New
Horizons
Volume
11
Switzerland
Although
Switzerland is considerably smaller than the United Kingdom,
it is linked by a vigorous and heavily used passenger and
rail freight network. The colourful and varied multi gauged network easily connects
express and local train services - not only with each other,
but also with buses and even lake steamers.
This is a country where punctuality is taken for
granted and where all but the very smallest stations are
staffed. The
sophisticated network is virtually 100% electrified and runs
through some of the most dramatic and beautiful mountain
scenery in the world. Expertly
filmed in both spring time, summer, and in glorious winter
snow, this video provides
a fascinating guide to a country overflowing with railway
interest.
Topics
include:-
The
Saint Gotthard route, featuring both freight and
passenger traffic along this very busy line, highlighting in
particular the superb double spiral section near Wassen.
The
Glacier Express.
Superb lineside action along the route taken by one
of Switzerland's most famous long distance trains.
The
beautiful Furka Oberalp line featuring superb
line-side action from Brig to Disentis / Munster.
The
Rhätische Bahn, plenty of colourful freight and
passenger activity centred around Filisur and onto the
famous Bernina pass, highlighting the superb summit scenery, street running at Le Prese and the famous
helical viaduct at Brusio.
The
Bern-Lötschberg-Simplon route with passenger &
freight action between Frutigen and Brig including the car
shuttle service through the lengthy Lötschberg tunnel.
Main
line traffic on the busy artery between Zurich and Basle,
also an interesting site visit to the brewery at Rheinfelden.
Preserved
steam from
Realp to Furka also main line steam on the Rhätische Bahn
near Samedan.
Rural
action on both the Emmental-Burgdorf-Thun and Appenzeller
systems.
The
superb Montreux-Oberland-Bernois route, with
magnificent winter snow scenery around Gstaad, including a
cab ride to Schönried, and a ride aboard the Golden &
Crystal Panoramic trains.
The
famous rack railway for skiers from Aigle to Leysin.
The
Brig-Visp-Zermatt Bahn, metre gauge passenger action
from Brig to Zermatt.
The
Gornergrat Bahn one of Switzerland's finest mountain
lines with stunning winter views of the Matterhorn.
Loco
classes
include:-Ae 6/6, Ge 4/4, Ge 6/6, Re 4/4 (BLS & EBT
versions), Re6/6, Class 460, Class 465, + numerous classes
of motor coaches & multiple units.
Running
time 95 minutes