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.
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.
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.
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.
I have been told I am making assumptions. So here are two more pictures showing the Floibanen. It is a funicular railway that runs from the centre of Bergen to the top of Mount Floyen. In the second picture the diagonal line of lights, seen top centre, marks the course of the railway. Nearly every tourist brochure has a picture taken from the top station. This makes it a must do destination. It is quite fun to watch the train empty, everybody rushing to have their photo taken with the city in the background. The really adventurous visit the restaurant and/or the gift shop before returning to sea level. They miss out the best bit, the marvellous walks in the hills behind Bergen.
It has been many years since I have used this particular railway. In fact it was long before they modernised it. I was in Bergen just before it was closed for renewal and there was a stack of rail left alongside the road. Not something you would do in my neck of the woods.
Classes 73 and 72 running through the coastal Jaeren landscape. I am walking along the dunes at the back a beautiful sandy beach. The sand is white and the sea is blue. Anybody trying to swim in the sea would soon turn the same colour. The beach is almost deserted proving, should any proof be needed, that it is not the colour scheme that make tropical beaches attractive. 