International standard signs

Many years ago road signs in Britain changed, this we were told was to comply with international standards. The great thing with standards is that they are so useful everybody wants their own. Their are so many standard screwthreads that if Mr Whitworth was alive today he would turning in his grave. But only if a lathe included in his grave goods. This sign is the Norwegian version seen at Mael. The British sign is a 4-6-0 and is heading the other way. It seems strange that steam locomotives are only seen in preservation or on road signs. The sign for low flying aircraft does not depict a biplane.

Question answered

Back in Jan 2010, I asked was this a signal box? I now have answer. As these pictures demonstrate it is in fact a weighbridge. Knowledge rarely provides answers, just changes the questions. What was weighed? It is close to the end of a stub siding so how did that affect operation? Could it be the question mark rather than the opposable thumb that separates us from other animals?

The Oslo sleeper train

On one of my early visits to Oslo included an "Oslo Pass". This gave free transport within the city boundaries. According to the handbook came with the pass, Movatn was the boundary station on the Gjovik line. It was free, it had to be visited. I have returned every time since. Admittedly once by chance having walked up alongside the the Akerselva and not stopping until I realised I had no idea where I was. It turned out I was not far from here. The post of the Cl 69 near Oslo was taken on the same walk. The usual half hour interval service takes a break in the early evening. I discovered on the walk by just missing the train and having an hour to wait until the next one. No hardship, it was summertime, the fish were jumping and the living was easy. This year the Oslo sleeper train took up the free path.

Spot the Difference

A good few years separate these shots. I was not intending to go to Holmenkollen this year as I had only 2 days to "do" Oslo. Short of time and the fact that the T bahn has broken a hole made getting around harder. I had decided to concentrate on the central area. What is going to like in July when the NSB stop running into the city I dread to think. However when I looking around the Vigeland Park I suddenly realised that I could not see the ski jump. The beautiful white landmark had gone. If I remember correctly, detective Harry Hole was not very complimentary about it as a ski jump, but it was just about as iconic as a structure can get. I had to go and see what had happened. Another shock at the station, alright I knew the lovely teak bodied sets are a distant, but fond memory. But the whole area has changed, it is sort of a motorway service area for skiers, complete with flyovers. I wish them well for the 2012 world championships.

The only good thing to say about the new Hollemkollen is that there is no longer dirty glass between you and the view. The pictures I used to show of the view were taken from the top of an old wooden ski jump tower just down the hill. I nearly went base over apex when I reached the bottom steps. I tripped over a sign saying the tower was unsafe to climb, I had missed it on approach

New Order

A sign of the times is that every time I visit Norway I see a new operator and /or new motive power. My latest visit did not give me much time to study current operations. But I did break my journey to Gardermoen to spend some time at Lillestrom station. June 21st 2011.

Looks familiar

Seen at Bodo 12th June 2010. A Cargo Link Mak diesel. Looks very much like the unsuccessful Di6.

Trains in the landscape 3

In 2003 I took a day trip from Oslo to Halden, on the border with Sweden. Relations with between the two countries has over the years been very neighbourly. This is a view from the fort. A Swedish train heading for Oslo. Lynx also served the route.