Tuesday 31 May 2011

Krasnoluzhsky Rail Bridge , Moscow, Russia.

The Krasnoluzhsky Rail Bridge was built in 1907. It was originaly known as the Nicholas II Bridge.The bridge carried tracks of Moscow Inner Ring Railroad across the Luzhniki bend. The 135-meter steel arch Bbidge (1400 metric tons) was considered a marvel of engineering, was proven by the 1908 flood. Water level exceeded the maximum design specification by a meter and a half. The bridge stood unharmed. After the February Revolution of 1917, the bridge was re-named the Krasnoluzhskv Beidge. After more than 90 years of service, the bridge required extensive repairs. The City preferred to replace the whole steel structure with a brand new arch over existing pillars. This was completed in 2001. New steel arch is superficially similar (but not identical) to the original design. The function of the bridge was not changed, it carries a railway line across Moskava River.

Liverpool & Manchester Railway, United Kingdom.

The Liverpool and Manchester Railway was opened on 15 September 1830 and on 11 November 1830 the Liverpool and Manchester Railway was the first regular passenger service to carry mail for the Post Office. Mail coaches of the day were pulled by locos as depicted on the postcard. The illustration shows the train in 1831.

Monday 23 May 2011

Curitiba-Paranaguá Railway, Brazil

The Curitiba - Paranagua railway is one of the most exciting and scenic travel routes in Brazil. It winds its way across the mountains of Serra do Mar - Brazil's coastal range - in the southern state of Paraná. The trip covers 62 miles. The journey between Curitiba, the state capital, and the port city of Paranaguá, owes its appeal to the engineering feats accomplished in the construction of the railway as well as to the natural beauty and cultural attractions along its path.

InterCity Express 401 518, Germany.

ICE 1 (Intercity-Express 1) trains was built between 1989 and 1993. This train No 401 518 operated by Deutsche Bahn (DB) travels at a maximum speed of 280 km/h between Hamburg and Munchen.

Leipzig Central Railway Station, Germany.

Leipzig Central Station, is Europe's largest railway station when measured by floor area. It handles an average of 150,000 passengers per day, with a total of over 54 million people using the station each year. The station was opened in 1915. The building has two identical domed entrance halls facing the street. The building was damaged by bombing during WW II when roof over the concourse collapsed and one of the entrance halls was destroyed. The station was restored to its original appearance in the 1950s. After the German unification the station was renovated and modernized.

MÁV Class 424 287 Steam Engine, Hungary.

Locomotive 424 is the most famous steam locomotive produced in Hungary. Class 424 is considered the best steam locomotive type of the Hungarian State Railways. It made its first run between Budapest and and Vác on 22 April 1924. They remained in service until 1984, when steam engines were withdrawn in Hungary. Three engines were preserved for historical and excursion trains. 424 287 is one such engine. The train awaits a departure at the Vác railway station.