Septemvri_76cm_gauge_Dolene__station__2-10-2T__609_76_servicing__6_October_2016.jpg (142371 bytes)|
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Directory: /pix/bg/narrow_gauge/steam/609/Septemvri
Last update: Tue Nov 29 11:24:50 CET 2016
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| Septemvri_76cm gauge_Dolene_station. There was a lengthy stop at Dolene to cross a service train and as usual, the crew spent the time doing maintenance jobs on an obviously ailing locomotive. No.2. 6 October 2016 Roger Griffiths. roger.griffiths@hotmail.com |
| Septemvri_76cm gauge_Locomotive_Depot_2. 2-10-2T, 609.76 is made ready for the journey through the Rhodopes and Rila mountains to Dobrinishte. Based upon the DR 99.73–76 type, the only working steam locomotive on the Septemvri narrow gauge line, 609.76 (Chrzanow 1929/1949), was reportedly not in good condition and that its boiler certificate expires early in 2017. At the moment no funds were being made available to overhaul the locomotive, or bring back into service another of the many steam engines dumped around the depot. It would be a tragedy if steam is once again, to disappear from this wonderful railway. 6 October 2016 Roger Griffiths. roger.griffiths@hotmail.com |
| Septemvri_76cm gauge_Locomotive_Depot_3. 2-10-2T, 609.76, builder’s plate. 6 October 2016 Roger Griffiths. roger.griffiths@hotmail.com |
| Septemvri_76cm gauge_Tunnel_2. Soon after leaving Varvara the railway enters the gorge of the River Chepinska.2-10-2T, 609.76 approaches Tunnel No.2. 6 October 2016 Roger Griffiths. roger.griffiths@hotmail.com |
| Septemvri_76cm gauge_Varvara_station. 2-10-2T, 609.76 takes water from a road tanker. We were advised this is because the locomotive is no longer capable of hauling an auxiliary water tank as well as a train of five coaches. 6 October 2016 Roger Griffiths. roger.griffiths@hotmail.com |
| Septemvri_76cm gauge_Velingrad_station_1. The train eventually reached Velingrad almost two hours late where, unsurprisingly, diesel 77009-9 was waiting to double-head the train forward in an attempt at losing no further time. As it transpired, 2-10-2T, 609.76 would spend nearly two more hours of maintenance and steam-raising before being able to proceed so most of the passengers elected to go on from Velingrad by bus, to the hotel at Bansko. The train, with diesel and steam, finally reached Dobrinishte several hours late with a few diehard “track-bashers” still aboard! It was a sad and disappointing end to the day and an ominous portent for the future of steam over the line. 6 October 2016 Roger Griffiths. roger.griffiths@hotmail.com |
| Septemvri_76cm gauge. 2-10-2T, 609.76 accelerates away from Septemvri. 6 October 2016 Roger Griffiths. roger.griffiths@hotmail.com |
Septemvri_76cm_gauge_Locomotive_Depot_2__2-10-2T_609_76__6_October_2016.jpg (128350 bytes)
Septemvri_76cm_gauge_Locomotive_Depot_3__2-10-2T_609_76__builder-s_plate__6_October_2016_txt.jpg (127966 bytes)
Septemvri_76cm_gauge_Tunnel_2__2-10-2T__609_76__Tunnel_2__6_October_2016.jpg (133112 bytes)
Septemvri_76cm_gauge_Varvara-_station__2-10-2T__609_76_watering__6_October_2016.jpg (127273 bytes)
Septemvri_76cm_gauge_Velingrad_station_1__2-10-2T__609_76_and_Bo-Bo__77009-9__6_October_2016.jpg (137954 bytes)
Septemvri_76cm_gauge__2-10-2T__609_76_depart__6_October_2016.jpg (134633 bytes)