November 1999, 5 intrepid members of the Basingstoke Model Railway Club went off to Euskirchen, Germany, using Eurostar through the Channel Tunnel to Brussels, then ordinary trains to Koln, and thence Euskirchen, where we visited the model railway club of our twin town. We were given a very warm welcome, hot food and cold beer. A very interesting trip around the carriage depot at Koln was organised for us, and after plenty of sightseeing and train spotting, we reluctantly returned home after an all too short weekend, looking forward to a return visit, and planning a reciprocal visit next year.
Our intrepid travellers about to board the Eurostar at Waterloo (London).
Belgian Locos at Brussells railway station.
Impressive trackwork at Brussells railway station.
A general view at Brussells railway station.
Official Meeting showing the 'Beware of Trains' sign we presented to the German club, and our extra large return ticket.
Welcome Dinner at the Euskirchen Clubrooms on our arrival.
Another view of the Welcome Dinner.
The Town Square at Euskirchen.
Most of the party at Euskirchen railway station ready for a day in Koln.
Tilting local train (Talent) at Euskirchen station.
The carriage maintenance shed in Koln (Cologne).
Trying out the leather on the all business class 'Metropolitan' train.
Driving trailer of the 'Metropolitan' train.
Locomotive of the 'Metropolitan' train.
Viewing the turntable at the depot.
Roundhouse at depot in Koln.
Having a turn at Koln.
Another loco takes a ride on the turntable.
We have our turn with a ride on the turntable.
Want to be a train driver? Dave climbing aboard a new loco.
Ex East German locomotive passing the depot at Koln.
ICE(T) the latest tilting train, still undergoing trials. We were allowed inside for a look round
Bogie of the ICE(T).
ICE Inter City Express.
Koln Hbf Cologne main railway station.
A shunting loco at the Koln depot.
The shunting loco again.
The shunting loco in action.
Train washer at Koln depot.
Control panel in the tower controlling the depot.
View from the tower controlling the Koln depot.
Another view from the tower.
And another view from the tower.
A final view from the tower.
Looking towards Koln Hbf from the carriage maintenance shed.
Lunch at Peter's Brauhaus, Koln.
Peter at Peter's Brauhaus, Koln.
Tram Stop in Koln.
Koln (Cologne) some of us with the cathedral (Dom) in the background.
Railway bridge over the Rhine at Koln.
Unexpected surprise passing through Koln station with the light fading.
The Kriegslok and a lot of surprised commuters.
Our train that will take us from Koln to Brussells.
Thalys train at Brussells railway station.
Trams outside Brussells railway station.
More trams outside Brussells railway station.
Another tram outside Brussells railway station.
Back at Waterloo worn out, and still another train ride back to Basingstoke to go.
