World Trip 2002 - Belgium
After
walking down the line from Pensee station we walked
past some railway workers who agreed that we could take a look at the rest
of the line, but that they had never seen us. This was quite agreeable so
we walked on into a concrete walled cutting. It was strange to see the well
overgrown track yet still active signals. It was a reminder that the rail
system is not truly abandoned, and with some minor work could be brought into
service.
Of all the stations, I found Centenaire to be the most interesting, probably because it was a fully underground station. I seem to have a thing for abandoned or disused underground and subway stations.
The first tunnel, the entrance to Centenaire station
Standing at the end of the platform at Centenaire Station
And it was dark, so dark at night.... Centenaire station.
Petr checks his gear as we arrive at the escalators
Looking down the escalators
This was the surface section of the abandoned railway station which was in the middle of a road. There were people out there looking at us.
Centenaire station foyer with escalators on the right. The station entrance shown above is right behind me. Those big round windows overlook the abandoned railway.
Looking down to the abandoned track bed. I got some neat video of Jacob walking down there.
Cobweb covered signals. Though abandoned the signals along this rail line were still lit up.
More signals in the tunnel.
Close up of the signal box.
I wonder what this button does?
Exiting the first tunnel.
End of the line
Just beyond the tnne we enter the jungle
On the way back
Petr and Jacob near the entrance to the first tunnel again.
Back at the abandoned underground Pensee station I notice the signals are still lit.
Petr started to climb up the interior framework of the abandoned station. I was surprised this photo came out as there was a large area to light.
There was a lot of dust in the air, leaving these little orbs of light as they reflect light from the camera's flash. I once had some crazy person suggest these were sure signs of the presence of ghosts. If this is the case we should have felt a lot more scared than we were. Really the exploration was quite enjoyable and relaxing.
On to Champeau
My host and guide
in Belgium was Patr Kazil. His excellent
web site is here.
Jacob also has a great web site with pictures of the Charleroi trip here.
You can read more about the light rail lines of Charleroi On this
site and there is a map
here and here
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