Photographer's steam special in the Czech Republic

22 and 23 October 2005

This is not a FarRail event. FarRail terms and conditions are not valid for this tour. For inquiries and bookings please contact the team Lohr/Riedel.

We'll forward you bookinmgs to the operator.

Following the successful event last Spring with 433.002 in the east Czech Republic, we have been asked by the participants to organise another steam special.

Although steam ended in the Czech Republic in 1979 there are still many lines which retain their original condition.

We have been able to find suitable routes in the area of Liberic. Consequently we would like to invite you to the north-west area of the country where the passenger train engine 475.179 (based at Usti nad Labem) and green Y-type carriages (high-roofed design built in Goerlitz, 1968-1984) are available.

Express passenger trains (Czech ‘R’ = Rychlik) have been part of the daily scene even on branch lines on the CD for decades. Express passenger service, consisting of two rail cars, still exists for large distance passenger trains on branch lines.

The special leaves Usti nad Labem on Saturday 22,10,05 and runs via Benesov, Ceska Lipa, Jablonne, Krizany (highest location) to Liberec. Following a run to Krizany and back, the train will spend the night in Liberic.

The return trip leaves Liberec on the Sunday morning for Srni by Ceska Lipa, from where it runs via Ustek, Ploskovice and Litomerice to Usti nad Labem.

The route offers numerous opportunities for high quality photographs and videos and you'll get good value for their money.

• The schedule is arranged in a way that the train can be readily chased and the light should be optimal for photography. Suitable photo locations will be listed in a program guide.
• The event is designed for a small group of 30 to 40 participants.
• There will be no passengers on the train.
• We look forward to your participation and are available for questions on Wednesdays from 7 till 9 pm at (+49)1708138913 (Stefan Lohr).
• Recommended web-site (no liability): http://www.schienenstrang-nach-osten.de

Registration and participation information

Participation fee: one day = 85,00 Euro, both days 160,00 Euro (Low earners and professionals please contact the organisers)

Registration

a) Crossed check to Stefan Lohr (address above)

b) Bakers draft to Henry Riedel, account number: 102651114, Sparda-Bank Berlin, bank code number 12096597. IBAN: DE36 12096597 0102651114 BIC:GENODEF1S10

Important: If transferring funds to bank account please notify of payment and mail address to henry.riedel@web.de or via Fax: +49-36733-23999 or mail to Stefan Lohr (address above). Also possible: write address in appropriate area on money transfer form.

Payment deadline: Sepetember 21st, 2005

• Detailed program will be sent after September 10th, 2005
  
• If costs are not covered by the payment deadline date the event will be cancelled and the fees will be returned
• Organisers are not responsible for unexpected program changes or cancelled trips

Notes for your trip to Czech Republic

• Route to event: Usti nad Laben and Litomerice are about 100 km south of Dresden. From the motorway exit Chemnitz and via the border at Reitzenhain, Chomoutov and Most. By car from Dresden it takes you about 2.5 hours. Alternatively the border can be crossed at Zinnwald-Teplice.
• Entry requirements: EU residents need a valid ID-card or passport.
• Accommodation: an acceptable B&B costs 10-20 Euro per night. Good hotels start at 20 Euro. Reservation can usually be made in German, sometimes in English. (tip: www.pensionhotel.cz). On request we can mail an accommodation list. (E-Mail to henry.riedel@web.de).
• Restaurants: a good warm meal with beverage costs 4,00 to 5,00 Euro (1 Euro = ca. 30 KC)
• Fuel: petrol and diesel is about 0.90 Euro/Liter
• Photography: normally no problem in the Czech Republic, whereby the customary regulations for railway property must be observed
• Road conditions: there is less traffic than in Germany. Roads are generally in good condition. Passing larger cities requires more time than in western Europe, you should calculate this.
• The environment is similar to Eastern Germany in 1989/1990, modern commercial developments are not common away from the urban areas.
• Crime and car theft is not an issue if suitable precautions are made.

Updated: June 2005