Harz Narrow Gauge - HSB

I know that many people are interested in the HSB railway systems in the Harz Mountains and - as a visitor - I have compiled my images into a book that may interest either those who have been - or those wondering if a visit is worthwhile.

A link to my book is at : https://www.albelli.co.uk/view-online-photo-book/aa85dfaa-7d97-439c-ba98-e6eb2eb068bf

Comments / thoughts regarding this effort are welcome

Regards

 

Excellent work Fred, good selection of images which I'm sure will tempt those who haven't been to this wonderful system before. I'm going again at the weekend, hoping to catch some decent shots before the snow disappears!

 

Very nice, Fred - quite a few of my favourite photspots there! I had intended going back again this year (it would've been my 5th trip) but decided to go and see the JHMD n.g. in the Czech Republic instead. Although I did some of the East German n.g. lines in the late 70's I never got to the HSB during the DR days - kicking myself now!
Cheers,
Ray.

 

Thanks for sharing Fred. Nice to see some DDR era shots for comparison.

 

Marvelous Fred, some good photos with well informed captions makes for a very enjoyable book on a wonderful railway system. Thanks for making the effort and sharing.

Cheers,

Alan

 

Thanks for sharing this, I enjoyed the background information in particular, I've not found much in English and my German's not as good as I'd like. I'm all booked to visit in a couple of week's time

 

Very nice. But check the caption of image 5. While on the previous page, under 99.590, you imply that there are still six locos in this class, but there are only four survivors. I have not read the whole thing in such detail, but some nice images there.

 

Thanks for the note; my understanding is that there are only 3 working examples (5901 / 02 / 06) as at December 2016 whilst 5903 is under repair and will be reserved for a limited number of charters hence I have now edited the earlier locomotive detail.

 

Does anyone know where 99 236 has come from? It's currently in the yard at Westerntor, it's not 99 222 renumbered as that's currently in the yard too.
Photos aren't possible at the moment as there's other stock around. Any info appreciated TIA

 

99.236 is 99.7236 and is one of the 17 Class 99.23 "Brokenloks" 99.231 - 247 now numbered 7231-7247; it was restored to DDR condition in 2014. The first digit (7) was part of the DDR classification of lines in which 7 prefix identified locos operating on 1000 mm lines and has been retained by HSB.

 

Thanks Fred, that makes sense, I saw it last night, from a distance, being moved by a diesel, when I tried to see it again this morning it was behind some other stock, though clearly in steam, at Westerntor.

I'm guessing it's had some maintenance recently...

 

What's the weather like at the moment Pete, any snow in the vicinity?

Cheers,

Alan

 

Try the webcam link at :

http://www.hsb-wr.de/mehr-erkunden/webcams/

There is an English option; cameras display from Wernigerode / Drei Annen Hohne / Brocken

For further information on the railway and its activities :

http://www.hsb-wr.de/startseite/

be advised that the English translation is quite crude - but understandable.

 

Many thanks Fred, I may have the opportunity for an imminent visit during the next week.

Cheers,

Alan

 

There's a photo of it on Flickr from last week of 99 236 inside Westerntor. 99 222 has recently returned from overhaul at Meiningen as well, and should be back in traffic by now.

 

Some fresh snow overnight at Drei Annen and above Alan after a couple of mild wet days

 

Many thanks for the update Austin. Looking to get some snow action sometime this winter, bit of a juggle getting the time-off, but I might just make it next week.

Cheers,

Alan

 

As at 08:00 this morning Brocken has a light covering of snow BUT is in cloud - visibility around 100 yards according to the Brocken Plateau webcam (access via http://www.hsb-wr.de/startseite/)

 

Snow flurries in Wernigerode this morning.
I've seen both 222 and 236 around over the last couple of days, but neither has been working service trains.

Both 5901 and 5902 were lit up yesterday and are scheduled to work Sonderfahrten today and tomorrow, I guess it's not going to be too warm at the top today!

 

According to the web camera at 09:00 (local time)

Stand: 24.02.2017, 09:00 Uhr

Temperature: -4,9 °C
Visibility: 20 m
Wind Speed: 61 km/h
Snow height: 63 cm

If going to the Brocken - wrap up WELL. I understand the Brocken is normally clear for only 60 days per year so it isn't looking too good for the next few days.