Valbom
Railbus driver's view ahead on the Tamega branch as the train passes through the basic Valbom halt on its way from Livracao to Amarante. This was a surviving eight mile stub of a previously much longer system and the sharp turns on high ledges above the Tamega River reminded me of a Mad Mouse roller coaster ride. The branch ostensibly closed for urgent repairs in 2009 but as the other Douro narrow gauge Corgo line to Vila Real closed that same day for the same reason there are naturally suspicions about the real motives. In January 2012 CP Rail announced that the branches are unlikely to re-open and withdrew the replacement bus services.
Location: Valbom
Original line: Douro Valley Portugal (CP Rail)
Photographer: Mark Bartlett
Contact photographer: Mark Bartlett
Date: 02/02/2007
Image number: 37733
