Exploring the Kamptalbahn in Lower Austria

In this video, we travel along the scenic Kamptalbahn (Kamp Valley Railway Line) in a classic class 5047 diesel train unit all the way from Krems to Sigmundsherberg.
On the way, we will get off at some of the stations and discover what they have to offer. Furthermore, we are going to go on a hike to the magnificent viewing point at the Kamptalwarte. You will also learn about the future railway upgrade plans on the line, which are in preparation for the new Stadler FLIRT battery-powered trains that ÖBB have ordered. And last but not least, we will uncover why not all residents in the Kamptal valley are happy about these upgrades.
Welcome to my KZbin channel TSF Transport, a channel all about public transport in Austria and beyond! If you enjoy my video, don’t forget to give it a thumbs up and subscribe to the channel!
Also follow my Instagram for public transport photography from Austria and beyond: / tsf_spotting
#railwayline #kamptalbahn #vlog #öbb #austria #railway #trains #tripreport #branchline #trainspotting #publictransport #documentary #railwayjourney
Image sources:
docs.google.co...

[@jockcox]

Another interesting video. I appreciate that you took the time to find someone to speak to at Buchberg. It's also good to see that ÖBB are putting investment into these less-trafficked lines, even if it sometimes comes with downsides.

[@TSFTransport]

Yes, I would say in recent years there has been somewhat of a shift towards more investments into regional railway lines in Austria. Even though sometimes small places (like Buchberg) miss out, the modernisation of the Kamptalbahn will definitely be a benefit for the majority of people living in the valley.

[@stephanweinberger]

To keep the Buchberg station open, they'd have to reliably squeeze out about 1 minute of travel time somewhere else. That might be challenging. On a winding line like the Kamptalbahn it will most likely require some (expensive) upgrades in multiple sections to increase the line speed sufficiently. E.g. the curve right before the spot you were @13:30 could be straightened, but that would of course require massive earthworks and relocation of the adjacent rail bridge - at some point it just becomes cheaper to offer a taxi service for the next 50 years... I'd rather see this as an opportunity to rethink the bus system in the area. There are dozens of such small villages in the surrounding hills, that could equally benefit from better connections to the railway, so improving bus services or offering an on-demand service (probably based out of Gars) actually doesn't sound too bad in the grand scheme of things.

[@TSFTransport]

@@stephanweinberger Thanks for your comment. Yes, I guess all that effort and expense is just not seen as worth it when it's only to serve 60 people. If other places are also served by the new shuttle bus then that would probably be the most useful/viable solution for all. I know Lower Austria said they want to implement more such on-demand schemes in the future.

[@stephanweinberger]

@@TSFTransport On the other hand they could try to make Buchberg a demand stop. If passenger numbers are really that low this would only affect a few trains, so it might just work. It would only require minimal investment for a simple signal (nothing fancy, just a light with a timer relay) like they can be found on other branch lines in Austria.

[@BsBsBock]

Now there is a rail replacement according to google maps

[@TSFTransport]

Yes, they've now started the first modernisation works in September, I filmed my video in August when the line was still open.

[@PtrkHrnk]

You look cute 😊