On a number of visits to Switzerland, I have had many trips through the Lotchberg Tunnel on the BLS line between Brig and Bern. You drive onto flatcars with open-mesh floors, and simple railings along the sides, and a curved foof to protect against rock falls damaging your vehicle (or you!). Most trains I rode were 19 or so cars long, and each car carries 4 vehicles, I think. The ride is very fast, and takes about 15 minutes to pass through the tunnel between Kandersteg and Goppenstein. You must stay in your vehicle, and keep the windows closed or be deafened!! The trip through the tunnel saves many miles detour between the Rhone Valley and Spiez, Interlaken, Berne, etc. Has anyone else travelled this pass, or the Metre-Gauge Furka Tunnel car carriers? I would be pleased to hear your impressions. When we travelled through the Furka, the ride was extremely bumpy, and tested the suspension of my car! Alan http://eurogallery.homestead.com [This message has been edited by Alan (edited 19 April 2000).]
Me again! Although I have travelled over both these routes as a passenger in a normal service train I have no experience of what it's like to be in a motor-car. Like Alan I would also like to hear any comments. For anyone who is unsure of the type of trains that Alan is describing I have added a few photos of the BLS services below: The trains are operated as push-pull services. The vehicles next to the loco and driving trailer are equipped with drop down ramps for loading/offloading and the ones without roofs are generally provided to cater for small trucks and coaches. John. View Swiss Trains at http://website.lineone.net/~john.p.whitby [This message has been edited by John Whitby (edited 22 April 2000).]
Thanks for the great pictures, John. Kandersteg is one of my very favourite places in Switzerland, superb scenery and lots of trains. This photo was taken through the windshield of my car. We have just left the tunnel and are approaching Kandersteg. Alan http://eurogallery.homestead.com [This message has been edited by Alan (edited 20 April 2000).] [This message has been edited by Alan (edited 20 April 2000).] [ 23 December 2001: Message edited by: Alan ]
What a coincidence Alan. Looks like the on-train and lineside photos were taken at the same spot. My photos were taken on 30/8/91.
Date is close as well, mine was 15th July 1991! ------------------ Alan The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale! www.ac-models.com http://Andersley.homestead.com http://galleryusarail_tehcaj.homestead.com
This is the other end of the Lotchberg tunnel, Goppenstein. The car carrying train arriving (driving trailer leading) is the one we rode on and took the photo from in the previous post. [ 23 December 2001: Message edited by: Alan ]
Here is a pic of the other car-carrying train I mentioned in the earlier post, the Furka-Oberalp one through the Furka Tunnel. This one is off-loading at Realp, at the eastern end of the tunnel The two locomotives which operate these trains are called 'tunnel motors!' <img SRC="http://www.trainweb.org/alanseurogallery/switzerland/2722.jpg"align=ABSCENTER This is the locomotive 81 "Wallis" <img SRC="http://www.trainweb.org/alanseurogallery/switzerland/2721.jpg"align=ABSCENTER Alan [ 23 December 2001: Message edited by: Alan ]
