In the early 1980s, Turkey was a mecca for steam enthusiasts, with no
less than 13 major locomotive types in widespread operation, ranging
from humble shunters, mid to heavy freight engines and express passenger
locos. They performed in yards, (often with indifferent appearance),on
intense suburban service, branch line work, fast and heavy freights and
important passenger trains. Even in the last years many locos were kept
clean and often embellished with bright paint. Turkey is a country of
varied and dramatic scenery, and embraces vast plains and high
mountains. The distances were often great and the gradients punishing.
Many long distance trains ran considerably late, and rail travel was
somewhat of an adventure, albeit a thrilling one.
Most enthusiasts travelling to Turkey took still photographs, with different needs to that of taking film. Chasing fast trains meant grabbing what you could, often with no time to survey the scene or set up, and making your way back to the car with the rest of the guys. If the getaway was delayed by taking a nice "going away" shot, you would face the wrath of the still photographers, as you might compromise the next shot.
Most enthusiasts travelling to Turkey took still photographs, with different needs to that of taking film. Chasing fast trains meant grabbing what you could, often with no time to survey the scene or set up, and making your way back to the car with the rest of the guys. If the getaway was delayed by taking a nice "going away" shot, you would face the wrath of the still photographers, as you might compromise the next shot.
There
was certainly no room or no time for a tripod, so many of the hand-held
shots are quite shaky, especially after running up a mountainside and
being out of breath! In all, it was a lot of fun. We visited areas off
the tourist trail and we were greeted with warmth and hospitality.
Sometimes when waiting on the lineside for a late train we were invited
for a meal by a local family. When we explained we would miss our
"photographic opportunity", they would bring the dinner out to us.
Hearing a shrill, crowing whistle drifting distantly in the still air, a strong Turkish tea (çay) early in the morning, looking for a bakery to eat delicious fresh bread for breakfast, visiting the local baths (Hammam) after a dusty day - all evocative delights of a visit there. I hope these flickering, sometimes unsteady images do some justice to a wonderful country and a fascinating railway.
Thanks to www.trainsofturkey.com for confirming locomotive details.
Thanks to Planet Television, London for film digital transfer.
Thanks to the enginemen of the TCDD for their friendliness, cooperation and the many invitations to see inside their locos.
Thanks to BONUSAGA for the Turkish translation below.
His excellent channel can be found here
http://www.youtube.com/user/bonusaga
Hearing a shrill, crowing whistle drifting distantly in the still air, a strong Turkish tea (çay) early in the morning, looking for a bakery to eat delicious fresh bread for breakfast, visiting the local baths (Hammam) after a dusty day - all evocative delights of a visit there. I hope these flickering, sometimes unsteady images do some justice to a wonderful country and a fascinating railway.
Thanks to www.trainsofturkey.com for confirming locomotive details.
Thanks to Planet Television, London for film digital transfer.
Thanks to the enginemen of the TCDD for their friendliness, cooperation and the many invitations to see inside their locos.
Thanks to BONUSAGA for the Turkish translation below.
His excellent channel can be found here
http://www.youtube.com/user/bonusaga
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