Ernest H. Robl: Austrian Steam Excursion
 

The locomotive before departure
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During my December, 2001, trip to Austria to photograph Christmas and winter subjects, I was also able to participate in part of a steam excursion operated with a historic Austrian steam locomotive, the 50.3519, a World War II era 2-10-0, now owned by the Austrian Society for Railroad History (ÖGEG).

Ice on the running gear
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The excursion took place in the area of Salzburg, using tracks of both the Salzburg Lokalbahn (Salzburg Lokal Railway) where the historic locomotive is normally stored and tracks of the Austrian Federal Railway (ÖBB).

Click on any of the images for a larger version with caption. Move your pointer over any of the images for brief identifying information.

The crew consisted of two volunteer ÖBB locomotive engineers who normally operate high-tech electric locomotives.

 Running backwards
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This trip took place in extremely cold--well below freezing--weather with blowing snow and strong winds. It began in the late afternoon, with daylight already fading.

Hand firing the locomotive
011585		 See below for links to other Austrian winter and railroad subjects. Running around the train at Aigen
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And, you may also be interested in my sample travel feature:

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