PTG "Pajares Farewell", Gijon to Madrid Part 3, 20th November 2023

20th November 2023
(Gijon -) La Robla - Madrid Principe Pio

Over four days in November 2023 PTG Tours operated a special train from Madrid to Gijon and back via the Pajares Pass or "La Rampa" as it is known in Spain. Three days of the trip included haulage by a pair of Alco DL500S locomotives, 2148 - originally 2159 - and 2150, operated by ALSA.

The last day of the trip was from Gijon to Madrid, leaving Gijon in the early dawn light. With the weather being a lot more moist than the previous day. The video continues from where the previous video ended, at La Robla. After passing the diminishing remains of the power stations the train joined the rejuvenated main line toward León, though not through the station. Between León and Palencia there was a problem with the signals which meant a lot of slow stop-start running. After a stop at Venta de Baños the train continued through Valladolid, with the curious meet of the all grey 319 hauling a test train in the middle of a forest near Valdestillas. After passing Medina del Campo for the fourth and final time of the trip the night closed in making the pause at Zarzelejo a lighting challenge. After some noodling with images of the moon, the Alcos powered away toward Madrid, arriving at Principe Pio station after a further hours travel.

All in all, a great four days, with great locos and fellow travellers!




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00:00:00 La Robla
00:19:12 León Vilecha
00:21:35 Santas Martas
00:32:13 El Burgo Ranero
00:35:09 Parades de Nava
00:38:27 Palencia
00:40:24 Venta de Baños
00:51:27 Valladolid-Campo Grande
01:03:04 Valdestillas
01:05:36 Medina del Campo
01:09:51 Avila
01:14:01 Zarzalejo
01:18:44 Madrid Principe Pio