Railway Herald
BDZ TP Skoda Class 43s have acquired the nickname of 'Fighters' among local railway enthusiasts of which these two specimens are a classic example of the class. Stabled at Iliyantsi station on 13th March 2024, 43-553 and 43-511 show the varying degree of external appearance of these freight-dedicated locomotives. To be fair, many of the Class 43s were in a lot worse condition then what we see here but a few years on a steady program of overhaul and repainting has improved the situation no-end. Occasionally, now in 2024 you might even come across one in pristine condition! These are the workhorses of the BDZ Cargo operations alongside the Romanian built Electroputere Class 46s.
Stephen Ginn
