The Rhein, Ruhr and the Railways - Germany September 2025
Between Monday 22nd and Friday 25th September 2025 I visited the Ruhr area in Germany. The Ruhr is situated are the industrial heartland of Germany with steel production being the major output from the area. The area encompassing Oberhausen, Duisburg, and Düsseldorf is one of Europe's most vital logistical crossroads, driven primarily by the immense volume of rail freight moving through the Ruhr region. This traffic is essential for both German and international supply chains, linking seaports, industrial centres, and transcontinental routes. The Port of Duisburg (Duisport) is the world's largest inland port and serves as the central hub. It is a major intermodal terminal, connecting water transport (Rhine River) with an extensive rail network. From here, container and general cargo trains run to over 100 destinations across Europe and are a critical stop on the New Silk Road connecting Europe and China.
The German rail freight market has seen a significant shift from the state-owned incumbent, DB Cargo (formerly DB Schenker Rail), towards numerous Private Rail Operators (Non-Group Railways). DB Cargo remains a major player, particularly in bulk, conventional wagon-load, and maintaining strong links to its historic operations and infrastructure. Private operators have captured an increasingly large share of the German rail freight market, often surpassing the incumbent in terms of activity volume. In Germany as a whole, private operators now handle a majority of the rail freight business (by turnover). They are often lauded for their specialization, reliability, and innovative approaches, such as pioneering dual-mode locomotives. In addition to national and international private operators, local players like Duisport Rail GmbH focus on providing comprehensive shunting, regional shuttle, and first/last mile services within the vast port and industrial areas of Duisburg and the surrounding region.
The trip itself had been organized by a good friend who, through unfortunate medical circumstances, fell ill shortly before the trip was due and was unable to travel. After some hasty reconfiguring of bookings and roles within the group, we were still able to make the trip go ahead. Our accommodation that week would be Haus Union Oberhausen, a typically affordable and functional old German hotel which was once a Theatre.
Our five-day trip would see us take in locations such as Lintof, Wedau, and the unique four-track dedicated freight lines at Lotharstraße. Also, Oberhausen Yards/ Depot, and a visit further south to Gremburg Yard (Köln) and Köln West station.
The German rail freight market has seen a significant shift from the state-owned incumbent, DB Cargo (formerly DB Schenker Rail), towards numerous Private Rail Operators (Non-Group Railways). DB Cargo remains a major player, particularly in bulk, conventional wagon-load, and maintaining strong links to its historic operations and infrastructure. Private operators have captured an increasingly large share of the German rail freight market, often surpassing the incumbent in terms of activity volume. In Germany as a whole, private operators now handle a majority of the rail freight business (by turnover). They are often lauded for their specialization, reliability, and innovative approaches, such as pioneering dual-mode locomotives. In addition to national and international private operators, local players like Duisport Rail GmbH focus on providing comprehensive shunting, regional shuttle, and first/last mile services within the vast port and industrial areas of Duisburg and the surrounding region.
The trip itself had been organized by a good friend who, through unfortunate medical circumstances, fell ill shortly before the trip was due and was unable to travel. After some hasty reconfiguring of bookings and roles within the group, we were still able to make the trip go ahead. Our accommodation that week would be Haus Union Oberhausen, a typically affordable and functional old German hotel which was once a Theatre.
Our five-day trip would see us take in locations such as Lintof, Wedau, and the unique four-track dedicated freight lines at Lotharstraße. Also, Oberhausen Yards/ Depot, and a visit further south to Gremburg Yard (Köln) and Köln West station.
Day 1
After driving to London Heathrow and flying out on the 11:00 to Düsseldorf (BA 938 G-EUPB), we collected a hire vehicle and proceeded to our first location at Lintorf, just 9 minutes from the Airport. The Rhur area has numerous operators serving major rail yards and through routes for international and regional freight. We were already aware, as part of the trip, that major line upgrades would see additional freight using the Rhur as a transiting location on diversions from their normal booked route. What we were not aware of was that a coal train derailment had occurred at Emmerich on the Dutch / German border, which had closed one of the diversion routes, serving a large amount of the international traffic, sending this via another alternative route. A second more long-term engineering project to repair a landslide between Düsseldorf-Rath and Essen had also closed another well-used freight route. It wouldn’t be until the next day, when meeting a fellow photographer from the Netherlands, that we would find out why our first afternoon on the lineside was so quiet, with just lime trains transiting between the HKM steelworks and Flandersbach for loading
G--EUPB A319 BA 938- 11:00 London Heathrow - Dusseldorf - 25th September 2025
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With thanks to Finn Møller for the production of this map showing the Frieght Diversion Routes and closed sections of railway.
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Lintforf - 'The Red House'
RBH Logistics MaK G1206 275-804 passes Lintorf heading south with a train of lime hoppers in tow heading south.
Andermund Bahnhof
Andermund Bahnhof is located west of Lintorf and carries passenger services between Düsseldorf and Oberhausen and forms part of the S-Bahn network for Düsseldorf.
DB ICE4 No.412059 (9459) passes through Andermund Station on the 22nd September 2025 heading north from Düsseldorf.
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Rhein Ruhr Express (RRX) operated by National Express passes Andermund on the 22nd September 2025. No.462052 and No.462013 were operated on a Koblenz - Oberhausen Hbf service.
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DB ICE3 403501 heads south towards Düsseldorf on the 22nd September 2025, passing through Aundermund.
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Wedau
Wedau contains a huge array of infrastructure yards for engineering work, including a long welded rail terminal, and houses the DB Infrago Workstadt HQ, which provides engineering support. Alongside the yard areas are the mainline, which normally carries international and local freight; however, as part of the diversions in place, only local traffic was using this route.
RBH 275-806 passes through Wedau on the 22nd September 2025, hauling a rake of seven lime hoppers heading for Flandersbach. Adjacent is the local engineer's yard, where a Railpool electric locomotive 186-145-9 is also in view.
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Railpool Class 186 186-145-9 passes the old Wedau Station on the 22nd September to collect a train from the opposite end of Wedau Engineers Yard.
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DB Yellow Infrastructure 'Rabbit 225-010-8 is pictured at Wedau on the 22nd September 2025.
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DB Werkstadt Duisburg Depot with various engineers and permanent way vehicles on the depot. Kof 333-145-1 'Emma' was also on the depot second line from the left.
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On Depot at Wedau Workstatt Duisburg on the 22nd September 2025. 215-018-3 'Rabbit'
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IntEgro Verkehr Gmbh is a German rail operator that was founded in 2008. No.223144 is a Siemens ER20 Diesel, pictured here at Wedau Yard having arrived with a set of point carriers on the 22nd September 2025.
Day 2
Hochfled Sud
The second day of our trip started with a scouting mission to Duisburg Hochfeld Sud, a unique location, a bridge (conveying trams) crossing lower yards and lines linking to the local steel making industry, and an impressive mainline girder bridge crossing the Rhine. This location has a maze of lines, and through impressive can lead to being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Further images of trams operating through this location can be found here: Duisburg Trams
An Alstom Coradia Continental electric multiple unit 1440 Class (EMU) operated a DB Regio crosses the Duisburg-Hochfeld Railway Bridge over the Rhine on an RB33 service on the 23rd September 2025.
Rhein Rhur Bahn Class 648 units 648-851-2 & 648-686-7 pass over Wanheimer Str with an empty coaching stock move on the 23rd September 2025.
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A DB Ludmilla 234-278-0 passes light engine over Wanheimer Str approaching Duisburg Hochfeld Station on the 23rd September 2025.
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RBH Class 275 MAK G1206 275-802 detaches from its train in Hochfeld Sud Yard to run around and return in the opposite direction on the 23rd September 2025.
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DB Bombardier Class 187 electrics 187-126-8 and 187-123-5 pass Duisburg Hochfeld Sud heading north on steel empties on the 23rd September 2025.
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Hectorrail Class 241 passes over the road at Duisburg Hochfeld Sud on the 23rd September 2025. 241-005-6 was operating light engine northbound.
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DB Alstom Coradia 1440-231 arrives into Duisburg Hochfeld Sud operating RB33 service 09:11 E-Steele – Achen.
HKM Steelworks
HKM specializes in the production of steel and preliminary products, mainly slabs and round bars, which are then used by its shareholders (including Thyssenkrupp Steel and Vallourec) and other processing industries. HKM has an annual production capacity of approximately 5.6 to 6.0 million tonnes of continuously cast crude steel. It is one of the largest integrated iron and steel works in Germany, historically contributing a significant share (around 12%) of the nation's crude steel production. The facility offers a wide range of high-quality steel grades for various applications, including automotive, energy, and mechanical engineering.
Huttenwerk Krupp Mannesmann (HKM) Steelworks in Duisburg is pictured on 23rd September 2025. Krauss Maffei shunter 851 (505-101-2) seen passing on shunting duties at the plant.
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Huttenwerk Krupp Mannesmann (HKM) Steelworks in Duisburg is pictured on 23rd September 2025. Krauss Maffei shunter 856 (505-106-1) seen passing on shunting duties at the plant.
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Huttenwerk Krupp Mannesmann (HKM) Steelworks in Duisburg is pictured on 23rd September 2025. Krauss Maffei shunter 851 (505-101-2) seen returning with a rake of empty steel carriers for loading in the adjacent plant.
Huttenwerk Krupp Mannesmann (HKM) Steelworks in Duisburg is pictured on 23rd September 2025. Krauss Maffei shunter 857 (505-129-3) is pictured pushing a rake of loaded steel slabs through the HKM plant.
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Huttenwerk Krupp Mannesmann (HKM) Steelworks in Duisburg is pictured on 23rd September 2025. Krauss Maffei shunter 851 (505-101-2) seen returning with a rake of empty steel carriers for loading in the adjacent plant.
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Dulken
Dulken is located on the Venlo (Netherlands), Viersen, and Mönchengladbach mainline, and is a key route between the Netherlands and Germany. It is also a key route for the diversion of freight and passenger services during the upgrades and closures of the German mainlines further north. In the background of these shots stands the Dulken Water Tower. It once had a capacity to hold 2000m3 of water. From 1970 through to 2007, it also contained the Highlight Windrose Panoramic Restaurant located above the water tank. Sadly, after a short reopening in 2009, it remains closed.
DB ICE sets 408-017 and 408-009 pass Dülken operating as ICE 123 Amsterdam Central - Frankfurt Main Hbf on the 23rd September 2025. The train service was diverted via the Brabant line to Venlo due to a derailment in Emmerich of a coal train a few days earlier.
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BoxXpress Siemens Vectron No.193-834 passes Dülken with a Rotterdam Maasvlakte - München Riem Ubf container shuttle on the 23rd September 2025.
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Train Charter services operate with a Class 101 and push/ pull set. On the 23rd September 2025 No.101-128 passes Dülken with RE13, train 22617 (13:03 Venlo - Hamm Hbf).
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Captrain liveried by Railtraxx operated Euro Class 66 266001 passes Dülken on the 23rd September 2005 operating an Antwerpen Nord - Adernach service.
DB ICE No.406 019 passes Dülken with a diverted 11:27 Frankfurt Main - Amsterdam service operating as ICE126. The service was diverted due to a derailment of a coal train near Emmerich.
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Lineas Class 186 186-451-1 passes Dülken on the 23rd September 2025. The Traxx locomotive as hauling a SITFA loaded with Ford Cars for export to the UK thought to be operating between Dillingen to Sloehaven.
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Eurobahn Stadler Flirt passenger service operated by ET7.07 (429-512) passes Dülken on the 23rd September 2025. The unit was operating RE13 Train 20083 14:05 Venlo - Hamm.
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With driving trailer leading Train Charter Class 101 101-133 operating and RE13 service passes Dülken on the 23rd September 2025. The loco was operating Train22620 Mönchengladbach Hbf - Venlo.
With a buzzard soaring high above the tracks ICE 3 Neo Class 408 No.408-002 passes Dülken on the 23rd September 2025. The ICE was operating the diverted Train 125 12:38 Amsterdam - Frankfurt.
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DB Siemens Vectron 193035 passes Dülken on the 23rd September 2025 hauling a rake of loaded VTG LPG tanks into Germany from Holland.
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Train Charter Class 101 No.101-133 passes Dülken on the 23rd September 2025 operating the 15:05 Venlo - Mönchengladbach passenger service.
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LTE Vectron 193-280 passes Dülken on the 23rd September 2025 with a Germany bound train of empty container flats.
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Viersen Helenabrunn
Viersen Henenabrunn is a small section of line between Viersen and Mönchengladbach, which has four tracks for both passenger and freight use. This open location is sadly very overgrown, like the main location on the German network; the undergrowth is massively out of control. We spent a short period here before returning to Oberhausen.
Class 1440 No.1440 Alstom Coradia Continental 5 Car EMU No.1440-231 passes Viersen Helenabrunn operating the 16:13 Duisburg - Archen RB33 DB Regio/ NWL service.
Eurobahn Stadler Flirt ET7.03 (Five Car) and ET6.02 (Four Car) pass Viersen Helenabrunn on the 23rd September 2025, operating the 16:05 Venlo - Hamm service.
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DB Regio 1428-505 and 1429-012 pass Viersen Helenabrunn operating RE32 Service 14:36 Munster - Mönchengladbach.
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VIAS Stalder Class 1429 units No.ET25 2206 passes Viersen Helenabrunn operating RB35 service, the 15:39 Gelsenkirchen Hbf - Mönchengladbach Hbf.
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Railpool Siemens Vectron No.193-176-5 heads into Germany with containers from Rotterdam passing Viersen Helenabrunn on the 23rd September 2025.
Marking the 750th Vectron built European Locomotive Leasing locomotive 193-756-4 passes Viersen Helenabrunn with an intermodal from France into Germany on the 23rd September 2025.
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Diverted BD ICE3 Neo No.408016 (8016) passes Viersen Helenabrunn on the 23rd September 2025, most likely operating a diverted Amsterdam - Frankfurt service.
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Day 3:
Wedau
The infrastructure yard area at Wedau is a busy location for shunting, and locomotives collecting/ delivering trains heading to and from the German network. We visited this location a few times, as the bridge at the south end of the yard, and the former small terminus halt provide excellent vantage points to view operations.
Railpool Class 187 No.187-311-6 is pictured stabled in the engineering yard at Wedau on the 24th September 2025.
650 119-7 – Voest Alpine, Vossloh G6 is pictured at Wedau shunting rail wagons into a rail yard for loading on the 24th September 2025.
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DB Shunter 363-160-3 is pictured shunting at Wedau Engineers Yard on the 24th September 2025.
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333 145-1 'Emma' DB Gleisbau, Kof Yellow Infra livery is pictured in Yard Polit duties at Werkstatt Duisburg on the 24th September 2025.
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802 RHB- Vossloh/ Mak G1206 No.275 802-3 passes Wedau Yard with a southbound lime train to Flandersbach.
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DB Shunter 294-780-2 pushes a rake of wagons past the former Wedau Station on the 24th September 2025 into the rail yard for loading.
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804 RHB- Vossloh/ Mak G1206 No.275-804-9 passes Wedau heading south with a , Flandersbach lime train on the 24th Setpember 2025.
Oberhausen:
The Church spire of St. Pankratius towers over the yard stabling area at Oberhausen Depot on the 24th September 2025. Stadler Euroduel 2159-243-5 is pictured alongside DB Traxx No.185-074-2 and No.187-185-4.
Euro Cargo Rail Class 66 No.77-010-2 is pictured at Oberhausen Depot on the 24th September 2025.
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DB Shunter 362-291-9 is pictured stabled in Oberhausen Yard on the 24th September 2025.
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DB Shunter 362-291-9 is pictured stabled in Oberhausen Yard on the 24th September 2025. At the rear of its train is 151-167-4 and adjacent preserved TRI 110-448-8.
Preserved Class 110 TRI 110-448-8 is pictured alongside a Vectron at Oberhausen Depot on the 24th September 2025. In the wagons behind at the hoods from two Class 66 locomotives, with one loco visible in the shed behind.
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Preserved Class 110 TRI 110-448-8 is pictured alongside 151-167-4 at Oberhausen Depot on the 24th September 2025. In the wagons behind at the hoods from two Class 66 locomotives, with one loco visible in the shed behind.
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Lotharstraße:
Lotharstraße is a four-track freight-only route in the Duisburg area. It is a popular and well-known photographic spot, specifically the Abzweig Lotharstraße (Lotharstraße Junction). The area is characterized by extremely heavy rail traffic, particularly freight trains. This route is a critical artery for cargo heading to and from the major ports and industrial centres of the Ruhr area. The area is linked by six bridges, all accessible from an adjacent forest walking route. The appeal of Lotharstraße lies in its ability to consistently deliver a high volume and wide variety of modern European railway operations. It is an excellent spot for photographers and videographers interested in capturing the pulse of the industrial German rail network.
DB Cargo Class 152 Electric No.152-048-5 is pictured at Lotharstraße passing north with a mixed freight / steel train on the 24th September 2025.
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RBH Class 275 MAK G1206 No.275-804-9 heads north through Lotharstraße with two lime wagons in tow on the 24th September 2025.
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An Interesting pair of DB Cargo branded Class 186 electrics passes Lotharstraße on the 24th September 2025. Lead locomotive 186-231 (Ex Belgian) and 186-116 (Ex Belgian and Dutch) provide traction for a northbound empty Iron Ore.
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Euro Cargo Rail livered Class 66 No.247-038-2 passes Lotharstraße heading north with a loaded train of steel slabs on the 24th September 2025.
AIX Rail, G2000 BB No.272-407 passes through Lotharstraße operating light engine on the 24th September 2025.
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EX LTE Logistik und Transport GmbH now operated by DB Cargo No.185-607-9 passes Lotharstraße with a northbound Intermodal on the 25th September 2025.
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Operating light engine through Lotharstraße on the 24th September 2025. CFL Carog 188-083 heads north.
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DB Cargo branded Bombardier Traxx Class 185 No.185-607-9 passes Lotharstraße heading south with a mixed train of tanks on the 24th September 2025.
AIX Rail 'Rabbit' No.218-487-7 heads south through Lotharstraße light engine on the 24th September 2025 to collect wagons from Wedau Yard.
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Niag Lok4 Class 209/ V100.10 No.209-001-7 passes through Lotharstraße on the 24th September 2025 with three GATX Lime Wagons.
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DB Class 189 No.189-022-7 passes Lotharstraße on the 24th September 2025 operating northbound gas tanks.
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A pair of Erfurter Bahn Service pass through Lotharstraße on the 24th October 2025 hauling a rake of grain hoppers north.
Thyssenkrupp 544 (No.275-814-2) passes Lotharstraße heading south on the 29th September 2025 with a rake of lime hoppers in tow.
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Vossloh G2000BB South Tanks- LINEAS/ Independent Rail Partner liveried locomotive 273-106-5 (Fleet No.2105) passes Lotharstraße on the 24th September 2025 with a rake of tanks.
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A DB Cargo Electric/ Diesel combination Class 185 No.185-273-0 and Diesel No.294-827-1 operating a mixed freight north through Lotharstraße crossing tracks on the 24th September 2025.
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DB Cargo Siemens 'Vectron' No.193-035 heads north through Lotharstraße hauling a mixed freight on the 24th September 2025.
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Railflex LOK3 No.275-814-2 passes Lotharstraße with a rake on tanks heading north on the 24th September 2025.
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Thyssenkrupp G1206 locomotives No.275-845-6 (543) and No.275-837-7 (542) power north on a loaded steel train through Lotharstraße on the 24th September 2025.
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Euro Cargo Rail Class 66 locomotive with two numbers 247-054-0 and 266-454-8 passes light engine through Lotharstraße on the 24th September 2025.
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A French Altsom Prima No.37022 operated by Captrain passes through Lotharstraße on the 24th September 2025 hauling a loaded southbound steel train.
DB Cargo Siemens Vectron in 'Das ist Grun' livery passes southbound through Lotharstraße on the 24th September 2025 hauling a train of Ford Cars for export to the UK (most likely via Rotterdam).
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DB Cargo Siemens Vectron in 'Das ist Grun' livery passes southbound through Lotharstraße on the 24th September 2025 hauling a train of Ford Cars for export to the UK (most likely via Rotterdam).
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A Captrain V144 Diesel No.200-006-06 heads north through Lotharstraße on the 24th September 2025 with a covered steel train transferring between yards.
European Locomotive Leasing Siemens Vectron operated by Rail Force One No.193-946 passes Lotharstraße with a rake of northbound tanks on the 24th September 2025.
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AIX Rail Class 218 'Rabbit No.218-487-7 passes through Lotharstraße on the 24th September 2025 having collected at rake of engineers wagons from Wedau Yard.
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DB Cargo Class 185 No.185-225-0 passes north through Lotharstraße on the 24th September 2025 hauling a covered steel train.
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DB Black liveried 189-091-2 (fitted for working in the Netherlands) passes Lotharstraße on the 24th September 2025 operating a covered steel service passing AIX Rail 'Rabbit' 218-487-7 heading north on an engineers train.
A Duisport Rail Class 295 No.295-064-0 heads south through Lotharstraße heading for Wedau Yard on the 24th September 2025 with a mixed engineers train in tow.
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A Beacon Rail Class 185 No.185-545-1 passes Lotharstraße heading North on the 24th September 2025. Operated by Railtrans International, Slovakia, the covered steel train passes a track panel train heading south.
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Lineas Class 186 slowly moves forward at Lotharstraße heading south on the 24th September 2025 having waited for a path south hauling a mixed steel train.
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Railflex LOK3 No.275-814-2 returns south through Lotharstraße on the 24th September 2025 with a rake of tanks.
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Euro Cargo Rail Class 66 No.266-447-2 passes through Lotharstraße on the 24th September 2025 with a mixed steel train heading north.
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Day 4:
Gremburg Yard ( Köln )
The Köln-Gremberg Yard (Rbf - Rangierbahnhof or marshalling yard) in Cologne, Germany, is a highly significant and popular location for railway photography due to its intense freight traffic and strategic position. Gremberg is situated in the south of Cologne, on the right (eastern) bank of the Rhine River. It is one of the largest marshalling yards in Germany, making it a fantastic "hotspot" for witnessing a constant flow of diverse rail operations. The activity often includes a high number of different motive power types from various operators. On the day of our visit, traffic levels were down because of the various line closures and diversions in place.
A tatty (Ex Railion) DB Class 185 No.185-179-9 exits from Gremburg Yard on the 25th September 2025 hauling a consist north toward Koln Kalk.
DB Cargo Class 185 No.185-239-1 arrives at Gremburg Yard with loaded steel coils on the 25th September 2025.
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DB Cargo Voith Diesel 261-101-0 arrives at Gremburg Yard (possibly originating from Koln Kalk yard) with a mixed freight for processing on the 25th September 2025.
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Netherlands operator RlysS/ Akiem Class 186 No.186-042-5 passes Gremburg Yard taking the avoiding lines on the 25th September 2025, hauling a rake of curtainsider wagons.
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Having previously arrived at Gremburg Yard on the 25th September 2025, Voith-built DB Cargo locomotive 261-101-0 pulls forward to pick up its next diagram, while DB Class 296 No.296-050-8 departs Gremburg Yard light engine.
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DB Railion liveried Class 296 No.296-053-2 arrives light engine into Gremburg Yard on the 25th September 2025.
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DG Cargo Siemens Vectron Class 193 No.193306 departs from Gremburg Yard with a rake of gas tanks on the 25th September 2025.
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Brightly coloured Class 186 No.186-117-5 operated by Crossrail passes Gremburg Yard with covered car carriers heading south from Zeebrugge on the 25th September 2025.
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DB Voith Class 261 No.261-101-0 departs from Gremburg Yard with a mixed freight service (possibly to Koln Kalk Yard) on the 25th September 2025.
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TX Logistik operates a lorry intermodal service through Gremburg Yard using the avoiding lines on the 25th September 2025 using a locomotive from European Locomotive Leasing (ELL), Siemens Vectron No.193-277-1.
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DB Cargo Siemens Duel Mode Vectron No.249-022-5 exits from Gremburg Yard on the 25th September 2025 having arrived off depot to join its train.
Köln West
Köln West station (Bahnhof Köln West) is a strategically located transport hub in Cologne, Germany, that offers a unique combination of commuter services and high-volume through freight traffic. The station is situated on the north-western edge of Cologne's inner city. Two Platform Tracks for regional and local passenger trains and Eight Through Tracks (Without Platforms) dedicated to freight traffic, running directly past the passenger area. Freight traffic includes Traffic to and from the Western Seaports (Rotterdam/Antwerp) towards central and southern Germany and beyond (e.g., towards Gremberg Yard for further distribution), through freight bypassing the central station, destined for the Ruhr region (north) or the Rhine-Main area (south).
SBB Cargo Siemens Vectron Class 193 No.193-540-2 passes Koln West on the 25th September 2025 with a northbound intermodal service.
DB Class 620 - Alstom Coradia LINT 81 No.620-036 arrives into Koln West on the 25th September 2025. The unit as operating RB24 13:05 Kall – Koln Messe/Deutz
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Bombardier Talent 2 EMU442-654 is pictured at the rear of the 12:43 Wuppertal-Oberbarmen – Bonn Mehlem passenger service. Pictured at Koln West on the 25th October 2025.
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A pair of KAF build MTU 8V 4000 locomotives pass through Koln West with an engineers service on the 25th September 2025. The locomotives 271-022-6 and 271 006-9 are pictured.
ICE No.401-569 passes non-stop through Koln West station on the 25th September 2025 while operating ICE1025 service 12:47 Aachen- Berlin OST.
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National Express operated Rhine Ruhr Express passes through Koln West on the 25th September 2025. No.462044 and No.462042 were operating RE5 13:07 Wesel Bhf – Koblenz Hbf.
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Ned LOX Class 215 No.215-054-1 passes Koln West on the 25th September 2025 operating a small engineers train.
BLS Siemens Vectron 475-407-3 passes through Koln West on the 25th September 2025 while operating a diverted intermodal service.
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Beacon Rail Siemens Vectron Class 193 No.193-851-6 X4E 451 heads north through Koln West hauling fuel tanks on the 25th September 2025.
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Brohltal - Eisenbahn Class 218 No.218-396-0 passes south through Koln West on the 26th September 2025 hauling a loaded steel slab train.
BLS Cargo Class 485 No.485-010 passes north through Koln West on the 25th September 2025 with an Intermodal from Switzerland.
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Rhein Cargo Class 4185 Vossloh DE18 No.4185-020-9 (DE504) passes Koln West on the 25th September 2025 with an empty intermodal transfer.
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Riding on the rear of a southbound Intemodal hauled by Rhine Cargo Class 4185, is Polish registered Siemens Vectron Cargonut No.193-240 (370-071-0) 'Paul' passing Koln West on the 25th September 2025.
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National Express Bombardier Talent EMU No.442149 is pictured at Koln West with the Koln TV tower in the background on the 25th September 2025. The set was operating RB48 Train 17343 the 13:40 Wuppertal-Oberbarmen to Bonn-Mehelm.
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Three Siements Trans Regio Class 460 units arrive into Koln West on the 25th September 2024 operating the 12:03 Mainz HBC - Koln Messe/Deutz passenger service.
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Rhein Cargo Class 266 No.266-068-6 (DE68) 'Klaus Meschende' passes light engine through Koln West on the 25th September 2025 light engine.
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Rhein Cargo Siemens Bi-mode Vectron No.248-059-8 (DM4003) passes through Koln West on the 25th September 2025 light engine heading North.
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Lineas operated Class 186 from Railpool No.186-457-8 is pictured passing light engine through Koln West heading south on the 25th September 2025.
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Class 209 V100.10 LOK4 operated by NIAG passes through Koln West with a rake of powered lime wagons on the 25th September 2025.
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SBB Cargo International Siemens Vectron No.193-456-1 passes Koln West on the 25 September 2025 operating a southbound tank train.
DB Class 147 No.147-574-88 passes non-stop through Koln West heading north with a regional DB passenger service on the 25th September 2025. In the background DB locomotive 265-031-5 arrives into the Koln West sidings to be held before proceeding later.
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Voith built DB Class 265 (fitted with an MTU 12V 4000 R43 engine) arrives int the holding sidings at Koln West on the 25th September 2025 with a northbound tank train.
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Railpool Class 186 No.186492 passes north through Koln West on the 25th September 2025 operating a mixed tank train.
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DB Class 185 No.185-029-6 passes Koln West on the 25th September 2025 hauling a rake of side tipping loaded ballast wagons.
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National Express operated Rhien Rhur Express Siemens Units No.462006 and No.462021 pass through Koln West operating RE5 service the 14:16 Koblenz Hbf - Friedrichsfeld (Niederrhein).
DB Alstom Lint 3 Car DMU No.620-017 arrives into Kolln West on the 25th September 2025 operating an RB22 Koln Messe/Deutz.
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National Express Bombardier Talent 2 EMU No.442-158 is pictured at Koln West on the 25th September 2025. The unit was operating BG48 Train 17347 the 14:43 Wuppertal-Oberbarmen - Bonn-Mehlem.
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DB Diagnosetriebwagen No.160-003-6 (725-101) passes through Koln West on the 125th September 2025. In the background DB Class 189 No.189-024-3 waits to follow through the passing lines.
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DB Class 189 No.189-024-3 passes through Koln West on the 25th September 2025 with a rake of cargovans in tow.
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DB Class 101 No.101-057-8 passes through Koln West with a northbound intercity service on the 25th September 2025. The loco carries a 2021 livery celebrating European Year of Rail 2021.
A Stalder Euroduel 9000 passes through Koln West on the 25th Setpember 2025 hauling a rake of empty ore hoppers. The European Loc Pool (ELP) locomotive fleet is renown for being painted in outlandish and bold liveries which are thought to help combat graffiti attacks. No.2019-323-5 carries a striking graffiti like livery.
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Belgian registered Class 186 No.186-228-3 passes north through Koln West with an intermodal on the 25th September 2025.
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A rare appearance of a Munich S Bahn unit No.423-238-5 passes through Koln West heading North on the 25th September 2025.
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Siemens Desiro 3 Car EMUs TransRegio Cl 460 No.460510 No.460514 and No.460508 arrive into Koln West on the 25th September 2025 operating the 14:03 Mainz HBC – Koln Messe/Deutz.
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DB Cargo Class 185 No.185-239-1 returns with empty wagons from Gremburg Yard heading north through Koln West on the 29th September 2025.
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A NRAIL Siemens Bi-mode Vectron No.248-046 passes north through Koln West on the 25th September 2025 operating light engine.
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With 'Ersatzzug' (Replacement Train) on the digital display, a test train passes through the platform at Koln West on the 29th September 2025. The locomotive pushing from the rear was IntEgro No.223-152-0 a Siemens ER20 Diesel. In the background two BLS Siemens Vectrons also heading north with an intermodel.
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BLS Siemens Vectrons No.475-421-4 and No.475-420-6 double head north with an intermodal through Koln West on the 25th September 2025.
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BLS Cargo Class 485 No.485013 passes between two National Express Units at Koln West on the 25th September 2025 while operating a northbound intermodal.
Day 5:
Oberhausen
Beacon Rail Siemens 'Taurus' Class 182 No.182-523-1 (ES 64 U2-023) is pictured at Oberhausen on the 26th September 2025 waiting to depart with an RE11 Oberhausen - Dusseldorf shuttle service.
EH159 a former Dusiburg Steelworks locomotive preserved at Museumsbahnhof Oberhausen HBf complete with former torpedo and ladel wagons on the Museum Platform.
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A former pouring ladel for molten metal displayed on the Museum Platform at Oberhausen Hbf on the 25th September 2025.
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EH159 a former Dusiburg Steelworks locomotive preserved at Museumsbahnhof Oberhausen HBf complete with former torpedo and ladel wagons on the Museum Platform.
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EH159 a former Dusiburg Steelworks locomotive preserved at Museumsbahnhof Oberhausen HBf complete with former torpedo and ladel wagons on the Museum Platform.
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DB Stadler Flirt No.3249-017 arrives into Oberhausen HBF on the 26th September 2025 operating an RB32 service to Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
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National Express Rhein Rhur Express Class 462 units No.462079 and No.462016 arrive into Oberhausen Hbf on the 26th September 2025.
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Eurobahn Class 429 Stadler Flirt ET7 03 departs from Oberhausen with an RE3 service heading to Dusseldorf Hbf on the 25th September 2025.
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VIAS Stadler Flirt ET25 2213 arives into Oberhausen Hbf on he 25th September 2025 ready to operate the RB35 09:02 Oberhausen Hbf – Gelsenkirchen Hbf
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Lotharstraße:
DB Cargo Class 189 No.189-087-0 is pictured paused at Lotharstraße on the 26th September 2025, passing northbound is European Locomotive Leasing Siemens Vectron No.193-266 hauling an intermodal.
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Railpool Trax Class 186 locomotive No.186-421-4 heads north through Lotharstraße hauling an intermodal from Poland on the 26th September 2025.
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A Siemens Vectron 193-430-5 in white undercoat livery heads south through Lotharstraße on the 26th September 2025, hauling a southbound intermodal.
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DB ICE4 No.412-232 (9232) passes through Lotharstraße on the 26th September 2025 with an empty stock movement.
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Akiem Class 189 No.189-453-4 heads south through Lotharstraße on the 26th September 2025, hauling a train of loaded Skoda cars.
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Independent Rail Partner Vossloh G2000BB No.273-106-5 (2105) powers north through Lotharstraße on the 26th September 2025, hauling a rake of gas tanks.
Austrian OBB Siemens Vectron No.293-189-7 (1293-189) passes through the four-track freight-only section at Lotharstraße on the 26th September 2025, hauling a mixed freight north.
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A pair of DB Cargo Class 189 locomotives No.189-087-0 and No.189-025-0 pass through Lotharstraße heading north hauling a loaded coal train heading for the Netherlands.
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A pair of MaK Vossloh locomotives head south at Lotharstraße on the 26th September 2025. No.275-835 (542) and 275-845 (543) were hauling a rake of empty steel flats south for loading at the local steel plant.
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EHG MaK, Vossloh No.275-851 (544) heading north through Lotharstraße with a rake of covered hot ingot wagons being transferred between steelwork processing centres on the 26th October 2025.
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Bombardier Flexity low-floor tram NO.2010 passes over the four-track freight line at Lotharstraße on the 26th September 2025, operating a 901 service. Coming under the road/rail bridge SBB Class 482 No.482-021-3 rolls to a stop with a southbound intermodal.
SBB Class 482 No.482-021-3 rolls to a stop with a southbound intermodal at Lotharstraße on the 26th September 2025 with a southbound intermodal.
One of the main Railpool Siemens Vectrons leased to Retrack passes through Lotharstraße heading north light engine on the 26th September 2026.
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CAPTRAIN/ Dortmunder Eisenbahn MAK G2000 No.273-004-2 (1032) passes light engine through Lotharstraße on the 26th September 2025.
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Duisport Rail Vossloh MaK DE18 No.4185-037-3 passes north through Lotharstraße on the 26th September 2025, light engine.
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DB Cargo Siemens Vectron No.193-371-2 passes through Lotharstraße with a northbound train of tanks in tow on the 29th September 2025.
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A pair of DB Class 189 locomotives No.189-030-0 and No.189-046-6, crawl slowly south at Lotharstraße on the 26th September 2025 to wait for a path through the four-track section.
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Class 275 MAK G1206 No.275-016-4 pauses adjacent to two DB Class 189 locomotives No 189-030-0 and No.189-046-6 also waiting with a southbound ore train on the 26th September 2025.
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Austrian OBB Siemens Vectron No.293-032-9 (1293-032) passes Lotharstraße with a rake of northbound cargowagons on the 26th September 2025.
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A three trains meet at Lotharstraße on the 26th September 2025. DB Class 189 locomotives 189-030-0 and 189-046-6 wait on an empty ion ore to head south, light engine North Rail Class 275 No.275-016-4 also waits to head south, and OBB Siemens Vectron No.293-032-9 passes heading north.
Extra Links:
Duisburg Trams
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Oberhausen Trams
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Dusseldorf Trams
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