Following the demise of steam on BR in 1968, enthusiasts sought out steam in other ways and many visited Austria where their passion could be combined with Alpine scenery. Even as late as 1972, there were still hundreds of steam locomotives in OBB (Austrian Federal Railways) stock.
Steam was concentrated in the east, including Vienna, Graz and Linz. Numerically the largest were the German 'Kreigslok' (War Engine) Class 52 2-10-0s (the equivalent to the British WD classes) with their 'Kabinetender' (Cabin Tender). Other designs seen include the Class 50 (predecessor of Class 52) and the Class 152 (bar-framed Class 52).
We see steam on passenger services around Vienna with Class 77 4-6-2Ts, the big Class 78 4-6-4Ts, and the rugged Class 93 2-8-2Ts or 'Dampftriebwagens' (Steam Railcars) which included an integral guard's and baggage compartment.
Austria had borders with Eastern Bloc countries and we see locomotives from Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia and Hungary plus an inter-city DMU from East Germany.
It was refreshing to see some Austrian steam narrow-gauge systems working for a living and not just tourist lines. We visit the Steyr Valley Railway from Garsten with its 0-6-2Ts, and the lines around Gmund with 0-8-0 articulated-tender engines and transporter wagons.
There were also old and interesting electric locomotives including the Mariazellbahn Railway whose locomotives dated from 1911, and the impressive 'Crocodiles' with their long noses reminiscent of the snout of a crocodile.
Filmed entirely in colour over the ten years or so from 1963, a detailed commentary plus soundtrack complements this nostalgic look at the railways of Austria.
Produced by - B & R Video Productions
Running time - 60 Minutes
Colour
DVD only
Released - October 2015
