Gmunden update
by Klaus Matzka

Gmunden update

Gmunden update 1024 576 Verein Pro Gmundner Straßenbahn

Originally it was planned to use the new Vossloh Tramlink motorcars on Gmunden’s tram only after being linked to Traunseebahn. With lack of servicing possibilities in the old depot as main reason.

Now a way was found to solve this problem provisionally at least.

So Tramlink 129 was transported from Vorchdorf to Gmunden recently. And it’s in regular service since a week.

 

A few pictures, taken on Monday, 10 April 2017. (© Klaus Matzka)

Gmunden ÖBB station. Tramlink 129 and ex Vestische motorcar 10, built 1952! Two cars are needed in the morning rush. Motorcar 9 will return to Germany’s Ruhr area, together with brother car 10, after being retired in Gmunden. But both will be used there as spender for spare parts only.
Towards Gmunden’s center at Franz Josef-Platz. As line number the timetable 174 number is shown. Unfortunately some destination displays would need a long exposure time of 1/100 or less, not suitable for a moving vehicle’s picture.
Gmunden’s old depot. It will be used in future to store three historic cars (5, 8 and 100), which will run occasionally between Gmunden station, Gmunden’s center and via the new link up to Engelhof station along Traunseebahn. It isn’t quite clear to me, whether the problem will be solved, when these single sided cars will run on the new line with stops on both sides.
Coming up again from the shores of Traunsee (Lake Traun), barely visible in the background.
Down between stops Rosenkranz and Tennisplatz.
Tennisplatz; one of this line’s two passing loops.
Close to 10% are negotiated by the new cars without any problems. And the quality of smooth riding is to mention. Citizens, living along the line, love the extraordinary low noise level.
Bypassing Stern & Hafferl, the operator’s headquarters.
Now it’s getting tight. Along Kuferzeile. With trams, running against the traffic flow of an oneway street, when running uphill.
A warning!
At the tramstop Kuferzeile.
Three flashing lights of this kind help car drivers to shelter anywhere, when meeting a tram.
Same site, seen from a tram. With two cars, waiting for the tram to pass.
Now we are down at Traunsee’s shores. With Orth Castle on an island
Grilled chicken are available with tram view
The main street is crossed, protected by a traffic light
The tram’s present and temporary terminal. Right a former Attergaubahn car (Vöcklamarkt – Attersee) as information kiosk for the StadtRegioTram.
The old track on the opposite side of the street, temporary out of use until the missing link opens, is used by a painter, who is delighted by a blooming Magnolia tree. Originally at home in America and East Asia only (although named after the French botanist Pierre Magnol), Magnolias are common now in middle Europe as well. But seen by many people – me including – as exotic. Note Cafe and Konditorei signs in background for one of the next pictures.
No comment.
Well, that’s the reason, why the missing link isn’t ready yet: The bridge over River Traun, exactly at the outflow of Traunsee. Half of the old bridge is still open for alternating oneway traffic of cars. When half of the new bridge is finished, the old one will be removed and the rest of the new one built. With tramtracks!
Mid 2018 the new bridge should be ready. And StadtRegioTram Gmunden will operate between Vorchdorf-Eggenberg and Gmunden ÖBB station.
But probably I’ll be here again much sooner. As I love this beautiful place!
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