Notes

The DR class 130 (nicknamed “Ludmilla”) and all it’s derived types, most notably and numerous the DBAG class 232, looks good in just about any paint scheme one has ever thrown at it. Still, the best it ever had, in my opinion, remains the bordeaux red livery of Epoch IV.

Epoch IV is a german model railroading term meaning the time from 1970 (in the GDR, which is relevant here. In the west it started 1968) to either 1990 (german re-unification) or 1994 (DB and DR merged to DB AG), depending on what definition you use. The paint scheme that the Ludmillas wore in that period is no longer seen in DB service. A number of private railroad companies have bought used Ludmillas, and some, such as EfW here, have reverted theirs to their original glory.

232 088 is standing here almost exactly at kilometer 50, just outside Langerwehe station, with a train full of concrete sleepers for track maintenance between here and Eschweiler. All the running to catch it in the heat was no fun, but I think it was worth it.