at Ratingen - Tiefenbroich RR crossing

[Wm Steed]

The cars lined up at a RR crossing in Germany was a common sight when I lived there in the late 1950's... The big difference then from now was that the motorist took advantage of the stop, taking care of natures call to relieve themselves. Men exited to the left of the vehicles, relieving them selves on the road way. Women exited to the right, to the more discreet shoulder of the road.

Of course Germany was much more rural at the time and life was at a slower pace... But then again maybe not. In reviewing the picture, I noted a dining room type of chair sitting on the scaffolding.... Was someone taking advantage of the enhanced view from the scaffolding, or was this a make work project?

Thanks for the picture Go.... your wife does not look to be very thrilled with the whole affair... Resting her head on her left hand. Maybe she was ticked because you got out of the car to take pictures?..... Bill     

[RC Drown]

Go,

Always look forward to your postings, very interesting and great scenery

[Go Fleiter]

We went to my mother in law at Essen (Krupp City, no more steel or coal mining today) yesterday, Saturday morning, while beautiful weather.
It is ~ 20 mls from D?sseldorf, taking only secondary roads.
Made this shot at Tiefenbroich RR crossing, halfways.
This is freight only, this trains makes ~ 75 mph.
Result was good luck following the train  noise, the digital cameras
shoot when they want, not when the owner wants.
Also Ferraris (second car) don?t immediately start, when cool driver wants. Engine was too hot and needed
more attempts than the Plymouth.

We have 5 parallel, heavily used double track electrified RR lines from D?sseldorf northward, each at few mls distance.
2 are commuter, 2 are strictly freight and one is high speed, also for ICE trains (making  scheduled 185 mph).
High speed rail lines and main streets have no more level crossings in my zone.
Greetings! Go