SM42-945 and Ol49-61 at Ełk Depot. Poland. 1995.
Ełk Depot in the far north east of Poland near the border with Lithuania was one of the last depots other than Wolsztyn in the west to regularly use steam. The withdrawal of passenger services on the branch to Gołdap on 1/4/93 pretty much spelled the end for the few remaining serviceable class Ol49's based there although the depot still had 11 on the books in 1993. Efforts were made to create a working heritage fleet much like at Wolsztyn but it sadly came to nothing and the depot seen here has since closed although the half roundhouse building still stands devoid of tracks.
The driver of SM42-945 prepares his loco for service as the sun rapidly sets while 2-6-2 no. Ol49-61 which has been stripped back to the bare metal alongside waits attention. I suspect it was to be a cosmetic repaint as I don't think this one re-entered service.
SM42-945 and Ol49-61 at Ełk Depot. Poland. 1995.
Ełk Depot in the far north east of Poland near the border with Lithuania was one of the last depots other than Wolsztyn in the west to regularly use steam. The withdrawal of passenger services on the branch to Gołdap on 1/4/93 pretty much spelled the end for the few remaining serviceable class Ol49's based there although the depot still had 11 on the books in 1993. Efforts were made to create a working heritage fleet much like at Wolsztyn but it sadly came to nothing and the depot seen here has since closed although the half roundhouse building still stands devoid of tracks.
The driver of SM42-945 prepares his loco for service as the sun rapidly sets while 2-6-2 no. Ol49-61 which has been stripped back to the bare metal alongside waits attention. I suspect it was to be a cosmetic repaint as I don't think this one re-entered service.