Springtime In The Harz

First video from a week spent in the Harz Mountains. Part One features the Brockenbahn;

 

Nice video. I never tire of the Harz.

 

Agreed - I hope it encourages other UK enthusiasts to visit as it's well worth the effort.

 

Thank you, next one features the Selketelbahn

Thanks Fred, but I hope not too many visit while I'm there!

 

A charming rural backwater. I look forward to it.

 

I'm off there next week for our 4th visit. There's always something different to see.
Ray.

 

Video featuring the Selketalbahn;

 

I have never seen them slip like that.
Also, they seem to go faster than before, or is that my imagination?
What was the purpose of the railcar behind?

 

I've experienced the 2-10-2T locos slip on the first train of the day when the rails are a bit damp/frosty. As for the speed, it seems to depend on the driver. Back in February we had one who took things relatively steady up the Brocken but another was a real firebrand and he really gave it the beans.
The railcar on the back is to save a path. On a train to the Brocken they will detach at Drei Annen Hohne and continue with a service to Eisfelder Tahlmühle or Nordhausen.

 

I was surprised at the slipping as it doesn't seem to happen that frequently except as Spamcan says on the first train on greasy rails. I wondered if it had anything to do with the large amount of rape seed pollen that covered rails, cars, cameras etc. in a fine yellow powder. There are a great many rape seed fields in the area. Probably an unlikely theory I know.
The railcar is attached to the last departure at 16.25 from Wernigerode to the Brocken which only operates on the summer timetable. In winter the railcar leaves at that time for Eisfelder Talmuhle.

 

At the risk of boring the weary viewer, a final instalment featuring Mallet 99 5902 to the Brocken with onboard and lineside sequences;

 

There is nothing wearisome about well filmed footage of the Harz. I was about to castigate you for filming out of a carriage window but I realised you were in Germany and not risk averse, nanny state Britain.

 

Thank you, that open wagon was a wonderful experience. It's difficult having to return to the nanny state, the land of 'don't', 'can't' and 'mustn't'! I find it hard to generate any enthusiasm at present to get out and do some filming here again.

 

I know what you mean. Have you visited any of the other former DDR narrow gauge lines?

 

No, it's definitely on the 'to do' list but my wife and I keep getting drawn back to the Harz. Going in February again next year and want to visit in the autumn at some point as I think the Selketalbahn would look especially beautiful at that time.

 

I've visited most of them over the last few years - anything I can help you with?
Ray.

 

Thanks Ray, I'll bear that in mind for the future

Thanks Ralph, we were there for eight wonderful steamy days!

 

The Harz is difficult to resist I know but the other former DDR lines are well worth a visit. They all have their own USP. Don't hesitate to ask if you want any info.

 

Many thanks, I'll remember that for a future visit