Vienna Tramway Network (M Type Trams), Vienna, Austria

 

The Vienna tramway network is a vital part of the public transport system in Vienna. In operation since 1865, the network reached its greatest extent during the interwar period (1918–1939). Today, it is still one of world's largest tram networks, at about 172.1 km (107 mi) in total length. The trams on the network run on standard gauge track. Since 1897, they have been powered by electricity. In 2009, a total of 186.9 million passengers used the network's trams.

Here a M-tramcar with m-trailer which operated in 1973 is seen on the streets of Vienna. These trams are preserved at the Tram Car Museum “Electrische Museumtramlijn” in Amsterdam.

 

Rotterdam 'De Hef' Rail Road Bridge, Netherlands.

‘De Hef’ (‘hef’ means lever) is a steel railroad bridge that connects the Noordereiland (Northern Island) in the Maas river with the Southern part of Rotterdam.. The bridge was built in 1877 as a swing bridge to connect railroad traffic in the North of the Netherlands with the South of the Netherlands. ‘De Hef’ was part of a very long railroad bridge of a few kilometres length that went straight through the city of Rotterdam. In 1918 a German steamship ran into the swing bridge and the swing bridge was destroyed. It was decided that a lift bridge should replace the swing bridge and in 1927 the current lift bridge was completed. It was the first one if its kind in Western Europe. De Hef uses two towers of 60 meters with counterweights of concrete to lift the span parallel with the deck.  This allows big ships to pass under the bridge.

In 1993 a 2800 meter railroad tunnel was opened to replace De Hef and other railroad bridges. Today De Hef is not used anymore, although you can still see the railroad tracks at the bridge. The bridge is always open today and is an official monument.

Red Tram, Lisbon, Portugal.

In three previous posts in November 2012 (2) and July 2012 (1) I have written about the famous Red Trams of Lisbon.

Take an old-style tram and rattle around some of the most interesting parts of Lisbon on the famous Tram Network of Lisbon on a Red Tram. See major landmarks such as the imposing Castle of São Jorge, once a Moorish royal residence, and Santa Maria Maior de Lisboa, Lisbon’s cathedral.  Marvel at the many faces of this richly diverse city. Contrast the old-fashioned village atmosphere of medieval Alfama with the sophistication of upmarket Chiada. Compare the tangled maze of streets and buildings of Mouraria with the grandeur and opulence of Laba.  There are not many places in Europe where you can still ride a tramcar. Going by tram is not only a wonderful way to see Lisbon, it is also a lot of fun!

LRT Kula Lumpur, Malaysia.

Light Rail Transit is a light rail transit system in central Kula Lumpur serving a large part of the Klang Valley Conurbation in Malaysia. The rail network consists of the Ampang Line and Kelana Jaya Line, which were opened in 1995 and 1998 respectively. Along with the KTM Komuter and KL Monorail networks, this system constitutes the core of public transport in Kula Lumpur.

A Rail Road Scenery in Netherlands.

A Train over a Rail Bridge in Netherlands passing the country side on a typical summer day in Netherlands.

Budapest Keleti (East) Railway Station, Hungary.

 

Budapest's  East  Station is the largest of the three international railway stations in Budapest. The 19th century building has an imposing front facade defined by a huge elliptical arch. Built between 1881 and 1884, the station is located in the 8th District on Barros Square, the station was built in an eclectic style, borrowing elements from various styles of popular architecture of the time, including neo-Renaissance. Its reception hall, designed by Gyula Rochlitz, is especially beautiful. Of Budapest's three international railway stations,  East Station  is the largest and most important. Many of the intercity and international trains arrive and depart here. The station is well connected with the rest of the city thanks to the nearby metro station.

 

Double Headed Steam Engines, Czech Republic.

On the reverse of the postcard it says "Double Headed Steam Engines 464.008 and 464.102 is seen leaving railway station at Knzany on an autum day in 1997."

My first post for 2013. I hope you continue to enjoy reading my blog in 2013 and look forward to many more swaps.