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Hi, I am Sig (junge1),
I was born in Dominikus- Krankenhaus in Berlin-Hermsdorf, Bezirk Reinickendorf in December 1939. Bezirk Reinickendorf was one of 20 Bezirke that made up Gross-Berlin before World War II and one of 12 Bezirke that made up former West-Berlin, the other 8 Bezirke were Russian occupied and became East-Berlin after the war. Moved from Berlin to Neurohlau (Nova Role) Sudetenland (now Czech Republic), in August 1943 (our entire block of apartment buildings was bombed out in November 1943) and returned back to Berlin in November 1945. Saw my dad the first time in my life in August/September 1946 after he returned from POW camp. Attended elementary school in Berlin-Waidmannslust, high school in Berlin-Hermsdorf, and trade school in Berlin-Kreuzberg. Was an apprentice for the trade of Klischeeaetzer (photo engraver) at Burrath & Schmidt on Friedrichstrasse between U-Bahnhof Kochstrasse (near to what later became Checkpoint Charlie) and Hallisches Tor.
While watching Allied planes supplying West-Berlin by air during the Berliner Luftbruecke in 1948-49 I developed my love for aircraft. I guess I could be considered a 'Berliner Grosschnauze", or at least I used to be.
'Wanderlust' led me to leave Berlin in summer 1960 to emigrate to Toronto, Canada and in February 1962 to move from Canada to New York City, NY, USA. In January 1963 I joined the United States Air Force, one step ahead of Uncle Sam drafting me. Became a United States citizen within 7 weeks after it became a security issue because of my military career. One day after I was sworn in as a citizen in Seattle, my entire unit left for Southeast Asia in June 1966. After nearly 5 years of active duty (extended 11 months to make it an 18 months overseas deployment) I got discharged and moved to New York City. In 1973 I moved to Phoenix, Arizona and two years later joined the Arizona Air National Guard.
Received my higher education at Arizona State University and the University of Georgia and worked for 22 years for the Arizona Department of Water Resources in various capacities. Upon military retirement in 1999 and State retirement in 2005 I looked at a number of things to keep me occupied. Traveling and joining 'renderosity' in September 2007 were a couple of them,
Sig..
Comments (26)
MagikUnicorn
LOVE IT Great view!
emmecielle
Interesting shot, Sig! Excellent capture! :)
bazza
Wow amazing capture Sig I love it.. but then I love trains lol.. Well done!!
dbrv6
Great shot - like the perspecitve. Looks like it has a bit of modern help too a few cars back but hard to tell.
flavia49
marvelous capture
billcody
I took a favorite, dear brother - because this is pure railroading american style! Great catch, thanks for sharing!
junge1
The diesel locomotive behind the tender is used for breaking. This train carries its own parts along, and they have an identical locomotive in Utah they use for spare parts.
blondeblurr
A sight to behold! - I think the yellow one with the US flag motive, looks really interesting; when touring through OZ by train, will you be travelling with the Ghan, from Adelaide to Darwin? and if so - enjoy, no doubt you will! BB
jocko500
cool looking
auntietk
This is wonderful! I'm looking forward to your shots OUT the train windows when you get back. :)
danapommet
That is a beauty Sig and 8 drive wheels - that is a lot of power. Nice depth.
kgb224
Stunning capture my friend. God Bless.
bmac62
What a wonderful sight. Interesting about the spare parts...all the shops that made such things are long gone. You've got a great picture of old #844.
jayfar
Magnificent capture, makes me wonder how long the train was and whether there was a diesel helping out along the way!!
ysvry
great foto, makes me wanna install my trainz simulator again and loose some hours pretending to be a loc driver lol.
debbielove
You replied to my upcoming question Sig!!! lol The modern diesel behind this STUNNING Loco!!!!! Is there a reason why? State laws? No brakes ;-) Whatever, this is indeed a stirring sight! Thanks! Rob
sandra46
SUPERB CAPTURE
drifterlee
Wonderful old train!!!!!
bebert
nostalgia nostalgia....
farmerC
Exellent shot.
bobrgallegos
Very cool capture of this awesome engine and train!!!!
mariogiannecchini
Interesting shot, Sig! Excellent capture!
Minda
wow! another excellent shot sig..
dragonmuse
Nicely captured!
erlandpil
Great view! erland
carlx
Cool train and capture, Sig!!!