Easter 1975

In 1975 I made my last trip to Europe to see regular service steam in action. I had been there in the summer of 74 and learned the German 3-cylinder Pacific's would be withdrawn from service in May 1975. So I planned a 2 week trip on my own, followed by teaming up with a fellow we met in 1974 who was from the UK. Mainly we wanted to see the 4-6-2's in action before they were gone, and I had arranged a cab ride which occurred with 012-075 from Rheine to Nordeich Mole about 2 weeks prior to this scene below.
During the 2 weeks I was traveling with Peter from the UK, we found ourselves in Rheine, and specifically taking photos around the shed and engine facilities. This was perhaps the largest stronghold of steam in Germany, and the area was full of steam on this Easter weekend, since schedules were curtailed for the holiday. Leisurely lounging outside was 012-055, and someone had chalked Frohe Ostern on the smoke box. It was a nice "Happy Easter" greeting for a couple of railfans amongst the 75-80 West German steam engines congregated in one place on this Easter.
2020 Easter is like no other, but I have fond memories of this one in 1975! The second image is 012-075 just south of Nordeich Mole. This is the engine that I rode the cab of about 10 days earlier. It has been saved and is now located in Holland. Happy Easter to all and be safe!
Greg Scholl
[www.gregschollvideo.com]