Kaiser Franz Joseph

[marinemole]

Some pictures and video of the paddler Kaiser Franz Joseph on the Wolfgangsee, Austria. Formerly a paddle steamer the vessel has been converted to diesel propulsion. I'm sure purists will throw their hands up in horror but externally the mode of propulsion isn't apparent. At least it is sailing.

http://www.paddleducks.co.uk/smf/gallery/3/1550-260110210817-4.jpeg


http://www.paddleducks.co.uk/smf/gallery/3/1550-260110210817-3.jpeg


http://www.paddleducks.co.uk/smf/gallery/3/1550-260110210816-2.jpeg


http://www.paddleducks.co.uk/smf/gallery/3/1550-260110210816-1.jpeg


http://www.paddleducks.co.uk/smf/gallery/3/1550-260110210816-0.jpeg


http://www.paddleducks.co.uk/smf/gallery/3/1550-260110210546.jpeg

And finally a short video clip

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdObNDNWvz4

[PaddleWheel]

Nice pictures, thanks for sharing. I went on her a few years ago before the rebuild on a miserable day and the saloon was locked and there was no awning up...
Re. the diesel engines, her new owners did look at returning her to steam during the rebuild but decided it uneconomical.

[Roderick Smith]

Here are two more youtube clips:
PS/RD Kaiser Franz Josef I (Wolfgansee, Austria)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNS0yaJI1SI&feature=related
www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3msxCt4QqI&feature=related

See also:
www.badischl.com/en/5-02-6-60602/detail/wolfgangsee_schifffahrt.html
www.wolfgangseeschifffahrt.at

Download the English pdf:
www.schafbergbahn.at/media/schafbergbahn_wolfgangseeSchifffahrt_2010_en.pdf

Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor

[marinemole]

Thanks Roderick. Brings it all back. Didn't get to Austria this year for the first time in a long while.

[tonyh]

My thoughts are that the owners haven't improved the vessels looks during the recent modifications. I thought she have more stylish lines prior to the funnel extension etc.
Please find a photograph which I took in the mid 1980's.



Just my thoughts,
Tony

[AlistairD]

She was then owned by the Austrian State Railways (ÖBB), and it is their logo which is on the funnel

Alistair