Special Trip
As a St. Nicholas trip took place on the same day, there was an unfamiliar sight at Wiehl Station. for the passengers:
There were trains waiting for their passengers at both platforms!
Historic and modern day traction side by side at Wiehl Stn.
Despite of the dull, cold and rainy weather, the trip in a modern Alstom LINT multiple unit with roughly 300 seats started on schedule at 2:30 pm from Wiehl and arrived around 3:30 pm at Gummersbach. The return run was scheduled for 5:00 pm, offering the opportunity for the passengers to visit the local Christmas market.
Modern LINT multiple unit passing Weiershagen. The Wiehltal-bridge of the A4 in the background.
In view of the seasonal, not really inviting cold and damp weather, as well as the fact that the ride had not been publically announced in advance, the interest in this special trip for a selected audience (disabled passengers) nevertheless was quite large.
The departure back to Wiehl began at nightfall on schedule at 5:00 pm. It was already pitch-dark when the train turned onto the Wiehl Valley Line again at Osberghausen.
A passenger who had already taken a trip on the Wiehl Valley Line in broad daylight, aptly remarked that it would really be an extraordinary experience to ride the line in the dark.
As the train stopped at Bielstein, passengers could see a couple in a café next to the line wh appeared to be really amazed at the sight of the well-lit and well-occupied modern LINT multiple unit.
On the arrival at Wiehl Station., the DB-Regio team wished a blessed and happy Christmastime to all passengers and promised to press hard for being able to be on the spot on the Wiehl Valley Line again next year.
The apprentices of DB Regio had lovingly decorated the inside of the train with seasonal fir fronds
We can only hope that the initiative of the apprentices of DB Regio will be continued and that there also will be public trips with this modern vehicle on the Wiehl Valley Line again in the future. One thing became clear again this year: There definitely is great public interest in such trips. It would be a great pity if the apprentices of DB Regio had to organise a 'secret trip' again.
Christmas greetings from the apprentices of DB Regio