... ;0)
B 790 rushed past at 4:34 p.m. without stopping.
The express met Pu 3017 to Zagreb.
Pu 3010 to Kotoriba.
2044-007 arrived from Zagreb, reversing here.
The smoke did not come from the engine, but a field behind it.
If you remember IMT 533 deluxe from last time - 35 hp - here an IMT 539 deluxe: 39 hp!
Next, we took Ub 995 to Zagreb and the sleeping car overnight to Perković.
On the 2007 summer trip, we spent the first afternoon on this line after having arrived via Nagykanizsa on July 8 2007. We followed the industrial branch to Pešćeno at Konjščina. Ub 992 accelerated out of the station, see corresponding video.
The already known door with Pu 3017, which was about to take us to Zabok.
On the way at Zlatar Bistrica: wow... a class 2062 hauling Pu 3010: green 2062-025!
As this section of the line can be reached relatively quickly from Zagreb, I spent a few afternoons here before going to the Adriatic.
The same meeting of Pu 3010 and Pu 3017 as in the previous picture seen in front of the distinctive station building on August 7 2012.
B 790 Zagreb - Kotoriba out in the fields.
Ub 995 took me back to the city.
Trains crossing at Zabok with Pu 3014 hauled by 2044-030 which is now based at Split.
Pu 3017 had dropped us off at Zabok on July 8 2007. The railroad junction now has been modernized and the line to Zagreb electrified. A recent photo for comparison, only open if you are prepared for it:
https://www.hzinfra.hr/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSCF0203-web.jpg
A few loose screws.
Ub 995 approached from Hum-Lug.
You can use highway bridges for rail photography: 2044-008 accelerated Pu 3016 out of the shadow into the evening sunlight.
Another possibility: Pu 3226 Zabok - Gornja Stubica, that line branches off at Hum-Lug.
Pu 3019 arrived at 8:36 p.m., the line to Ðurmanec and Slovenia to the left.
Back then, all switches still were thrown manually, and the station looked like a cozy terrace. Now, it's all concrete...
The headlights of B 204 "Maestral" Budapest - Zagreb appeared at 9:38 p.m. It conveyed a HŽ second class through car to Rijeka. We turned a compartment into our beds for the night. Of course it was not completely quiet, as you can never underestimate the Croatian delight in switching. Our car was pushed back and forth about twenty times at Zagreb by a 2132 switcher.
I went on morning excursions from Zagreb to Kupljenovo on August 23 2016 and August 14 2018. Pu 3002 arrived at 6:18 a.m.
Pu 3101 Ðurmanec - Zagreb at 6:28 a.m.
The backyard mountain of Zagreb with transmitter at the top, Sljeme (3385 ft).
Pu 3005 accelerated out of the station at 6:47 a.m.
2018 above, 2016 below - always in muggy conditions.
Ub 991 loco-hauled in 2018 - the HŽPP-design of 2044-021 featuring childish dots ruins the classic livery completely.
Ub 991 consisted of 7023-001 in 2016. The Croatian Highlands it previously had crossed in the distance, including the highest mountain of northeastern Croatia, Ivanščica (3458 ft).
Typical features of the region: corn storage and "unfinished" houses (for tax reasons).
Ub 990 Zagreb - Čakovec came by as 7022-001, a DMU prototype built in 2012 by TŽV Gredelj.
Somehow the more aggressive face of the "evil twin" is more eye-catching than the docile-looking 7023s which went into serial production.
Cheerful 7023-001 took me back to Zagreb as Pu 3007 in 2018. Next time, we will also reach the capital.
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On 15. 06. 2020. at 12:46, up4014 said:
Due to disolution of FRY the state of JŽ class 664 is as follows: former JŽ class 664.0 was built in EMD plants in USA mostly for Direction in Zagreb and have been nicknamed as "James" or "Ličanka"and have been renumbered as HŽ class 2062.At the start of 21 century 20 of them were chosen and overhauled and modernized in "Gredelj" factory in Zagreb in cooperation with "Turner"of Scotland as HŽ class 2062-101 - 2062-120 nicknamed "Turner".In 1984. Đ-Đaković in Slavonski Brod built 20 locomotives of class JŽ 664 for for Direction in Ljubljana numbered from 101 to 120. They retained the same numeration as SŽ class 664 and have from the time of delivery been nicknamed "Reagan".
Hvala, ali nismo još tamo... bit ćemo uskoro
Videos for this part:
July 2008:
https://youtu.be/qbJPmZDRwjo?t=350
April 2008:
https://youtu.be/MaCHkIpAZOo?t=83
July 2006:
https://youtu.be/ymd3I-46_-U?t=52
April 23 2008
My usual accommodation at Varaždin was Sobe Jurinjak. Nothing fancy, but the rooms look out onto the rail yard. 2043-005 switched its InterCity train.
May 2 2019
Last year, I stayed overnight in the same corner of the city - only a little further from the tracks - at restaurant B&B Garestin. On this cool morning I strolled outside before the break of dawn and was surprised by 2044-028 hauling Pu 3090 Konjščina - Kotoriba.
7122-002 in new HŽPP livery departed as Pu 3500 to Golubovec at 5:27 a.m.
B 991 towards Zagreb consisted of a "Macosa" up to Zabok, due to construction work on the further line to Zaprešić only DMUs operated these services. Time exposure from April 23 2008.
If you compare images from May 2 2019, you notice solar panels added to the semaphore signals.
No more InterCity but brzi vlak (= express train): B 771 departed at 5:31 via Koprivnica to Zagreb. Hauled by express engine 2044-017 - you will see soon, why I call it that...
I returned to the spot later in warming sunlight as Pu 3503 arrived punctually at 6:42 a.m. from Golubovec.
Same time of day on April 24 2008.
Departure of Pu 3502 to Golubovec on May 2 2019.
Walking through the historic city center.
Back on July 24 2006.
Switcher 2132-003 (ex JŽ 732-105, Đuro Đaković #803 / built in 1969) on April 23 2008.
View towards the engine shed including omnipresent 2044-004.
An original GM in InterCity service: 2043-005 approached with IC 590 from Zagreb via Koprivnica at 6:12 p.m.
Pu 3515 from Golubovec arrived.
To the Croatian Highlands! 2044-007 pulling Pu 3007 Kotoriba - Zagreb took us to Podrute on July 24 2006 in the morning. The station is actually located a few yards further, but the train briefly stopped at a grade crossing and we mistakenly jumped out - oh well, so we got this additional picture for it.
First regional rail express of the day: B 791 Kotoriba - Zagreb passed by without stopping.
View from the grade crossing in the photo before: Pu 3019 Kotoriba - Zabok/Zagreb on May 2 2019. An elderly lady worked in the garden of the house.
Voilà: B 205 "Maestral" Zagreb - Budapest including Ukrainian through car to Kiev at the rear on July 24 2006 hauled by - 2044-017, of course. Second behind the loco was a MÁV sleeping car from Split.
Church Kraljice Mira ("of the Queen of Peace").
Nowadays with large concrete structure supporting the cut and Pu 3012 Zagreb/Zabok - Varaždin. Tractors can always be encountered in this region.
B/W featuring 2044-006 from the year 2-006.
Classic vehicle in front of a classic restroom - out of order but with new roof.
Overgrown view at Podrute halt featuring Pu 3004 from Zagreb.
The view onto the tracks was less obstructed on May 2 2019, but the vehicles in worse condition, only 7122-001 clear of graffiti. Pu 3014 Zagreb/Zabok - Varaždin departed Podrute punctually despite of rail replacement service at 6:52 p.m. The following putnički vlak took me back to the city.
The morning excursion on April 24 2008 started at Mađarevo (Hungarian "Magyarlaka"), we follow the stations from Podrute back towards Varaždin. B 791 to Zagreb came by first.
B 205 "Maestral" Zagreb - Budapest, of course hauled by 2044-017. However, shorter outside the summer season, but at least featuring a colorful mix...
I urgently awaited the following Macosa due to a toilet situation, but it all went well to Sveti Ilja.
Novi Marof, the next larger station.
7023-001 also operated on the "mountain line" in May 2019, more of these Končar-built DMUs followed soon. A maintenance facility for the new trains has been erected at Varaždin.
I arrived at Krušljevec in the afternoon of warm summer day July 2 2008.
Commuter trains from the capital towards Varaždin dieseled by with a lot of bass, see video. First, ubrzani vlak ("accelerated" = semi-fast train) 992.
Then, B 790 passed by the rural life.
"I am also a little mad".
Sunbathing or driving an engine? - Both possible! I boarded Pu 3010.
Next spot before noon on April 24 2008: Sveti Ilja church behind Pu 3011 to Zagreb.
Clash of (former) local products on May 2 2019 with Pu 3006 Zagreb/Zabok - Varaždin.
One of the regionally typical corn-drying-racks on the bottom left.
Time to examine a tractor close-up: A foundry founded in Belgrade in 1947 became company ITM in 1954 (Industrija Traktora i Mašina), renamed to IMT (Industrija Mašina i Traktora) in 1965. IMT 533 (deluxe, please) are license built Massey Ferguson 35 produced 1959-88.
The well-known photo-S-curve was quite grown over with trees, also it featured a 20 kph speed limit. Pu 3013 towards Zagreb.
Deutz tractor in action on April 24 2008.
Comparison of the same spot from May 2 2019 with Pu 3015.
I only stayed shortly at the vineyard for Pu 3010 from Zagreb as poison was just being sprayed. Sveti Ilja halt to the left in the background.
Arrived at the halt for the evening session on July 2 2008. Ub 995 to Zagreb dieseled up the grade without stopping, the vineyard from the picture before in the background.
During the following train gap, I wandered down the line to the straight towards Turčin. Exactly in the curve before reaching it, 2062-014 thundered past hauling freight.
Another freight caught me at Sveti Ilja in April 2008, of course when I was already waiting at the station. I barely could react and pull out the video camera as 2043-002 came up the grade:
https://youtu.be/MaCHkIpAZOo?t=524
I chose the contre-jour view for the evening, Pu 3019 to Zagreb passed by at 7:15 p.m.
Lacking train traffic: a track-biker.
My reason to come here: B 204 "Maestral" Budapest - Zagreb could be captured during daylight only around the summer solstice, conveying a MÁV sleeping car to Split. The same morning I had arrived with such from Perković at Varaždin - including sleep in a single compartment until 9 a.m., a luxury on photo tours. You can hardly travel in more style.
As nice conclusion of the day, 2044-007 hauling Pu 3014 took me back to the accommodation at Varaždin.
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Zdravo!
Serija do sada:
Regional Rail Express - 1: Vindobona I (50 p.)
Regional Rail Express - 2: Vindobona II (50 p.)
Regional Rail Express - 3: Vindobona III (50 p.)
Regional Rail Express - 4: Vindobona IV (50 p.)
Regional Rail Express - 5: Vindobona V/Zagreb I (50 p.)
Regional Rail Express - 6: Zagreb II (50 p.)
Regional Rail Express - 7: Zagreb III (50 p.)
Regional Rail Express - 8: Debrecen (50 p.)
Regional Rail Express - 9: Valea lui Mihai (50 p.)
Regional Rail Express - 10: Jibou (50 p.)
Regional Rail Express - 11: Buşteni (50 p.)
Regional Rail Express - 12: Braşov (50 p.)
Regional Rail Express - 13: Medgidia - Eforie (50 p.)
Regional Rail Express - 14: Suceava (50 p.)
Regional Rail Express - 15: Adria, Istria I, Bosnia & Herzegovina (50 p.)
Regional Rail Express - 16: Transsylvania I (50 p.)
Regional Rail Express - 17: Transalpin (50 p.)
Regional Rail Express - 18: Voralpen-Express I (50 p.)
Regional Rail Express - 19: Voralpen-Express II (50 p.)
Regional Rail Express - 20: Voralpen-Express III (50 p.)
The video for this part:
May 1 2019
I took InterCity 18 from Ljubljana at noon, consisting of a Desiro EMU. On the way, several track rebuilding projects delayed the train but the connection at Pragersko waited. I arrived by LP 3858 at Ormož before four o'clock and was welcomed by a gorgeous "Green Train"...
711-003 & -004 (constructed by WMD Donauwörth in 1970, a modified DB 624 / reconstructed by MBB Donauwörth in 1978 with Mercedes Benz OM 404 engine as "Green Train", another nickname: "Mercedes") took me as LP 3836 at 4:49 p.m. to Obrež - one stop before Slovenian border station Središče.
The first roundtrip of the afternoon terminated at Središče, so I ate my snack next to a rape field and waited for LP 3835 Središče - Ormož.
The DMU approached at 6:05 p.m. as cross-border MO 7806 Ormož - Čakovec to Croatia.
Luxurious interior of the "Mercedes" - it even features a conference room with executive chair, now used by the conductor.
My first visit at Središče ob Dravi dates to August 18 2004. Back then, Fiat-built railcar 813-131 (reconstructed from 813-025) returned to Ormož at 10:18 a.m.
Semaphore signals still standing on April 23 2008.
In the process of being replaced by light signals on June 20 2009.
On PTG Tours charter "Slovenian Španka" hauled by SŽ 644-005 (GM-EMD type G22U constructed in license by Material y Construcciones S.A. (MACOSA) #1438 / built in 1973 / "Španka" = "Spanish Woman" after the location of the builder).
Arrival at Čakovec on May 1 2019.
Čakovec looked like this on hot summer day August 18 2004 at noon. On a spontaneous visit, I did not have a photo permit back then - so a more covert operation.
Original GM HŽ 2043-002 (ex JŽ 661-021, GM-EMD G16, GM #26214 / built in 1960, rebuilt as 646-002 by TŽV Gredelj in 1990).
More about the class:
https://hr.wikipedia.org/wiki/HŽ_serija_2043
The signalman had spotted me, but it did not matter. 2044-005 (ex JŽ 645-008, constructed in license of GM-EMD type GT22HW-2 by Đuro Đaković #1132 / built in 1981, nicknamed "Mala Karavela" = "Small Caravelle", class 2063 (EMD GT26CW-2) are "Large Caravelles", another nickname for GMs in general is onomatopoeic "James"/"Džems") departed towards Kotoriba.
Nowadays, 2044-005 as well as -003 belong to Finnish company Skinest Rail and haul freight trains in Croatia for PPD Transport:
7121-001 (ex JŽ 712-106, Đuro Đaković in licence from MAN/MACOSA / built in 1980, nickname "Macosa") approached from Kotoriba.
I walked through town to the line towards Varaždin. 2043-002 passed the grade crossing, returning later.
Four railroad lines radiate straight from Čakovec. To the left from Varaždin, Hrvatsko Zagorje (Croatian Highlands) in the background which we will visit in the next report part. To the right from Kotoriba and Hungary. The second track on the left branches off at Čakovec-Buzovec towards Mursko Središće in Croatia and Lendava in Slovenia.
On the June 20 2009 PTG Tours trip we reversed at Slovenian border station Lendava on the other side of Mura/Mur River. The train was hauled by HŽ 2062-056 (former JŽ 664-014, GM-EMD G26C built in license by Đuro Đaković, nicknamed "Ličanka" after the Lika rail line).
Rédics in Hungary would have been reached only two miles further, but that rail connection had been dismantled after WWII.
Changing back to SŽ 644-005 at Čakovec.
Finally to the namegiving express of this series: G/B 204/205 "Maestral" Budapest - Zagreb - Budapest. During some timetable periods it took the diesel line via Varaždin, during others the mainline via Koprivnica, for the last time under that name in December 2012. Sleeper cars from Split or Rijeka were often conveyed, like these MÁV cars on July 8 2007 with G 205 at Nagykanizsa in Hungary. A railroad junction where Balkan trips originating in Vienna usually properly started.
The last sleeping car belonged to Russian RŽD: Zagreb - Moscow.
We boarded G 204 "Maestral" Budapest - Zagreb for the ride to Varaždin on July 23 2006, Ukrainian UZ through car Kiev - Zagreb behind "Giant" V63.036.
International freight hauled by 2044-004 ready to depart on April 23 2011 at Hungarian border station Murakeresztúr.
Due to new borders drawn in the 20th century, the electrified mainline follows a strange kink south along the Mura to Gyékényes, where the river is crossed to Koprivnica. The line straight from Murakeresztúr leads past semaphore signals straight across Mura River onto the diesel track towards Kotoriba and Čakovec. Image from April 20 2011.
Freight traffic at Čakovec on April 23 2008.
A "Green Train" arriving at Čakovec on May 3 2019. How times are changing: the sign in 2004 stated that "staying and walking on the tracks is forbidden, but only in case a train is around"...
I had not seen it beforehand, but now found out that part of the line Varaždin – Zagreb - the Zaprešić – Zabok section - was being electrified and completely closed with rail replacement buses April 1 - November 1 2019. So, almost all trains on the "mountain line" Varaždin - Zabok were composed of DMUs while unusual services on the "flatland" lines ran GM-hauled. Like Pu 3307 Kotoriba - Varaždin here. Loco-hauled rakes included some couchette cars.
Pu 3090 Konjščina - Kotoriba was the only one with GM on the "mountain" (in the dark), but it offered the opportunity to capture it during sunrise at 5:25 a.m. on the Drava/Drau River bridge at Varaždin. It rained the rest of the day, so I returned home via Ormož and Maribor.
Behind the river bend lies Dubrava reservoir.
Departure of a classic rake from Varaždin towards Zagreb on April 23 2008, when the station building was being restored.
In good condition eleven years later, on May 2 2019, as Pu 3307 arrived.
Railcars to Golubovec and Koprivnica on the dead-end tracks.
It pays off to exit the station at Varaždin, image from July 8 2007.
More about the baroque old city:
https://hr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varaždin
In the morning at half past six on July 24 2006, when the station had not been modernized yet.
A star of the report series - 2044.007 in original JŽ-livery - approached from Čakovec.
The old direction signs still border-less from Yugoslavian times...
In the morning of April 23 2008.
Break for the switchmen, the Adriatic coast featuring Dubrovnik in the background.
Plenty of work on July 24 2006 at noon, 2062-055 in front of a gravel train towards Zagreb. It was about to be hauled over the "mountain" in two parts, we will meet it again in a later report part.
The same engine in heartbreaking condition at the railyard on May 2 2019.
Freight traffic on July 2 2008, this time pulled by 2044-016.
Evening mood on May 2 2019 with Pu 3618 Koprivnica - Kotoriba. The American-style lit engine numbers have been reactivated in the recent modernization. Also, the decorative lines on the livery resemble the original JŽ-design again more closely.
Including couchette car.
We had arrived at Varaždin by B 204 "Maestral" with Ukrainian sleeper car on July 23 2006 at 9 p.m. Of course this means that the train hardly continues on the line to Zagreb in daylight.
After taking the pictures, a security guy approached wanting to prohibit photography. He did not count on us having the necessary permit. So, it did pay off to get the permit, even if it was never checked there again.
The departure with GM-sound can be watched here:
More "Maestral"-adventures next time!
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7
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2
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Hvala vama!
Nemoguće, hrvatski vlakovi ne kasne
Ne hrvatski, ali slovenski...
Ljubljana - Jesenice je bilo zatvoreno - prvo sam mislio da imaju samo jednu garnituru za 210/211, onda bi bio 2 sata kasnije, ali imali su drugu...
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Zdravo!
Nazalost samo sam kratko bio u Zagreba, i Sava isto je kasnio...
Video:
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Odlicne slike!
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Zdravo!
Na njemackom:
http://www.mstsforum.info/index.php?topic=3053.0
Let's continue with the second part of my Easter trip, the accompanying video can be watched here:
We find ourselves on April 19 2011 around lunchtime at Timisoara Nord station, I just had entered a class 900 Malaxa which was about to get me to Jimbolia as P 9593. On a neighbouring track a modernized and original RegioTrans Caravelle couple could be found, which departed parallel to us as P 14163 to Nerau (see video).
My line branched off the main line to Arad soon after exiting the station area, the ride quality inside the two-axled railbus could be described as washing-machine-like. There was no possibility to rest as you would bump your head on something immediately after reclining. At Carpinis, three stations from Timisoara we came across the first branch line, to Ionel, which was also operated by a pair of class 900 Malaxas. Only the connecting train did not wait for us but the next train out of Timisoara arriving 1 1/2 hours later. People were not bothered by it, waiting time turned into some kind of picknick, waiting simply still is part of every day life in this area.
The passengers, a horse-drawn cart in the background.
My train had a regular stop of half an hour here to cross the oncoming service from Jimbolia, this time of quiet had to be used for a quick nap.
P 9594 slowly appeared out of the vast Banat plains.
The most modern engine on site, a class 82, could obviously also be operated shirtlessly.
After arrival at Jimbolia I had two hours until my return to Timisoara. The interior and first platform of the station just were being renovated, so I had to find a convenient spot elsewhere. Meanwhile, the Malaxa was being shunted onto a siding.
Very reasonable building projects dominate the station, for example a fence around it, although it sits in the center of town and the border is five kilometres away. Of course the fencing is open at both ends and includes several larger and smaller gaps, like this one for a pedestrian crossing.
A RegioTrans Caravelle came by on the line from Lovrin.
View towards station and Serbia, probably never used freight yard tracks to the right are cut off by an extra fence. Connections between CFR and private companies work well, here P 9595 from Timisoara is being waited for. However, ZS passengers is not afforded the same luxury, the railbus from Serbia was about to arrive half an hour after the departure of my train and two hours before the next and last train to Timisoara, so sadly I could not take pictures of it.
Fabulous EU outer border fences - not even at the border - with holes like Swiss cheese.
P 14279 chugged back to Lovrin.
The class 82 reversed around the rake of P 9596.
Spring cleaning at the border station.
Freedom during the ride.
Back at Timisoara Nord I had some time left.
Trams near the station, I only saw the old, yellow livery once.
Great evening light at Timisoara Nord.
The omnipresent type of seat.
In the end a yellow-green double Malaxa passed through the station.
Now I took my seat inside the local to Arad, but soon there was some commotion in the train, a female conductor came by and told us that we would have to wait for an express from Bukarest for another 25 minutes. Many used the opportunity to take another smoke outside.
But soon we departed into the night as promised and on the 50 km to Arad almost made up all delay thanks to a generous timetable.
I liked the lit town hall close to my hotel, shortly before going to sleep.
Next morning, April 20 2011, I could stay in bed a little longer as I planned to go to Budapest by InterCity "Cris". It came with the advantage of more light inside the city.
Tram-rushhour in front of the orthdox cathedral.
An ex-SNCF RegioTrans unit arrived at the main station from Timisoara.
The freight tracks were also busy.
A Servtrans class 43 with additional diesel departed from Arad.
Morning scenes at the eastern station entrance.
Finally my InterCity approached hauled by the usual suspect, 47-742. The stream of people across the tracks only stopped shortly to let the train pass. I took my reserved seat inside the MÁV-rake, obviously compulsory reservation was not taken too seriously, my compartment was already occupied by workers going to Budapest.
After arrival at Budapest Keleti, lunch break in front of a Stadler Flirt.
The Transsylvanian InterCity back to Romania.
Parade at Keleti pu., EC 272 to Prage to the right, let's forget the thing to the left...
By underground line M2 and the old M1 I reached the Danube shore where plenty of motifs could be found. The city simply is lovely situated, sadly I had to leave soon not to miss my D "Maestral" to Zagreb at the Western station.
Apart from a group of Croatian youngsters chanting along teenie-pop hits constantly, loudly and badly in a neighbouring compartment, I could enjoy the ride along Lake Balaton. Earphones eventually brought me some quiet. At the border a girl from the group who had left her suitcase in my compartment frantically looked for her passport, the border police finally let her immigrate with another ID.
Evening light at Vrbovec shortly before reaching Zagreb, crossing and overtaking of a freight train.
After having some Cevapi I waited for my B 825 towards Split, that night I had booked bed #21, next night the same on B 824, so I almost could have left my luggage on the train. However, I changed trains at Knin into the waiting "Sved" as Pu 5701, because I wanted to take pictures along the line Knin - Zadar. I got off at Vujasinovici, as I wanted to catch the morning freight viewed from certain road bridge. Sadly, it was closer to Raducic, but I still found a spot after a few kilometers walk. The bridge was already in sight, but I did not want to risk missing the train. It was wise to stay, as soon afterwards class 2062-thunder could be heard in the distance. A little later green 2062-038 with 61335 Knin - Bibinje emerged out of the fantastic morning mood engulfing the mountain backdrop, the day could not have started better!
In April this barren steppe landscape still offers some green, next to my spot a herd of sheep was led to graze.
After hour-long waiting in the shade - it was hot in the sun but still cold in the shade - only disrupted by the bustling 5 1/2 hour interval between trains, a Viennese colleague on holiday in Zadar joined me arriving by Pu 5700. Soon we climbed the bridge, not a moment too soon, as we already heard the train in the distance. Earlier than expected, 61334 roared past us through the wonderful Western-like panorama.
So, there was enough time to walk conveniently to Raducic station and catch Pu 5702 to Knin. The station building, now degraded to halt, proved to be very interesting. Built at the same time as the line, in the 1960s, it is completely devastated inside, but not empty, still bearing a lot of hidden treasures. For example we could find unharmed papers from as early as 1964 and took some with us, other things, such as homeworks from 1989, could also be discovered.
Back at Knin, my colleague returned to Zadar, in the meantime I was taking ICN 523 to Split for a maximum of sleeping car time. The port city, where I never had been outside the summer season yet, seemed only half its usual size without bustling crowds of tourists. I had plenty of time to get to my regular konoba and order some lignje. Afterwards I returned to the harbour and train station, where 2062-042 was shunting the car transporter wagon for B 824 in front of ferries ready for departure (see video).
After a convenient night - by the way, the sleeping car is not anymore running behind the loco and car transporter on the Lika line like in previous years, it is situated at the end of the train both ways - I got out at Karlovac to meet Croatian photographer Toma Bacic and explore northern Lika by car. A class 1142 hauled the train on the last 100 km from Ogulin to Zagreb in moonlight.
First, we positioned ourselves near the track triangle Ogulin at Ostarije and managed to catch northbound freight 61312 and the morning commuter.
No more freight was supposed to appear soon, but while waiting for ICN I heard some GM-thrashing in the distance, and really, 10-hours-late 61335 to Bibinje came by, here at Latin.
Sadly we noticed too late that we would have been able to catch it again on the following grade, so we reached a beautiful mountainside spot about two minutes after the train had passed. We waited there for ICN 521, because following the railway line from here on is impossible. By car you have to take an hour-long detour via Plitvice until you can join the tracks again at Rudopolje, on the other side of the pass. There we only barely caught the announced 61302 from Knin. Next, we waited longer, only interrupted by two ICNs, for local freight 65321 from Ogulin, here seen entering Rudopolje panorama curve pulled by my nightly 2062-042 with doors of the hood wide open.
We changed back north on the equally western route next to the motorway to catch 61301, usually reliably leaving Ogulin around 5 p.m., in the beautiful spring mountain landscape at Vajin Vrh.
We took a few more evening shots around Ogulin, then returned to Zagreb, where I was dropped off at the main station. For the last night I had planned a somehow crazy tour: first I took a class 7121 as semi-fast 985, arriving at Virovitica via Bjelovar after midnight. There I had some time until 1:44 a.m. to catch the GM-pulled night train 980 from Osijek via Koprivnica to Zagreb, which does not have a counterpart into the opposite direction. While waiting at Virovitica, two trains came by, one class 2044 pulling a class 2132 shunter and 2044-022 with freight 61417 (see video), during the day hardly any freight traffic can be witnessed on that line. Train 980 was well frequented by party-goers who had been waiting at the station for some time. The most interesting consist of the journey followed: The first coach behind the GM was locked, after reversal and loco change at Koprivnica the class 2044 stayed at the end of the train. At Krizevci, where I got out, the loco was uncoupled together with the coach. I waited for Pu 2351, the first train of the day to Koprivnica, and really, it was formed out of one GM and one coach on this entirely electrified line! I enjoyed the sound in the breaking dawn, at Koprivnica my loco was joined by 2044-003 and Pu 6800.
Next I took Pu 6801 Varazdin - Klostar up to Virje, where I actually came across a guy who wanted to see my photo permit. Pu 6802 rolled by through a fantastic sunrise past the southern home semaphore signal.
I caught morning IC 580 "Podravka" at the northern signal (see video), then I turned south again for B 783 to Osijek.
Now I was already too tired to wait for IC "Zagreb" as ride home, so I decided to cross Hungary changing trains several times. First by "Maestral" to Nagykanisza, then by 9807 behind a class M41 to Szombathely (see video), after riding inside former DB coches I changed to ex-ÖBB Schlieren, which had an unmodified interior. Finally I had to take the burden of using an ÖBB Talent from Sopron to Vienna Meidling as the train to Wiener Neustadt did not operate at this hour. Apart from this little downside it was a great ending to a fantastic tour!
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Zdravo!
Hvala!
Na znam jos tacno, mozda u kolovozu...
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Zdravo!
Evo malo iz Rumunjske, Madarske i Hrvatske, i hvala Toma Bacica za izlet na sjevernu Liku!
Video-link:
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Zdravo!
Odlicne slike!
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Zdravo!
Odlicno!
Nazalost nema nostalgicne vlakove kod HZ...
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Jako lijepo, hvala!
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Ovo je fantasticno!
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Zdravo!
Odlicno!
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Zdravo!
Jako lijepi pogled!
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Zdravo!
Odlicne slike, ni sam znao da se tamo tako dobro pruga vidi.
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Jako lijepo, hvala!
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Hi,
Very nice, I also like the video best!
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Zdravo!
Hvala lijepo!
Imam prijatele, koji su bili na ovu turu, nazalost nisam imao vremena ovu sedmicu...
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Hvala, odlicno, volim ove slike sa ljudima!
I zadnje isto su interesantne... mi smo imali srece do to nije bilo kad smo bili tamo!
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Hvala, odlicno!
Dalmacija, to bi bilo sada dobro, ali mora jos malo da ceka...
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Zdravo!
Odlicno!
Na jezeru smo stanovali cetri dani u hotelu "Senad od Bosne" kod Prokosovicia.
Brzim Vlakom Kroz Selo (p.s.)
in Putopisi
Posted
Hvala!
GM soundtrack e.g.:
2009
https://youtu.be/bM5DW559rEk
2012
https://youtu.be/I7QucnU0wj0
2015
https://youtu.be/-PP36M6q8yU
July 18 2012
We return to the view towards Preslo, I had walked there from Prgomet stop.
B 825 to Split soon thundered past me.
I changed to the mountainside for punctual B 1821 "Adria" Budapest - Split. It conveyed a Russian sleeping car from Moscow, sadly at the rear...
... so you often could not see it.
I visited Split twice that summer. You can almost smell the Dalmatian morning air on August 9 2012 as B 1823 passed through this typical scenery at the distant home signal of Labin Dalmatinski. It was hauled by 2062-055, which I had spotted last year sadly decrepit at Varaždin depot, sporting "frog eye" old-style headlights.
The summit is reached: B 825 with 2062-016 departed Labin after crossing a freight train.
The morning before - August 8 2012 - , I had marched from Labin to the sea-facing side of the mountains. B 825 with 2062-051 had passed through the summit tunnel and rolled steeply downhill.
B 1821 "Adria" approached punctually again.
Leaf coloration due to heat and fires.
B 1823 with "Jadran" part from Prag rolled towards Sadine stop on June 30 2008.
Side view with Kaštelanski Zaljev bay and the city of Split in the background on July 9 2009.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaštela
Virtual sandwich with B 825, June 30 2008.
B 825 on July 9 2009.
Express trains usually stop at the next station, Kaštel Stari ("old castle"). Despite the steep grade downhill, "Turnerica" 2062-114 first accelerated its B 825 in the morning of July 13 2007. The same train can be spotted a second time in the background.
Prague to palm trees: "Jadran" has reached Kaštel Kambelovac on July 8 2009.
"Flatland" engine 2044-008 had conquered the mountains on July 29 2015 and passed Kaštel Sućurac semaphore home signal with B 1823.
B 1204 "Adria" followed after eight o'clock half an hour delayed. The left track has a purely industrial purpose.
That year I visited some spots near the city I had neglected previously in favor of the mountains. B 1823 approached from Solin on July 28 2015, the track to the left leads to the port.
Earlier B 1821 during sunrise at Split Predgrađe.
B 1204 "Adria" arrived at Split terminal on August 21 2019.
The non-night train pic of this part: Favorite 2044-007 also had made it to Split on July 27 2015 hauling Pu 5503 from Perković.
Passenger trains are stabled at Split Predgrađe, July 28 2015.
Locals taking Pu 5506 Split - Perković after shopping in the city on July 27 2015.
My first time spotting a class 2044 in Dalmatia, a decade ago on August 11 2010.
B 1205 "Adria" Split - Budapest-Keleti ready to depart in the evening of August 19 2019, seen from the campanile within Diocletian's Palace forming the core of the old town:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diocletian's_Palace
More images from this trip already have been shown in trip report part 15.
B 1822 before departure on July 26 2006, HŽ sleeping car in old livery.
Engines fully accelerate into the tunnel crossing the city center, which leads to situations where beams of headlights pierce through the own diesel exhaust gases.
Going home by "Jadran" on August 20 2009.
B 824 at 10 p.m. on August 19 2005.
GM under palm trees in the evening of June 30 2008.
I took "Jadran" to Gračac and then the train into the opposite direction to reach Knin early morning.
Inside sleeping car of "Jadran" through Solin on August 20 2009.
B 15801 "Adria" dieseled up the grade at Solin past a herd of goats, July 27 2015.
B 1822 passed the home signal of Kaštel Sućurac and a quarreling couple on the industrial track in the evening of July 9 2009.
2044-007 also attained night train honors: hauling B 15801 "Adria" to Budapest including ČD sleeping car to Prague through Kaštel Stari olive groves on July 29 2015.
B 1205 "Adria" at Kaštel Stari seen from Malačka mountain on August 20 2019.
In 2009, B 1205 "Adria" already departed Split at 4 p.m. and conveyed a... freight car! Here on July 8 2009.
B 1820 "Adria" thundered up the grade past Kraljice Mučenika church ("of the queen of martyrs") on July 18 2012.
And past the distant signal.
RŽD through car to Moscow with virtually extended train.
I had a connection home directly from Kaštel Stari, B 1820 on July 29 2015.
A special treat as conclusion: Saturday afternoon - June 28 2008 - I had taken pictures of Pu 5506 at Kaštel Gomilica and waited afterwards at the modern stop. Suddenly, at 4 p.m., the seasonal train to Belgrade not included in the general timetable appeared hauled by green 2062-025. The image with concrete platform and photo cloud was not the result I had hoped for. I boarded Pu 5530 to Kaštel Stari at five o'clock - what was still waiting? All of the trains, including Pu 5506! A forest fire had shut down the line.
The "switchbox on legs" immediately sprang into action after ICN 1523 Zagreb - Split had rushed through the station 45 minutes delayed - only question: which train was about to depart first? It was answered right away: HŽ 2062-001 (ex-JŽ 664-004) accelerated Pu 5506!
So, I could conveniently change position for pictures with church and semaphore signal. 2062-025 (ex-JŽ 664-033) followed with a for the year 2008 pretty authentic JŽ express to Belgrade - where we will travel in the next report part.
The scenes on video:
https://youtu.be/lEelfdzEO88?t=18