Graz
The standard gauge Graz-Koeflacher-Bahn (GKB) in Austria is something of a curiosity, being owned by the state but not forming part of the Österreichische Bundesbahnen - this probably came about because it had its origins as a coal railway. With steam operating well into the '70s, the GKB was the last refuge for an 1897 Karl Goelsdorf design of compound 2-8-0, although unfortunately by the time of my visit in September 1975 all the surviving examples were dumped out of use at Graz, replaced by Kriegloks obtained from the ÖBB. Spark arrester fitted 56 3115 was one of these and its survival almost twenty years after the type became extinct on the ÖBB was late enough for it to pass into preservation.
Location: Graz
Original line: Graz-Koeflacher-Bahn
Photographer: Bill Jamieson
Contact photographer: Bill Jamieson
Date: 05/09/1975
Image number: 51594
