Along the White Elster with the "Taiga Drum"

Touring the old home region around Gera with 120 274-6

The DR V200 is back on German rails, and we finally succeeded in deploying it for a photo charter train in its original operating territory. The routes to Leipzig, Saalfeld, and Adorf (in the Elster Valley) are traversed with a mixed freight train. While the lines to Leipzig and Saalfeld captivate with their charming Reichsbahn atmosphere, the Elster Valley route—running from Gera through Greiz to Oelsnitz—impresses above all with its spectacular scenery, numerous bridges, and tunnels. Vintage signaling technology can still be found along this route as well, for instance in Wünschendorf, Greiz, and Elsterberg.

Unfortunately, Friday begins with a strike by some DB employees, leading to significant delays in departure and throughout the journey. Nevertheless, we manage to capture some impressive shots on the line to Zeitz in the afternoon. On Saturday, we travel the Saalfeld route, and on Sunday, we head through the picturesque Elster Valley. Three wonderful days of photography come to a highly satisfying conclusion—it was a real treat to see this impressive machine back in action.

Thursday, 20.04.2023

The locomotive could already be photographed at the Gera depot the evening before.

Friday, 21.04.2023

Following the end of the strike, our photo train departs from Altenburg and travels via Gera and Zeitz to Leipzig. Several shuttle runs take place there before the return trip to Gera in the evening.