New Horizons
Volume 2
Germany

Since the end of the cold war, travel arrangements between all parts of Germany have become very much more straightforward, and it's now possible to enjoy photographing trains in many previously restricted areas.  Although the eventual aim is to integrate Deutsche Bundesbahn & Deutsche Reichsbahn, at present both networks are continuing to operate with their original liveries, providing tremendous photographic opportunities.  While the varied German countryside from the industrialised Ruhr to the highly scenic Alps, can provide some of the most interesting and scenic railway locations in Europe.  Germany has an unrivalled amount of railway interest from freight only private lines to high speed inter city services as well as lots of regular working steam.  Highlights of this 90 minute programme include:-

The beautiful German Alps including local passenger & freight services on the Füssen branch.

Wagon load freight of every type (even hay!) on the move throughout East & West Germany.  Also Europe's largest freight yard at Maschen, where marshalling operations in this sophisticated computer controlled yard are examined in detail. 

Germany's ultra sleek high speed ICE inter city operation is sampled; including a 250 KMPH cab ride.

Main line steam spotlights preserved loco's 52 82 009 & 50 00 724 plus a visit to the preservation centre at Nördlingen.

Rail freight block traffic is featured including both main line and a visit to the Wülfrath (lime) & Geseke (cement) branches.

Passenger traffic in and around Berlin with its two main stations is explained.

Passenger and freight routes through the busy and highly scenic Rhine Gorge are also examined.

Working steam contrasts the busy Harz mountain railway network with the last working steam rail freight in Europe on the Oschatz to Kemmlitz line featuring standard gauge wagons being carried on characteristic narrow gauge transporters.

Private branch lines visited include the rail bus operated Gerstetten branch (that also tows freight!) and the lengthy Warstein aggregate branch.