Wolsztyn in 1996

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Thursday April 4

On my first full day in Wolsztyn, April 4 1996, I decided to not get up for the Zbaszynek service at 04:40. I really didn't fancy freezing to death this early in my trip ! Rather I decided to ride on the daily pickup goods which on this day was hauled by Ok22 31 to Grodzisk and return. The Ok22 class are the PKP version of the classic Prussian Railways (KPEV) P8 or Ok1 under the Polish numbering scheme. Traffic for the train on this day seemed virtually nonexistent along the way. Rather the two wagons were shunted and left in a siding at Grodzisk. Only the engine and the accompanying carriage returned to Wolsztyn. Without heating on the coach in both directions this was a very cold trip. So much for not freezing to death !!

PKP Ok22 31 stands at Grodzisk with the daily pickup goods. April 4 1996

PKP Ok22 31 at Grodzisk with the daily pickup goods whilst the crew do some cleaning. April 4 1996

Whilst the Ok22 shunted her train the morning steam hauled passenger service from Poznan to Wolsztyn arrived and departed. Once the Ol49 was on her way I rejoined the Ok22 and carriage for the eventual return to Wolsztyn.

PKP 2-6-2 Ol49 69 starts away from Grodzisk with a Poznan to Wolsztyn passenger service. April 4 1996

When I arrived back at Wolsztyn the train stopped short of the station just beyond the depot. Already standing in the station at the head of the next Poznan bound train was Ol49 81. I had planned to travel on this train and hoped to get a footplate ride. I was very pleased as I walked up to the loco to recognize the crew - I had been shown a picture of these two guys who had a reputation for offering rides. I was not let down ! Within moments of seeing me the fireman asked me up (in Polish.) Despite the language barrier I attempted to tell them I knew a little of loco firing from the Tanfield Railway.

In the cab of PKP Ol49 81. April 4 1996

On arrival at Poznan, having fired and even driven along the way, the loco went over to the depot area to turn and take water. Here the fireman sold me a set of PKP loco plates of dubious origin ! I had hoped to get a set of plates but hadn't bargained on their weight ! Placed in my backpack they certainly slowed me down when walking later in my trip.

PKP Ol49 81 takes water outside of Poznan depot. April 4 1996

PKP Ol49 81 at Poznan Glonwy. April 4 1996

PKP Ol49 81 at Grodzisk. A 'photo stop' as the driver told me ! Actually the train was scheduled a lengthy stop here were the air pump lubricator was topped up with oil by the fireman. April 4 1996

On arrival back at Wolsztyn the driver kindly gave me a pile of papers that related to the shift he and the loco had just completed. If anyone can translate them I'd much appreciate it !

Having thoroughly enjoyed the return trip - with more firing and bad driving from me - I went to eat. Once I had done so it was going dark. Despite this I decided to brave the chilly weather and get some night shots around the depot. Having lugged my tripod across Europe I was going to use it !

PKP Ol49 81 on shed at Wolsztyn. April 4 1996

PKP Ol49 81 on shed at Wolsztyn. April 4 1996

The motion of PKP Ol49 81 on shed at Wolsztyn. April 4 1996

PKP Ok22 31 on shed at Wolsztyn. April 4 1996

PKP Ok22 31 on shed at Wolsztyn. April 4 1996

PKP Ty3 2 on shed at Wolsztyn. April 4 1996

Click to read about April 5 and 6 1996.
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