Manoeuvres in The Dark

My plan was to go for a late night walk along the shoreline. The rain had finally stopped falling, the wind had died down, so that seemed like a good idea. Passing the train station, I noticed lights brighter than usual and men in signal green suits moving about. After a quick look-see, I decided to change the plan and document the work of these - unsung - nighttime heroes. I walked back home, picked up my camera and my 17-55mm Tamron (which really need servicing, by the way) and started shooting.

They have no idea

One of the technicians was available for me to explain briefly why I was there. I think I managed to gain some trust by assuring him that I my intentions were honourable. We had a short laugh about how most people take all the thousands of daily trainrides for granted, because they have no idea about the work that is being done - lots and lots of it - during the night.

The constant monitoring of the tracks, the wiring, the signalling, the lights, the connections and all the other things I don’t even know by their names. Hours and hours of planned and unplanned maintenance, especially after the weeks of storm and rain Portugal has been suffering.

Five minutes delay, and the internet is buzzing with complaints about incompetence.

You can see this small gallery as an effort to restore the balance a bit and honour these men and women that do their work while the rest of us are asleep or binging the next reality show.

COMSA

Fergrupo

Comboios de Portugal