We had traveled to Andalusia to carry out an exhaustive monitoring of the circulation of the charter train rented by PTG Tours. As usual, each appearance of the train through the beautiful Andalusian landscapes produced a soothing effect on our battered "rail-amateur" spirit. Everything was going perfectly, but it could be even better if those in charge of the train decided to put the precious 1603 at the head of the train . It is true that between Almería and Granada it had led the composition, but when traveling at night it was unthinkable to take a worthwhile photo of it. To make matters worse, on that journey the train skipped the scheduled stop in Guadix where we were waiting for it with a whole array of tripods. The next day, more of the same and with tremendous disgust after hearing that in Linares they had separated this locomotive from the composition to refuel oil since, according to rumors, it had mechanical problems. On Wednesday, the elusive 1603 was leaving Malaga again behind its sisters but, at least, we were able to verify at the same station that the locomotive was idling so there was a remote possibility that it was leading the train between Bobadilla and Algeciras. When a friend confirmed that our wish had come true, we almost experienced it more as a disappointment than a joy. Because of the shadows in the morning we had to move to an alternative point where the "black nose" was guaranteed. While my companions moved through the bush looking for a better illuminated point, I began to become obsessed with a possible lateral framing and I did not pay due attention to them until they began to yell at me to come closer to where they were. As they are people with very good judgment, I started running through a muddy field as if I were thirty years younger and I arrived with more than enough time to take what I consider my best photo of this fabulous trip through Andalusia. Wonderful trains and even better friends, what more could you ask for?
Not
just heritage schemes, not just commemorative schemes - this album is devoted to some of the world's most interesting paint schemes, past or present.
