Roaring Monster

Gasp! I took a photo of a steam locomotive! Last time that happened was back in April!

I even took a (somewhat lousy) video of it, which you can watch on YouTube, in case you're interested.

Anyways, this is 03 1010, nicknamed "Roaring Monster" by British railfans due to the characteristic 3-cylinder sound at higher speeds. She is the only operational member of the Deutsche Reichsbahn subclass 03.10 that was built between 1939 and 1941, basically an improved class 03 with an extra cylinder and a fully streamlined exterior shell. The specimen here was built in 1940, surived WW2 and remained in service in East-Germany, loosing her streamlining and being converted to oil firing, making her one of the most capable steam engines at the Reichsbahn's disposal.

She also had the honor of pulling the last steam train between Berlin and Stralsund back in 1980, ending the era of the 03, with the era of steam also coming to an end eight years later. But as early as 1982, she became an official museum locomotive, retrofitted for coal firing and often seen in front of nostalgia trains. This also included many spectacular trips abroad, making her somewhat famous, with many trips being booked by British railfans.

In the end, a partnership was formed between 03 1010 and 70013 Oliver Cromwell, and that's not just something of a symbolic nature! Back in 2010, when 03 1010 was out of commission and in need of an overhaul, 70013 embarked on the "Roaring Monster Tour" to get her back on the mainline. With that, they managed to raise 10.000€, thus enabling 03 1010 to receive a general overhaul. This view you see here wouldn't have been possible if it weren't for Oliver Cromwell and British steam enthusiasts.

The photo was taken at the signal bridge in Langenfeld, with the train traveling from Bochum to Cochem for the "Winter- und Weihnachtsmarktfahrt" of the Eisenbahnmuseum Bochum. The return trip will also take place today, but by then, it will be dark. Still, I might try catching it during the short stop in Leverkusen Mitte. Yes, Cologne Central would be so much more epic, but that place will be overflowing with railfans, so Leverkusen it is!

EDIT: There we go!