As it was

I love Norway and the Norwegians have always been very kind and helpful. They are held in high regard for their tolerance and independence. However it is possible to throw them by doing something a bit different from the norm. I finally got to travel on the preserved narrow gauge line at Sorumsund, part of the Urskog- Holandsbanen third class railway, on third visit.When I asked if it was possible to get off at Fossum and wait for the next train, I was told"'of course" but the quizzical expression and the question "why do you want to do that?" gave me the impression that my sanity was not up to standard. My reason was that although I like preserved railways the act of preservation takes away a lot of their old character. It has to to survive. I just wanted to sit at the station, just me and view listening to the birdsong and waiting for the arrival of the train. As it was in days before it closed because not enough people used it. Try it sometime.

If you really want a hard time and your sanity questioned tell the driver of the bus you want to get off at the bottom of the hill to walk up it.

Long night

Two sleeper coaches where an all night service could last for months.

Stations ancient and modern.

There are certain places in Norway that have special appeal to me. Invariably they do not feature in guide books or have the stunning vistas. Usually they are small places that I have come across by chance and just seem to fit my mood. One of these is Mariero just outside of Stavanger. Found by aimless wandering. The contrast between old station building and the rather superior 'bus shelter 'design of the rationalised station, allied with the waterside setting, meant it went straight onto the list of places to spend a quiet hour or so in contemplation and to think nice things of the world. First found in 1997 these pictures taken June 2006.

On my "To do" list

June 2006, flew to Stavanger. After waiting just long enough to get sunburnt, I caught a bus to Mandel on the south coast. At Flekkefjord the timetable includes a 10 minute break at the rb.st. which is next to the old railway station. One day I will hire one of those trolleys.

Battery Power

These pictures were taken as a result the work being done to improve the Bergen line. I was staying in Oslo and wanted to travel to Myrdal to say I had travel all of the Bergen line. Early train from Oslo to Mrydal, quick walk across the platform to catch the Oslo train back, both journeys in daylight, perfect. Engineering work on the new cut off caused us to be delayed and as soon as our train cleared the points, my connection moves off before we had stopped. With several hours before the next train, what to do? Only one thing for it, a quick dash for the Flam train. It was a beautiful September day. This was 1990 the line had not been "improved" and still had a charm all of it's own. The El9s had gone, but Skd 207. 3 was still working. Happy days.

End of the line

Two pictures taken at Granvin, this is where the line that passed through Palmfoss used to go to. It closed in 1988. Lengths of it are used as a cycle path. As you can see signs still remain in Granvin. I missed out on traveling this line despite being in the area in 1975 and 1981. As I remember the service was not very frequent and I had other priorities at the time. Very few people can sing "no regrets" although that does not deter nearly enough people.

Dangerous things assumptions

In my last blog I drew the conclusion that Palmfoss goods yard was being closed down. To misquote Mark Twain, reports of its death are much exaggerated. I have just looked at the, Voss now, website, and there, is a photograph of Palmfoss, with tracks showing against the snow. The track plan has been simplified, but several wagons are at loading bays. I just love Norway. I have never claimed to be an expert.

Palmfoss

Two pictures taken at Palmfoss May 2007. My impression was that it was closed and being cleared. Palmfoss was the last piece of the Granvin branch in use. I think it was goods depot. On the southern edge of Voss, there are several rail side industries that probably use containers and the Norwegian underground road network now.

Fourth holiday

This is one of the earliest photos in my collection. I have hardly any photos from my first holidays in Norway. This one is from 1982 my fourth visit to Norway. As all holidays before this had been booked with NSB, then one of the main tour operators, rail travel was used where possible. A BM 65 at Voss. I think this must be the train that took me back to Bergen.

Postscript

Model railway magazines list the as a place where you could find space to build your dream layout. They invariably advocate inside, I think they could be missing a trick.