Romania and Moldova Trip Report 10-16th November 2026

60 0928 arrives into Câineni with R2067 the 07:54 from Sibiu to Ramnicu Valcea. The low cloud makes a dramatic image as the Sulzer locomotive passes the traditional crossing hut. 12/11/2025

Introduction:

64 0915 and 41 0453 at Bucharesti Nord. 14/11/25

It was 8 years since I last set foot in Romania, on a very successful summer trip, and with several of my friends not having been, a return was very much due. With new units starting to come on stream, it felt like a good time to see the Romania of old while it remains, with a focus on photographing some of the 060 DA Sulzers. An add-on took us to Moldova to see the countries very small number of trains, but get a tick in the book. Travelling in November is always a bit of a gamble with the weather, and this trip certainly delivered some contrasts with several days of beautiful sunshine, contrasted with several days that were slightly less productive photographically! Once again however the trains provided some interesting variety and Romania proved itself to be a pleasant country to visit and enjoy our hobby.

Monday 10th November:

An early drive to Luton saw us onto an uneventful flight with a chance to catch up on a bit of sleep. I won the extra leg room seats (which I really don't need) in the seat lottery- but obviously not the company of my friends! 

Since my last visit the airport station has opened which does provide an easier link into town, although it still isn't exactly fast or particularly frequent. 
The weather for day one was not good at all, but unperturbed I headed to the station to photograph what was around while my friends took refuge in one of the station bars. One disappointment was seeing my first Regio Calatori X72500 (ex SNCF unit) which have replaced many of the ex-SNCF B25500 push-pull trains.

64 1219 pauses at Fagăras working R2105 from Brasov to Sibiu. 10/11/2025

We didn't have too long in town until our train to Brasov and Sibiu. Having persevered in purchasing seat reservations 48 1005, a required class, took us forward to Brasov, where 64 1219 was then bolted on to take the train forward to Sibiu. A long journey but one that passed nicely with good company and a few beers purchased from the Carrefour at Bucharesti Nord. Despite being fairly tired by Sibiu there was time for a beer and to have a wander around this pretty town.

Tuesday 11th November:

60 1149 approaches Tălmaciu with R2063 from
Piatra Olt to Sibiu. 11/11/2025

A leisurely start as there weren't an awful lot of daylight trains in Sibiu in the morning - plus there wasn't any decent weather to go out photographing in! This gave a rare chance to have a relaxed breakfast and wander around the own in daylight (almost unheard of on these trips!). We then made our way to the depot with the hope of getting some pictures there- this was made somewhat easier by the fact that part of it is billed as a 'railway museum' with various steam locos around this part of the depot. Of course you were not supposed to stray to where the diesels were living... 

Now we did have a train to catch, and the plan was to intercept what should have been a Sulzer at Talmacu inbound from Piatra Olt to Sibiu. This involved an Uber ride but successfully netted a run with 62 1142 on load 2. 

60 1149 makes its scheduled call at Raul Vadului.

Back in Sibiu, the dull day was used to best advantage to get to the airport and pick up a hire car which we had realised would be needed for any serious train chasing. Of course the charge was more than the 'unavailable' cars online, but we ended up with a Dacia that would get us around- paying the extra insurance fee which meant that we didn't need to worry about a bit of dirt when we returned the car; 'don't worry, bring it back as dirty as you like- you have paid for it'*. There was time for some food and a beer before heading out for the next Sulzer, which turned out to be 62 1149 again on the 16:10 to Piatra Olt which was taken to the very dark spot of Raul Vadului. The shack was picked not just because it gave a safe plus onto a return working, but also because a short walk down a (very busy) road was a petrol station where we could top up on supplies!

A diesel line-up at Sibiu with 60 1149, 64 1179 and 64 0925. 11/11/2025

89 0570 on R2070 at Sibiu 11/11/2025

There was a bit of a concern when the return train approached as the bright lights did not look at all like a Sulzer. Was this to be our first Desiro bowl out? No- we were slightly surprised to see 89 0570 with the return train. A required class and good result, even if it didn't really make any noise! 
Back in Sibiu it was a trip to Beer and Ribs for dinner, another little wander around the town and then a major disappointment for several members of the group who were bowled out on a bar which had closed early due to lack of custom!

Wednesday 12th November 

60 0928 approaches Podu Olt working R2067. 12/11/2025

Todays forecast was much better, so it was off after an early breakfast in our Dacia to chase train R2067 the 07:54 from Sibiu to Piatra Olt. The weather took a while to come through, but a few decent pictures were achieved chasing the train down to Lotru, before following another Sulzer back up to Podu Olt. 
Still struggling for any sunlight, we bothered the Malaxa which sits here all morning, before driving back to Sibiu to re-photograph the depot now that the light had improved. This was a little more difficult today as the depot staff were very keen to keep us away from the diesels- but perseverance meant we won that cat and mouse game for some rewarding shots!

60 1328, 60 0795 and 64 1190 stand outside the roundhouse at Sibiu. 12/11/2025

Malaxa 77 0974 at Turnu Roso working R2066 from
Podu Olt to Piatra Olt. Not a comfortable ride! 12/11/2025

Back at Podu Olt, I wanted to ride the Malaxa- something I had failed to do last time I was in the country. The short ride to Turnu Roso was enough to satisfy this urge- these units riding dreadfully and being loud enough over the track that you can barely have a conversation with the person next to you. Aside from me and my friend, the driver and the guard, there was one actual fare paying passenger on board. Perhaps because Podu Olt is in the middle of nowhere, and there appear to be no trains connecting into this service! I can't imagine a 4 hour ride down this slow line in pitch darkness in the morning is much fun for anyone.

One of my favourite shots of the rip as 64 1179 approaches Tălmaciu working from Brasov to Sibiu. 12/11/2025

After photographing a GM running from Brasov to Sibiu in good light at Talmaciu, it was time for us to make the journey in the opposite direction in our Dacia. Arrival in Brasov gave us time to head into the old town for dinner and a few drinks. We ate at 'After Stub' in the old town - which is quite a walk from the new town centre, where we had booked to stay, which is near to the station- which would have been much more useful had we not now hired a car! The restaurant had a surprise in that the 'double burger' actually turned out to be two burgers! Nobody left hungry. 

Thursday 13th November

48 1007 passes Breaza Nord working towards Bucharest 13/11/2025

One of the main reason for hiring the car was to check out the narrow gauge industrial railway which runs from Moroeni to Fieni carrying regular trains of limestone from a quarry to a large cement works. 
First however there was time to check out the railways of Brasov. A short stint at the station proved that the ex-SNCF 'Carvelle' DMU's do still operate for Regio Calatori, though many have now been replaced by ex-DB 628 units, and I managed to miss the one that shunted around the station during our time there! 

81 0817 pauses in the yard at Brasov 13/11/2025

41 0331 awaits departure from Brasov. 13/11/2025

Back in the car we headed over to the depot / yard areas to see what was around. No issues were encountered driving into the yards where a few freight locos were photographed, however we were shoed away from a 60 near the fuel point in the yard.
Finally before leaving, still wishing to satisfy an itch, I wanted to find my way to the Regio Calatori depot to finally get a decent picture of a Carvelle- even if it wouldn't be working. With the help of my drone, I was able to identify where they were hiding and after a bit of a track walk, some reasonably nice pictures were achieved.

40 0661 leads a line up of electric locos on the depot at Brasov. 13/11/2025

60 1195 of CFR Marfa in the yard at Brasov 13/11/25

Now onto the road, it was a pleasant mountain drive to reach the top end of the 760mm railway from Moroeni to Fieni. Unfortunately the delight of reaching the railway was short lived as it was immediately noticed that there was the tell-tail thin brown rust layer on top of the shiny rails to tell us that no trains had run that morning. Some investigation was needed, so we first drove to the quarry where we were very quickly ejected, but once on the public side of the gate, the security man did just about manage to tell us that there were no trains today before continuing to shoo us away. A huge disappointment, especially as the weather had now turned out to be so good.
We made our way down the line and at Fieni the reason for the stoppage was soon clear. The massive cement works was undergoing maintenance with the kiln surrounded by scaffolding, and just one class 82 shunting in the yard. So clearly the line does run, had run recently, and will run again. But it was not going to run today.

69 0064 shunts at Fieni- the only movement we saw. 13/11/2025

Quickly re-hashing a plan we headed back to the Brasov - Bucharest line at Breaza Nord to photograph the afternoons trains. This was successful and a nice spot was found, although we did not see any freight. My attention soon turned to finding a location to photograph one of the few remaining BB25500 turns, by which time the light would be getting quite low. We settled on a spot near Bobolia where the railway crosses the Prahova river on a large stone arch viaduct. Fortunately the train was on time, and we at least had something to take home from the day. 

The car was then returned to Bucharest airport, via lots of traffic on the outskirts of the city and a long argument with the hire company over the dirty state of the car- *yes, you guessed it, that 'return it as dirty as you like' message from Sibiu had not translated well to Bucharest and a €60 fee was levied for not returning the car in a 'rentable' condition. It wasn't clean- but by all measures we have returned far dirtier cars on trips before. 

French stock- 425 581 + a RIO set crosses the Prahova river at Bobolia with RE11034 the 13:56 Regio Caltori service from Brasov to Bucharest.

We picked up the final member of our group tonight and headed into Bucharest for beers, dinner and to see the worlds heaviest building; the Palace of the Parliament. Following a walk back to the hotel we were all pretty exhausted... 

Friday 14th November

DB 60 1666 waits its next duty at Chitila. 14/11/2025

Given we were staying so close to the station, and with the trains expected to finish operating in December (to be replaced by ex-CLF 2000 EMU's), it would have been rude not to get up and go for a quick run behind BB25581, pushing a RIO set. It is amazing really how long these trains have now enjoyed their second life in Romania. Taken to Chitila there was a very quick negative connection onto a GM back to the main station and to breakfast. The weather was forecast to be good today, but we had woken up to fog which was proving stubborn to move on.

Rotary plough PH-01 and 05 paus at Chitila as 64 1385 brings a train in to Chitila. 14/11/2025

Ex-SNCF 'Carvelle's, still in their French colours, await their
next turn on the depot at Brasov. 14/11/2025

By now it was very clear that the weather was not going to brighten up and that our 'full sun' forecast was very much going to disappoint. Given conditions were again not great for photography, our first port of call was the Railway Museum, which is just on the north side of Gara du Nord. While the museum doesn't have a lot in the way of stock, there are plenty of interesting pictures and artifacts as well as an impressive model layout. Next, I considered travelling north towards Ploiesti in search of some sunlight, but eventually we concluded that sticking it out at Chitila to see what might turn up would be the best use of time.

Aside from the man defecating by the side of the line, Chitila did have a few highlights, the main being  DB 60 1666 which was in the yard and a pair of independent snowblowers which arrived! 

With signs that the DB loco would depart we waited several hours for its totally lacklustre departure in the gloom before heading back into the city. The weather had been unfortunate for this train would have been a highlight had the light not been so poor. 

60 0928 arrives into Raul Vadului with R2067 the 07:54 from Sibiu to Ramnicu Valcea. The engine shed now houses farm equipment, but was once part of a small depot and sidings at this backwater station. 12/11/2025

There was time for a few beers at Grivita Pub & Grill which was much nicer than any of the establishments on the station, before picking up our bags and heading back to the station for the main event of the day, IR 402 the overnight Bucharest to Chisinau train, run by CFL Moldovan railways. 

It was slightly surprising how late the stock arrived for this busy train, and certainly didn't aid our plan to check that the buffet existed before stocking up on 'emergency' beers, but we left only a few minutes late behind 41 0393 which would take us as far as Iasi. 

Stock for the overnight service from Bucharest to Chisinau arrives at Bucharest Gara du Nord. 14/11/2025

On the train we settled into our compartments (5 not being a great number to split between two berths of 4) and headed to the buffet area in the adjacent coach. It did exist, and as had been largely expected, there was no shortage of alcohol on offer! This appeared to be the area where all the western European tourists could be found and as well as a couple of Swiss guys, we also made friends with Andrew from Blackpool and Mollie from Cardiff who was backpacking from Romania into Moldova. Many beers were consumed, ex-British 92026 'Britten' (still complete with tunnel roundels) was spotted, and much jollity was enjoyed until our carriage attendant had to fairly aggressively usher the party back to our compartments for the border grip at Ungheni and into Moldova. 

47 7498 passes Breaza Nord working towards Bucharest 13/11/2025

Saturday 15th November

64 1179 reflected at Sibiu.11/11/2025

A combination of too many beers, having already met the wrath of the carriage attendant, and being in the middle of the train meant that we failed to identify any of the diesels which worked between Iasi and Ungheni, but after a delay of almost an hour, we arrived into Chisinau behind TE33 3005, which sounded rather good since we were now at the front of the train. For a station with so few trains, Chisinau is beautifully maintained, well staffed and appointed. We were relieved to find a left luggage office where we could leave our bags until we would be back for the train in the evening. A look at the timetable poster confirmed that there would be very little railway activity for us to see. The only other booked passenger movement before our train returning towards Bucharest in the evening was the thrice weekly arrival from Kyiv in the early afternoon. Aside from our train there were two other coaches at the station- intriguing as I did not expect to see any local loco hauled services. With no loco attached there was no immediate sign that these were going anywhere so we headed into town, still with Mollie in tow, who seemed to have adopted us. Or had we adopted her?

For a station with so few trains, Chisinau is beautifully maintained, well staffed and appointed. We were relieved to find a left luggage office where we could leave our bags until we would be back for the train in the evening. A look at the timetable poster confirmed that there would be very little railway activity for us to see. The only other booked passenger movement before our train returning towards Bucharest in the evening was the thrice weekly arrival from Kyiv in the early afternoon. 

Aside from our train there were two other coaches at the station- intriguing as I did not expect to see any local loco hauled services. With no loco attached there was no immediate sign that these were going anywhere so we headed into town, still with Mollie in tow, who seemed to have adopted us. Or had we adopted her?

The scrap line up at Chisinau, including several derelict 2TE10L locomotives. 15/11/2025

So- a day in Chisinau with no trains and an extra member of our group. 

Fortunately the weather had turned sunny so that walking around the city was enjoyable. Sights taken in included the large flea market outside the station, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Triumphal Arch and the Lenin statue which is now hidden away at the back of a park, in a car part of a conference centre!

 

TE33 3001 arrives into Chisinau with the train from Kyiv. 15/11/2025

The decision was taken to head back to the station in the early afternoon in the hope of seeing the arrival from Kyiv, Mollie still in tow, although we had suggested that following a group of trainspotters to the station was probably not the best way to spend her afternoon! The good news, on arrival, was that plenty of people were waiting for the train, and that it was only around an hour late. This gave time to climb over the line of derelict locos opposite the station, and for me to split my trousers in the process!

After a pleasing arrival shot of the train with TE33 3001, it was a dash to catch the train again in the platform. As I had heard previously, the staff here are very quick to detach the loco after arrival.

There were a few hours now to pass before the evening train, so a bar and some food were found before we said farewell to our new friend for the day, and headed back to the station to collect our bags, and re-unite with our other new friend from the previous night, Andrew, who was this time vowing not to spend the majority of the journey in the buffet! 

TE33 3001 and 3005 head the 17:05 departure from Chisinau to Kyiv / Bucharest. 15/11/2025

Since the train was running combined with the Kiev portion, we were treated to double headed TE33's on a lengthy rake of coaches. Required TE33 3001 would haul the train out of Chisinau, and much to everyone's amusement, our berth on the train was the same one that we had occupied last night. This also meant the same attendant who was perhaps not initially best pleased to see us! 'Tonight, sleep. No beer! No food!'. Of course when he realised we were only going to Iasi (which isn't pronounced anything like it sounds) he was soon joking that we could have as many beers as we wanted. 

60 1149 crosses the Olt at Proieni. 12/11/2025

Confined back to our compartment for the border grip and gauge change, today we were much more determined to identify some of the diesels involved in the operation. Still not an easy task, only ChME3 4169 (standard gauge) was identified. Upon arrival at Iasi, after quite a delay being gripped back into Romania, 62 0768 was eventually identified as the loco that brought us in (I had this down as a GM turn). As we had been at the back of the train we had to wait for the loco to return to the station while shunting the first coaches to positively ID it, which turned out not to be a quick process.

By now it was pretty late, and a hotel bed was very welcome!

Sunday 16th November

64 1227 awaits departure from Iasi. 16/11/2025

 

Duewag M62 Tram 299 (originally from Mulheim) 15/11/2025

The final day of the trip would be spent around Iasi, again with the aim of trying to pick up another Sulzer or two if we could. After a fairly poor (and quite expensive in the scheme of the trip) breakfast it was over to the station for what I thought was a reliable Sulzer turn on the 10:09 to Barlad, which we would take to Vaslui. This turn disappointingly produced GM 64 0900, which largely sealed the fate that we would not have anther Sulzer on this trip. Nether the less, it was taken for an enjoyable run where the sun did at least try to break through the mist. At Vaslui there was just time to wander around the station and attempt to purchase reservations for the IR back to Iasi (ultimately failing as the ticket office could not understand our request). As expected, this turn was also a GM in the form of 66 1132, and was also much busier.

GT4 tram 0328 (originally from Stuttgart) 15/11/2025

Back at Iasi there wasn't any further prospects of a Sulzer, and while some of the group headed to a bar,  another GM had turned up, and it would have been rude not to take it one stop to Nicolina, after which a few trams were scratched in to fill in the remainder of the afternoon before the airport bus and another uneventful flight back to Luton.

Conclusions:

A very enjoyable trip with good company, a new country ticked off the list, and actually, prettyreasonable weather for much of the time given the time of year. 

The big disappointment was the narrow gauge, which so nearly produced, but didn't. This has gone on the unfinished business list for a return when time allows, as has the task to photograph a few more Sulzers, of which we actually saw very few. Indeed, it is fair to say we didn't actually see a great number of trains at all! It was very clear that to chase trains on the diesel lines, where there is a very sparse train service, you really need a car- and despite it perhaps not being the best hire, it did certainly help to get around and chase the trains. 

The trip to Moldova was enjoyable, but it is a shame that there are now so few trains in the country. If I had another day, I would like to have made the trip into Transnistria, but I can't see myself being back in this part of the world unless the rail system gets significantly busier! 

SZ Slovenia Trip Report 14-18 July 2025

Probably the shot of the trip (even if the car tyre was rapidly deflating just meters behind us!)- 363 022 with a classic set of bauxite coloured hoppers climbs the Koper ramp at Crtonice. 17/07/2025 

Six years since my last visit to the country, Slovenia had made it back to the top of the list. As well as the usual entertainment of the 'Autovlak' in the scenic Julian Alps the big draw this time was to photograph freight trains on the busy Koper ramp, the attractive and highly graded route from the Slovenian hinterland to the port of Koper. This single track electric railway is due to be bypassed by a tunnel, opening from 2026 so time was of essence to capture the trains on camera and travel over this line.

Monday 14th July

Stadler 510 032 is pictured near to Zabnica on the line between Jesenice and Ljubljana. 14/07/2025

664 108 passes Kneza working the Autovlak to Most na Soci.

An early start to get to Gatwick for the 07:00 flight to Ljubljana which was uneventful and dropped us off in the Slovenian capital just after 10:00. Since connections to the Autovlak were not good, the first move was to pick up a hire car for the afternoon. This then enabled access to a spot on the line between Jesenice and Ljubljana for an hour, during which no interesting trains were seen.

Now it was time to start the trip properly with the drive across to Podbrdo and the Bohinj railway. Once in the mountains the roads are far from fast (and it is soon apparent why the Autovlak runs at all), but having the car did enable us to get in front of the train for our pictures. 

Even with good weather and the car, there were only two good lineside pictures to be had, but we did also manage to get a ride behind 664108, which was the chosen traction, on one of the runs which would not photograph well. The car also got us to the town of Most na Soci, which is some way from the station but has a fantastic view of the Soca River, and also ice creams!

A clean Fiat built 814 126 (the only one we saw without graffiti all trip) crosses the viaduct at Grahovo. 14/07/2025

664 108 emerges from the tunnel at Podmelec. 18/07/2025

After our final shot, on the viaduct near Grahovo, it was time to hot-foot it back to the airport since we really needed to be on the 19:00 bus to make our check-in! We did manage to make it back, return the car and get onto the 19:00 bus, but only with about 30 seconds to spare. Upon arrival at Ljubljana station I was slightly surprised to find it was a complete building site- fortunately this was not somewhere we would be spending a lot of time. Check in to our accommodation was achieved, and back out to the city for an excellent meal and drinks. 

Tuesday 15th July

342 005 passes Hrastnik with the 'Citadella' from Budapest to Ljubljana. 15/07/2025.

A relative lie-in this morning, with alarms only set for 07:30. Todays target was the scenic Sava valley to the east of Ljubljana. Rather than photograph it, we elected to start the day loco-hauled behind 1216 144 on EN415 to Zidani Most, where we changed for Lasko. After walking back past the large brewery it was apparent that this location had become somewhat overgrown in recent years, but suitable spots were found to photograph a few trains- however luck was not on our side with freight trains, only two being seen heading north, of course, with plenty in the 'wrong' direction!

363 035 at Lasko with an intermodal. Bushes have made this scene somewhat more constrained (some digital gardening has been necessary here!). 15/07/2025.

Late running was starting to set in on the long distance (loco hauled) passenger services, several of which were photographed around Zidani Most during a very busy hour which featured a good compliment of freight trains as well as the passenger workings. After initially being dismissed, upon discovering we were railway colleagues, the red cap at Zidani Most proved to be most helpful in identifying freight workings for us. Usually with the response of 'now' when we asked if there was any freight due- this did make getting into position a little tricky! We also got a little tour of the station including a visit to the signal panel- something which was very much of its time!

342 001 is seen taking the line from Celj as it approaches the station at Zidani Most (Drone). 15/07/2025

Our next shot was at Hrastnik, where the key priority was to catch the 342 on MV 246 'Citadella'- fortunately this produced with 342 005 as the location was devoid of any freight in the right direction. 

Of course as soon as we made the decision to move on to Zagorje we were followed by the heritage liveried 363005! We also got our only sighing of a blue 363 for the trip- going totally the wrong direction for a photo. We had come here in order to get a ride behind a 342, with 342001 duly producing on EC211 'Sava' from Vienna to Zagreb. Despite this only being taken the 20 minutes back to Zidani Most, time was found to enjoy a restaurant car beer. 

1216 144 pauses at Zidani Most with a EuroCity bound for Ljubljana (Drone) 15/07/2025

A few more photos finished until the light was starting to go behind the hills, it was therefore back to Ljubljana for burgers and beers at the Union brewery before picking up our final contingent and calling it a night before an early start. 

541 004 catches the evening light near Hrastnik with a train heading towards Ljubljana. 15/07/2025

Wednesday 16th July

Riding the 'Istria' behind 363 036. 16/07/2025

Up early for one of the main draws of the trip, a ride through to Koper loco hauled behind a 'Nez Casse' 363. The 'Istria' was just a few minutes late behind 363 036 and a compartment was found for the trip, the train fortunately not being too busy. The 'Istria' is currently the only option to reach Koper loco-hauled, and only runs during high summer - a reason to break my embargo on hot summer rail trips!
As expected, the train split at Postojna with our loco continuing forward, but leaving the rear 5 coaches of the train to be taken on to Rijeka by 342010.

A 363 hauled intermodal climbs from Koper shortly after passing Crnotice. The Adriatic can be seen in the distance. 17/07/2025

After Divaca the line singles and the scenery becomes more spectacular until the train reached Koper a little behind schedule. There is also evidence of the new tunnel route which appears now to be substantially complete. The new formation is initially to be used by uphill trains from the port, until the whole formation is complete with two tracks, at which point the scenic old line will close, potentially becoming a bus track. Upon arrival at Koper it was time to make the quick walk to the garage, pick up our second hire car of the trip, and check out a few of the scenic spots while the weather was exceeding the forecast. 

The light didn't last long and after just two good shots, the afternoon was spent scoping out locations for the following day, checking into our hotel, before a brief day trip out to Italy.. and more specifically the tramway between Trieste and Villa Opicina. This tramway is unique in that it doubles as a funicular railway on a steeply graded section of track between the two towns, the funicular section seeing cable tractor units attached to the downhill end of the tramcars. The system is a remarkable survivor, still using tramcars dating from 1935, and surviving an 8 year closure after an accident in 2016, finally re-opening this February! 

Tram cars shunt onto the depot at the end of service at Villa Opicina. 16/07/2025

I may have failed to find an ice-cream in our brief time in Trieste, but the tram ride was enjoyable, and certainly worth paying the small extra fee to take the car into Italy. Of course, by the time we were back in Koper the options for food in the old town were running low and the offering was a burger once again. After dinner there was just time for a wander to the seafront before retiring to bed.

Thursday 17th July

193 952 + 193 008 mark our first Koper freight train of the day
shortly after departing from the terminal. 17/07/2025

This was the day we had pinned our hopes on. A full day on the Koper line, and an excellent weather forecast. Unfortunately however there were still some very large lumps of cloud in the sky when we woke. Following discussions with some friendly photographers the previous day a plan had been hatched to drive to Rakek (near Postojna), which we had not realised was only a 45 minute drive on the motorway, to snap the 363 on the 'Istria'- as is typical of such endeavours, having driven almost the whole way in sunshine, the train appeared in a large patch of cloud. Back on the motorway, and even having stopped for sustenance, we overtook the train at Postojna, so went for another go, only to loose the light again! A frustrating start to the morning. At least there was still one more shot to try, this time with the 342 leading the Rijeka portion- thankfully this one did pay off with 342 010 kicking off the sunny pictures for the day at Narin, having split from the Koper line at Pivka. Thanks to the guys at Crnotice yesterday whos times for the trains held up almost to the minute!

342 010 is seen at Narin on the Rijeka portion of the 'Istria' after two failed attempts at a sunny picture of the full train prior to the split. 17/07/2025.

Now it was time to get on the road back to Koper and start ticking off the locations we had planned for the day, working our way around the large balloon look as the Koper ramp climbs from the coast to the hills. The target of course was the 'Zig-Zag' Alsthom 363's. 

At our first location of Dakarni we had to settle for a Vectron (after having seen 363 036 on the Istria for a third time!) before moving on to Zanigrad, where we were soon greeted by 363 022 working a downhill car train. We waited for a few more trains here, finally catching 363 031 banking a container train, making a very pleasing shot. 

363 022 banks a long train of imported cars upgrade at Zanigrad. 17/07/2025

363 033 hauls a container train past the station at Crnotice while
we wait for hire car recovery! 17/07/2025

We now headed uphill for a long shot of the trains descending from the cliffs, avoiding the 'impassable' road we had failed to get up the previous day. We had to settle for the class 541 'Taurus' locos hauling trains here, as well as a continual procession of downhill light engines (I'm sure we saw more heading downhill than we actually saw banking trains!). After the light was coming too far round here, it was time to head to one of the most important shots, from the cliffs at Crnotice- you can drive right up to the photo spot here... but disaster- on the final approach the car suffered a puncture with the tire loosing pressure rapidly. This was not good, and naturally we did nt have the luxury of a spare, just a can of 'get out of trouble goo' which was not sufficient to plug our hole! As well as our dilemma, there were still trains to watch- and the 'perfect' train had been spotted on the line below heading uphill- 363 022 leading a rake of traditional brown hopper wagons and banked by 363 031. We couldn't deny ourselves one of the shots of the trip, so having taken it we were then free to concentrate fully on the car situation.

541 103 emerges in spectacular fashion onto the Koper Ramp with a train of hoppers. 17/07/2025

The vehicle was limped back to Crnotice where assistance was called from Hertz, and after around an hour a tow truck arrived, as well as the Hertz rep to get us back to Koper and into another vehicle. Fortunately we found ourselves in quite a nice spot to watch a flurry of downhill trains while we waited! Back on the road, I now wanted to get to Podpec to begin the evening shots, while the rest of the group went back to Zanigrad. Apart from light engines, we didn't see many trains for the next hour or so, with just the 'least favorite' option of a black Vectron, 193 279 piloting a train upgrade. Alongside 363 031 this unattractive engine had been trundling up and down all day on banking duties. 

363 036 passes the 'bus stop' location at Podpec with MV1246 'Istria' from Koper to Budapest. 17/07/2025

By the time the others arrived back at Podpec there were 6 photographers with poles, and four more with stepladders accompanying me (with significantly less height!) waiting for the evening 'Istria' with 363 036 returning from Koper. It was good to meet and chat with photographers from many parts of Europe while we waited, even if the scene of us all assembled on an around the bus shelter looked rather ridiculous. 

The group had information that there were a few more downhill trains due, including with the 'heritage' loco 363 005 which wears a reproduction of the original JZ livery. A convoy of cars therefore headed to the open shot near Crtonice for the final few trains of the day.

363 005 provides an excellent end to the day as it heads downhill towards Koper to greet the gallery of photographers in lovely evening light. 17/07/2025

It was getting late, and we were due in Nova Gorica tonight, but did find a good stop off just off the road in Kozina for a delicious outdoor Grill meal.

Friday 18th July

664 108 on the Autovlak. 18/07/2025

The primary reason for our positioning overnight was to be in place for the early run of the Autovlak at 06:36 from Nova Gorica- this run being extended from the stocks berthing position. As well as 664 108 (again) with its train there were two further 'Reagan's; 664 107 and 664 110 with 664 113 stabled on a freight that had arrived overnight. These were joined by the 644 020 (nominally the booked Autovlak traction) and 642 301, many of which nicely caught the rapidly rising morning sunshine.

664 108 passes through the station at Podmelec. 18/07/2025

I thoroughly enjoyed the run on AV850 to Most na Soci through lovely scenery from the 'new' passenger coach, branded in 2025 Capital of Culture which is being shared by Gorizia and Nova Gorica. After arrival at Most na Soci the plan was to re-join the car (driven by those less worried about the train ride) to continue our photography- unfortunately this didn't quite go to plan due to the condition of the roads and traffic, so we instead ended up watching the Autovlak cross our spot at Grahovo in beautiful conditions rather than photographing it- oh for another 5 minutes! Now hindsight is a wonderful thing: none of us really know why we didn't think to take the car on the train!

 

664 108 crosses the impressive viaduct to arrive at Most na Soci with a well-loaded Autovlak. (Drone) 18/07/2025.

664 108 shunts the autovlak at Most na Soci. 18/07/2025

A smart looking 642 301 at Nova Gorica. 18/07/2025

After picking up breakfast in Most na Soci, and photographing the next Autovlak arrival, it was time for Rob to depart leaving James and I to photograph the afternoon trains by rail. 

After a few more shots in different locations I picked up one final ride behind 664 108 up to Bohinja Bistrika where I could get an ice cream and wait for the unit to Jesenice- since my last visit the old 813's have been withdrawn, and most trains are in the hands of fairly heavily graffitied, Fiat class 714's. 

The final train of the trip was EC 213 with 1216 142 from Jesenice to Ljubljana to pick up the airport bus. I had considered getting off at Kranj for the shorter bus journey to the airport, but due to an inexplicable evening gap in the buses this was discounted. 

541 016 was the only locomotive photographed in the new SZ blue livery dring the trip, and is seen here paused at Jesenice. 18/07/2025

It was nice to be able to find a compartment in a traditional fresh-air Euro City train- though it could really have done with more than three coaches as while it was busy leaving Jesenice, it was extremely busy after picking up a hoard of tourists at Bled!

There were 20 minutes at Ljubljana to pick up a final freight 363 before the bus to the airport and an uneventful journey home. 

A final Zig-Zag 363 of the trip as 363 033 passes 293 076 in the main station at Ljubljana. 18/07/2025