The Ruhr district is well known as the heartland of Germany’s heavy industry and was instrumental in delivering the “economic miracle” of the 1950s. A huge network of railway lines exists to support not just the industry, but also the people of this unique metropolitan area.
Eisenbahnalbum Ruhrgebiet is a collection of high quality black and white images illustrating the railways of the Ruhr from the 1950s to the end of the second decade of the 21st century. Most of the photographs relate to industrial traffic, featuring the main line railway, industrial and works systems, but passenger trains are also featured.
Railway servicing facilities are also examined, from steam motive power depots and their iconic roundhouses, to modern electric multiple unit maintenance depots. Busy station scenes also feature – a reflection of this densely populated area.
A common theme through the book is the movement of coal and how the mechanisms for doing so have changed over the years. Such trains are now largely consigned to history in the area as the last coal mine in the Ruhr closed its doors for the last time in 2018.
All the photographs are accompanied by explanatory captions describing the subject and most are presented in one-per-page format. A short section of colour images is included towards the back of the book. 176 pages. Hardback. German text.