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It was 2 minutes early into Drogheda, a minute late leaving and on-time into Connolly

In late April 2024 I visited Germany for a few reasons, but with a bit of time for exploring by rail. Photos from Hamburg, Hannover, Eschede, Berlin, Niebüll and Dagebüll Mole. Click on the photo below to view them all Regards, Kieran

The middle of March 2025 saw me in Italy and Switzerland. While not a full enthusiast trip in Italy, I did manage to get to Cassino and spend an unintended spell in Milan (my planned route from Rome to Zurich was via Domodossola, but due to the train from Rome being an hour late the more direct route had to be taken). A spin out to Chur and the street running there followed, along with a slow run back to Zurich stopping off (and walking a section) along the way. Click on the photo below to view them all Regards, Kieran

At the beginning of March, I visited the Netherlands for a concert in Haarlem (Unleash the Archers for those interested). Of course I squeezed in some travelling across the Dutch rail network, and instead of flying back from Amsterdam decided to do the more classic train - ferry option (with Eurostar replacing the cross-channel ferry). Click on the photo below to view them all Regards, Kieran

Not for a long time. 22001 was the test bed for IEHS and was semi-permanently formed for a good while with 22002 as a "6" ICR. When IEHS was dropped, 22001 became the test bed for ETCS but was done in a way that the equipment could be swapped with standard equipment, thus only withdrawing the set when required. 22002 returned to being a 3 ICR and part of the usual fleet with no restrictions. With 22039's incident in Westport, it was decided to swap 22202 with 22139 to retain a 6 ICR with NIR equipment, and reallocate the centre car from 22002 to form another 4 ICR.

M3 Parkway - Clonsilla - Drumcondra - Connolly.

Not really. A TEA tank is 24 tonnes empty 102 tonnes laded.

January and February 2025 were extremely quite due to other commitments, but the year started off with a quick week-long family visit to the UK and a couple of regular movements in and around Dublin Regards, Kieran

Not the last sets

From the far north to the far south of Finland in under a day is possible (Kolari - Hanko via Helsinki). A long end ending up in Pasila just outside Helsinki. Click on the photo below to view them all Regards, Kieran

The very northern tip of the Finnish passenger network doesn't see many trains, in fact in December it was two each way - the sleeper and a timber. Click on the photo below to look at the loco change in Oulu and services in Kolari Regards, Kieran

Nearing the end of the Finnish adventure, with a trip from Tampere to Kolari (overnight) via Toijara, Riihimäki and Hiekkaharju Regards, Kieran

At the moment they have 6x Dr18s (CZ 774s) and currently the one Vectron but two more due for delivery this year. Their website is an interesting read https://www.fenniarail.fi/en/kalusto, and appears to be doing a lot of timber work. One of the Dr18s derailed in Tampere somewhat recently (track spread) so they seem to be expanding operations around. Makes a change to a constant stream of VR traffic!

The Finnish trip continues, with a trip from Tampere to Turku, onwards to Helsinki and back to Tampere with a pair of Sr1s, then falling upon the below Sr1 hauled Intercity service (with a failed Vectron on the rear). Click on the photo below to view them all Regards, Kieran

Only more winterised to cope with the temperatures and snowfall