It was a rainy Monday when I arrived in Antwerp. Working with my Lumix LX7, I spent several hours riding the Lijn trams and making photos.
Does the rain and gloom ad atmosphere to this eclectic Flemish port city? There’s a lot of history here.
Lijn has been buying new low-floor articulated Flexity-2 trams to replace its antique fleet of four-axle PCCs, so I was keen to catch the older cars at work while I still can.
A modern Flexity2 tram glides through the rain in Antwerp. Lumix LX7 photo.Complicated track work makes for a more interesting urban image. The PCC is almost incidental to the scene.There are plenty of eclectic establishments in Antwerp where you can grab a bite to eat an enjoy a glass of beer while watching the tram cars grind along cobblestone streets.Antwerp enjoys a complex transport system with tram lines on many streets. However, expansion of the tram subway may soon reduce the number of surface services in some parts of the city center.
Could a bus be as photogenic in such a setting?
Among the advantages of photographing on a cold wet day is that there tends to be few people on the streets to get in your way. Not to sound antisocial, but masses of urban humility can be a hindrence when composing tram photos.
Near the main railway station there’s a tram loop used by route 11 cars.This level crossing is a great place to catch the action.I don’t think everyone was quite as enthusiastic about tram tracks and cobblestones as I was.
Curbside running makes it easier to board the cars.Here’s my car now!
White trams navigating narrow dark cobble-stone streets makes for some interesting contrast. So, would shafts of sun have improved these images?
So far as I can tell, the level crossing is handled in the same way that automobiles use the road. If you look closely you can see the backs of the traffic lights. Beyond that, I didn’t see any special arrangements, but next time I’m back I’ll study it more closely.
Lincoln Reed on said:
Very cool pics of Antwerp ! I particularly liked the shot between the buildings with the reverse curve ! You are right , had there been people out on the street that shot would be quite different . One question for you , where the trams cross on a diamond what is the operators responsibility to protect his car ? Do they stop and flag across or is a signal system employed ? Great photos as usual ! Thanks
Michael Walsh on said:
Fabulous pictures – I haven’t been there since 1966. Time to go again!
So far as I can tell, the level crossing is handled in the same way that automobiles use the road. If you look closely you can see the backs of the traffic lights. Beyond that, I didn’t see any special arrangements, but next time I’m back I’ll study it more closely.
Very cool pics of Antwerp ! I particularly liked the shot between the buildings with the reverse curve ! You are right , had there been people out on the street that shot would be quite different . One question for you , where the trams cross on a diamond what is the operators responsibility to protect his car ? Do they stop and flag across or is a signal system employed ? Great photos as usual ! Thanks
Fabulous pictures – I haven’t been there since 1966. Time to go again!