I am curious about the level of interest among Trains readers in foreign railroads. Certainly North American railroading logically dominate the interest range, but do readers and forum participants crave information about overseas rail systems? If so, what sources are tapped to learn and stay informed about them?
Incidentally, I work in Taiwan where the rail infrastructure was built during Japanese occupation. The passenger train is still a wonderful mainstay of public transportation here.
I’m interested all freight railroading all over the world. I have mostly been able to follow North American and European trains from english magazines and websites.
I am very interested in all trains from all over the world. I buy a lot of books about world railways. I am able to stay up to date on what’s going on in the U.K. by buying Briti***rain magazines at certain book stores that carry them. Of course a great deal of my knowledge of foreign trains comes from the internet where I’ve been able to find many excellent sites.
My interest in foreign railroads went up by way of the Internet. A copy of Jane’s World Railways provides a lot of basic information. My preference runs to Australia since it tends to look similar to North American railroading although three different gauges provide some variety.
My favorites are the U.K. Japan, Switzerland and Germany. I do wi***rains had more international coverage. I think the USA could learn a lot from the Railroads ovseas, just as I’m sure overseas countries could learn from us. Plus a lot of overseas railroads are being run by U.S companies, Genesee and Wyoming for example, so there is more of a direct link.
I’m an ex-pat Brit Trains and MR subscriber, working and living in the US since '73 and a “foamer” for heavy U.S. freight equipment and operations.
I also try to keep up to date on the British (and European) scene(s) by taking “The Railway Magazine” every month.
All of the British main lines are predominantly Left Hand worked (just like the ex CNW at Rochelle) – What is the convention on double tracks in Taiwan ?
I’ll verify L or R hand running on double track sections before I respond. The rail system was built by the Japanese between 1900 and 1945 but you see a number U.S. built locos hauling freight at this point in time. I just acquired a collection of 9 DVDs about Taiwan RR past and present – produced originally by public television here. Wonderful footage and fully understandable despite Chinese narration and titles.
I’ve got a passing interest in Czech and German railroading, especially Skoda steam and electric locomotives. I also have a soft spot for African steam.
I don’t pursue these interests much, but show me a photo of a condensor or a Garratt and watch me drool!
not only im i interested in american steam i am interested in german steam since june when i came to germany i have been on 2 steamers and i am planning to go on my third tomarrow the american that has invaded german steam till april big boy
Thanks for the link/photos of that monster.
I remember being fascinated by photos and films of those beauties, growing up in England, back in the 50’s.
The text talks about the loco having been “dieselized” at some point. What on earth does that mean ?
I have spent quite a bit of time in Japan and Vietnam. Vietnam uses a 1 meter guage and has no steam left. Japan also has no steam except north of Tokyo there is one excusion that runs once in a while (it has not run for the past two years). JNR (Japan National Railway) prides itself on being-on-time, something I wish Amtrax could also claim. I have heard that Thailand still has some remaining steam about 100 miles outside of Bangkok, but I haven’t allocated the time to research that yet. Maybe next year when i go back to Vietnam. Thanks for the email, Glenn.
I am curious about the level of interest among Trains readers in foreign railroads. Certainly North American railroading logically dominate the interest range, but do readers and forum participants crave information about overseas rail systems? If so, what sources are tapped to learn and stay informed about them?
Incidentally, I work in Taiwan where the rail infrastructure was built during Japanese occupation. The passenger train is still a wonderful mainstay of public transportation here.
I’m interested all freight railroading all over the world. I have mostly been able to follow North American and European trains from english magazines and websites.