Swiss Traction

Andrew Cole captures the traction of Switzerland

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Switzerland is set in the heart of Europe, and as such is host to a vast number of both passenger and freight workings, with locomotives from various different countries visiting.

The Swiss railways are made up of lots of different small companies, which run on both standard and narrow gauge, the main operator being SBB, who run a large variety of different locomotives, from vintage electric Re 4/4 locomotives, through to the modern Class 460 locomotives. Both types of locomotives can be seen on passenger work, with the Re 4/4 also at home on freight workings. There are also various other classes of locomotives used on freight work.

Of the smaller operators, the best known, and biggest, is BLS, who operate both passenger and freight workings, centered on Bern, and whose locomotives can be seen running in Italy and Germany. Another of the well known smaller operators is RhB, who operate on narrow gauge tracks to the east of the country, mainly around Chur, and they run both passenger and freight workings.

This book presents a snapshot of a fascinating country with some of the most spectacular scenery as the backdrop to its railway system.