RMweb Gold PaulRhB Posted September 15, 2016 RMweb Gold Share Posted September 15, 2016 (edited) I'd say the Swiss are almost directly on a par with the UK but they're as susceptible to errors as any railway. Focus on safety always dips and peaks due to human nature. Edited September 15, 2016 by PaulRhB Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horsetan Posted September 15, 2016 Share Posted September 15, 2016 If you mean G then I'd avoid the Kiss ones as they have a nasty case of mazak rot which is driving people nuts on the Grischun forum. The paint falls off then the chassis falls apart! Link here. The flaking paint is exactly what happened to the footplate on early batches of Bachmann's Maunsell "N" 2-6-0 before it shattered into lots of artfully random pieces. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Satan's Goldfish Posted September 16, 2016 Author Share Posted September 16, 2016 19/06/16 Crocodile day! I'd found that running each Sunday from June to October is a Ge 6/6i special from Chur to Samedan and return. So after breakfast we caught a train down the line to Thusis, the plan being to catch it there to do the Landwasser Viaduct and Albula line properly, find some lunch in Samedan, then catch it back to Filisur. Thusis was a bit of an 'on scene' storage yard, we didn't need to wait there long for our train. The Kroc and vintage stock were not as fast as the Ge 4/4iiis working the rest of the services along the line that day so we were reguarly looped to one side for them to pass. I braved the rain to go and stand in one of the open air carriages to get a video of it crossing the Landwasser (wasn't going to sit on a bench THAT wet), what i failed to take into account was that when it entered the tunnel it was pitch black so i couldn't walk anywhere and couldn't sit down..... One bit i won't share any pics or video from (because they all suck) is when we entred the Albula tunnel i managed to perch myself on the front carriage veranda directly behind the engine which was an experience i'd love to try again and can't begin to describe but can highly recommend. Lots of time at Samedan, there was a very nice hotel/restaurant opposite the station which we got lunch in. Samedan itself was a busy location for a Sunday, but nothing was seen going on or off shed. The set of wagons with the centre entrance coach were usual to be found with the Ge 4/4i pair at either Preda or Spinas working on the new Albula tunnel (the Ge 4/4i pair were nowhere to be seen though). As shown in another thread, the new Albula carriage set was at Samedan too. A very lucky (wealthy) couple had their own 'Gourmino' and Pullman carriages attached to the back of one of the Chur - St Moritz services that ran through, maybe next time! We only found out on the return run that the Kroc was due to stop for an hour at Bergun so we could all go around the museum..... Mrs SG wasn't amused, we didn't go around the museum again.... 12 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold PaulRhB Posted September 16, 2016 RMweb Gold Share Posted September 16, 2016 Nice pics again, the Kroks are rather addictive aren't they, mesmerising to watch them in motion. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Satan's Goldfish Posted September 16, 2016 Author Share Posted September 16, 2016 20/06/16 Today the plan was to go to Italy for Pizza and Ice Cream. That was all. In more detail, the morning started off with the view from the balcony being a Ge 6/6ii with a panoramic carriage at the head of the train. On the Davos service was an older rail car set rather than the usual Allegra or Ge 4/4iii 'short set', so i took a picture then decided to video it leaving (i'd already just missed the departure to Chur), just in time to catch another Ge 6/6ii chasing the Chur passenger service We were due to catch the Bernina Express which was due not long after the hourly 3 way passing of trains, all Ge 4/4iiis this time. I managed to persuade Mrs SG down to the station early for this and a wander around. Filisur station is very well maintained in a 'period' style, with its turntable still operational for steam specials. I'd booked us some seats in a panoramic coach for the train down to Tirano from Filisur. These did cost a little extra on top of our rail passes but there was the option of sitting in the Allegra for no extra charge on the train too. Filisur being the second to last stop before Tirano , the train was quite full, our seats were in the leading second class coach which was virtually full, but the guard advised us to head to the back of the train where there were a lot more empty seats and it was much quieter. It also had the added bonus that on the tighter Bernina line curves we'd get nice views of the entire train. I could bore the pants off you with scenery shots from this line, but this is a train thread so i won't. It was an experience! At Tirano we had 3 hours for our Pizza and Ice Cream before our return train, plenty of time to eat, be amazed at how many old Fiat Pandas are still working there, and do some little souvenir shopping from an Italian that looked disturbingly like Liam Neeson...... Tirano has 2 stations; the well kept RhB station, and the standard gauge FS station along side which i could see at least 2 steam engines at rusting away. Lots of activity at the RhB station while we waited with a pair of older railcars running around and adding carriages to their train. There was a lot more freight vehicles and facilities clearly still in use along the line than i expected, i don't think i've ever seen a 'Bernina Freight Train' picture before, just wagons attached to the passenger trains. Which while we had a break at Ospizio Bernina is exactly what i managed to video heading in the opposite direction to us Our return tickets had coach 13 written on them.... not bad for a 9 coach train, so again i had to ask the guard which coach that was only to be told 'there's six of you on the entire train, sit wherever you like'. So for the journey back to Filisur Mrs SG and myself had an entire Panoramic coach to ourselves, a waiter that regular came to replace my beer (Krocodile, of course!) and give us our own personal guided tour to the area as we passed through Finally, there was what looks to be a new bogie diesel at Ospizio Bernina ready for snow blower duties. Pictures from sites on the rest of the run back to Filisur, including finally catching the Ge 4/4i pair with the camera.... kinda.... I'll stop filling the server with pictures now.... 21/06/16 No pictures taken today, i padded out our run from Filisur back to Zurich airport by going via Davos rather than Chur to see some new scenery and a surprise view of the Verina Tunnel entrance. The SBB from Landquart was an express with an Re460 at the front. And that was that. We're booked to go back at the end of April for 4 days around Luzern 11 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold PaulRhB Posted September 16, 2016 RMweb Gold Share Posted September 16, 2016 (edited) Thanks again Gmf 4/4 23401 is indeed new and one of 4. This should take you to an up to date stock list (for now) http://www.haribu.ch/RhB.pdf Edited September 16, 2016 by PaulRhB 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Satan's Goldfish Posted September 16, 2016 Author Share Posted September 16, 2016 Thanks again Gmf 4/4 23401 is indeed new and one of 4. This should take you to an up to date stock list (for now) http://www.haribu.ch/RhB.pdf That's a good list! Suprised under the numbering system they're not Gmf 4/4ii as there appears to be 2 much earlier Gmf 4/4 locos already in use. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RhBBob Posted September 16, 2016 Share Posted September 16, 2016 That's a good list! Suprised under the numbering system they're not Gmf 4/4ii as there appears to be 2 much earlier Gmf 4/4 locos already in use. Seems to be the number of driving positions, i.e double ended machines attract the '1','2' etc.. Gmf 242 and 243 have a single driving panel. No doubt our Grischun RhB group friend in Chur, Gion, will know the answer ! https://www.flickr.com/photos/winterschlaf/15712672179/in/dateposted-public/ Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold PaulRhB Posted September 16, 2016 RMweb Gold Share Posted September 16, 2016 It is referred to as a Gmf 4/4ii so I think Rudi has missed it Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold PaulRhB Posted September 16, 2016 RMweb Gold Share Posted September 16, 2016 Seems to be the number of driving positions, i.e double ended machines attract the '1','2' etc.. Gmf 242 and 243 have a single driving panel. No doubt our Grischun RhB group friend in Chur, Gion, will know the answer ! https://www.flickr.com/photos/winterschlaf/15712672179/in/dateposted-public/ Kroks are known as 6/6i though Bob and they have two cabs and then there's the 4/4iii Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RhBBob Posted September 16, 2016 Share Posted September 16, 2016 Kroks are known as 6/6i though Bob and they have two cabs and then there's the 4/4iii No.no, no ! I meant simply that the double ended locos have numbers denoting the version - not denoting the number of cabs !!! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold PaulRhB Posted September 16, 2016 RMweb Gold Share Posted September 16, 2016 (edited) No.no, no ! I meant simply that the double ended locos have numbers denoting the version - not denoting the number of cabs !!!Ah I liked a 3 cab loco idea Edited September 16, 2016 by PaulRhB Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold The Stationmaster Posted September 17, 2016 RMweb Gold Share Posted September 17, 2016 For interest(?) here is Tirano FS station and the 'preserved' Class 851 tank engine as they were during my 'Grand Tour' back in 2003. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horsetan Posted September 17, 2016 Share Posted September 17, 2016 (edited) 19/06/16.... DSCF5281.JPG Didn't know the Ge4/4iii was still carrying EMS branding after all these years. Back in about 1997, BEMO turned out nr.643 with EMS branding: Edited September 17, 2016 by Horsetan 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Satan's Goldfish Posted September 17, 2016 Author Share Posted September 17, 2016 For interest(?) here is Tirano FS station and the 'preserved' Class 851 tank engine as they were during my 'Grand Tour' back in 2003. Image016_14A.jpg DSCF0607.jpg DSCF0600.jpg it doesn't quite look that 'preserved' any more. the other steamer was at the other end of the shed looking even less 'preserved', it's just about visible in one of the shots. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Satan's Goldfish Posted September 17, 2016 Author Share Posted September 17, 2016 Didn't know the Ge4/4iii was still carrying EMS branding after all these years. Back in about 1997, BEMO turned out nr.643 with EMS branding: image.jpg Didn't know the Ge4/4iii was still carrying EMS branding after all these years. Back in about 1997, BEMO turned out nr.643 with EMS branding: image.jpg Long time! Well I suppose if the advertiser keeps paying..... Was happy to see Coop on several occasions as that's one under the bed, no sign of the dark blue Unerhort? With the goat on the side though anymore. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horsetan Posted September 17, 2016 Share Posted September 17, 2016 (edited) it doesn't quite look that 'preserved' any more. the other steamer was at the other end of the shed looking even less 'preserved', it's just about visible in one of the shots. That's the trouble with plinthed engines. They inevitably deteriorate, and they do it publicly because the owner generally has other priorities. See also the DB engines at Treuchtlingen (I think): "Neubau 01 220" and 50 1684 (will check the number later; it might not be this one) have been in a public park since withdrawal, and their condition is quite shocking. I think the local authority is responsible for them, but either doesn't have the funds to keep them in good cosmetic order or just doesn't care.... .....Was happy to see Coop on several occasions as that's one under the bed, no sign of the dark blue Unerhort? With the goat on the side though anymore. Those two were both in my late friend's massive collection: the Unerhört goat one was one of the first to be sold, whilst the CoOp example went to its new owner near Flitwick some years back: he was having a massive RhB system built for him, and was after anything with CoOp branding. Edited September 17, 2016 by Horsetan 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold The Stationmaster Posted September 17, 2016 RMweb Gold Share Posted September 17, 2016 it doesn't quite look that 'preserved' any more. the other steamer was at the other end of the shed looking even less 'preserved', it's just about visible in one of the shots. I couldn't get to it for a decent (or even indecent) photo but it wasn't in the best of health even 13 years ago. Apparently at one time there had been plans for regular steam working on the Tirano branch which is why the preservationists had the engines based there. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium jjb1970 Posted September 18, 2016 RMweb Premium Share Posted September 18, 2016 As much as I love Switzerland and Swiss trains I have to admit I'm with those who take the legend of Swiss punctuality and reliability with a pinch of salt based on my own experience using Swiss trains. I'm not saying they're "bad", far from it, but neither are they the clockwork model of excellence often presented. Last September I was in Interlaken for a junket (sorry, I meant a very tiring business trip) and had to take the train to Geneva airport to fly home. The train journey was not impressive at all with the train to Bern late and the train from Bern to Geneva airport cancelled at some place I'd never heard of then having to wait for another train. And I found that whilst going between Zurich and Winterthur is a case of just turning up and never having to really wait, looking at departure boards the punctuality wasn't that great. Great trains though. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_Hughes Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 Swiss punctuality? Generally excellent in my experience, though I remember some years back the stationmaster at Interlaken Ost walking down the platform to explain to everyone that the incoming train was running late because it had come from Italy! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Satan's Goldfish Posted April 28, 2017 Author Share Posted April 28, 2017 Back in Luzern! Just arrived, train from Zurich to Luzern, first port of call Model Bahn Boutique (before hotel check in!) and due to their LGB supply Mrs SG is probably now glad we didn't have hold luggage. This trips souvenir is some Brawa n Tomorrow is a trip under then over the Gotthard, photos will happen. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold PaulRhB Posted April 28, 2017 RMweb Gold Share Posted April 28, 2017 its a bit small 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Satan's Goldfish Posted April 28, 2017 Author Share Posted April 28, 2017 its a bit small Hey had great big colourful bogie vans...... I needed a suitcase...... All the best things start small... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold PaulRhB Posted April 28, 2017 RMweb Gold Share Posted April 28, 2017 Or buy a sliding door Haik and fill it with N . . . 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Satan's Goldfish Posted May 4, 2017 Author Share Posted May 4, 2017 28/04/17 So we're back in Luzern. After a quick bit of unpacking Mrs SG wanted to go out for a walk to get some dirty cancer sticks (others views on this subject are available). Somehow she was very willing to go with the suggestion of 'there will probably be shops open at the station', so while she went shopping I found some platform ends. So here's the results of an evening at Luzern Hauptbahnhof, There's a lot of catenary masts around the station which do a very good job of getting in the way of taking pictures. I also tried to get a decent picture of a Flirt as they are in a very similar livery to what we can expect here in darkest Norfolk, but there was always a platform in the way; Some fresh sleeper pron as the sun goes down! There's something very aesthetically pleasing about the light shining off the rails with all the ground lights inbetween. The ZB train is the Luzern - Engelberg express, finished for the day and being cleaned, and still with the same 'Globi' graphics on the coach that took me and Mrs SG up to Engelberg last year! 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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