Locomotives and multiple-units - Switzerland: books - overviews

Swiss Traction

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.

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Swiss Railways : Locomotives, Multiple Units & Trams

This is the complete guide to the railways and tramways of Switzerland. It includes:
- A brief historical background to the railways of Switzerland.
- Detailed fleet lists of all locomotives & multiple units in service with national operator, SBB.
- Detailed fleet list of over 50 independent railways and open-access private operators.
- A general overview of the organisation and structure of the railways in Switzerland.
- Useful tips about how to get to Switzerland from the UK.
- Information about tickets and rail passes.
- Detailed maps of the Swiss railway network.
- An explanation of the SBB classification and numbering system and the European Vehicle Numbering scheme.
- Livery information.
- Depot allocations.
- Technical data for every class of locomotive and multiple unit.
- Detailed fleet information for the tramway and light railway networks that operate in Switzerland's towns and cities.
- Full lists of steam, diesel and electric locomotives and multiple units in preservation.
- Information about museums and museum lines with contact details and brief summaries of the number of exhibits usually present.
- Paddle Steamers
- Over 100 colour illustrations.
- An extensive list of locomotive and multiple unit builders
- A list of common railway-themed terms in French, German and English

This book has been compiled and updated by the former editor of Today's Railways Europe, David Haydock. The information has been supplied by many different sources within the railway industry and through extensive original research on numerous visits to Switzerland.
This is the most comprehensive guide to railway and tramway rolling stock operating in Switzerland.

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Privatbahnloks der Schweiz - Normalspur seit 1899 (Typenkompass)

In Switzerland, not only the Bundesbahns, but also a large number of standard and narrow-gauge private railways play an important role in rail transport.
In each canton, independent railway companies ensure local mobility. These private railways have a diverse fleet of vehicles, some of which differ greatly from that of the SBB.

Cyrill Seifert has been keeping a private directory of all Swiss locomotives for many years and has opened the doors of his archive for this Typenkompass. Over 100 vehicle models are presented here.
Each type is presented with a photo, a historical description and technical data.

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Schmalspurbahnen in der Schweiz - Alle Lokomotiven und Triebwagen

No other country in Europe has more narrow-gauge railways on whose tracks passenger trains still run every day than Switzerland. In many cantons, the railways with a track width of 750 or 1000 mm even form the backbone of local public transport. The railway companies keep a large number of vehicle types in stock for both passenger and freight transport.

The Swiss railway expert Cyrill Seifert describes all types of locomotives on the Swiss narrow-gauge railways (including the Rhaetian Railway and the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway) in over 250 pages. His book offers a complete overview that is unparalleled.

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Dampfloks in der Schweiz - seit 1847 (Typenkompass)

Until the beginning of the First World War, the steam locomotive played an important role in Switzerland too. However, the difficulties in obtaining coal during wartime showed the Swiss a dependency that they wanted to break free from. Therefore, an ambitious electrification program began immediately after the end of the First World War. This led to steam locomotives being retired much earlier in Switzerland than in other European countries.
Cyrill Seifert describes all the important types of steam locomotive in Switzerland and where they can still be seen today.

Each type is presented with a photo, a historical description and technical data.

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Historische Loks & Triebwagen - Schweizer Schmalspurbahnen

In Switzerland, numerous associations and railway companies operate historic locomotives for special and nostalgic journeys. These include impressive steam, electric, and rail vehicles.
Among them are rare models such as the Zurich "Laubfrosch, " now at the Blonay-Chamby museum railway, or the Portuguese steam locomotives of La Traction. Well-known vehicles like the "Dante Schuggi" in Basel, the "Crocodiles" of the Rhaetian Railway, the Zurich "Elephants, " and the locomotives of the Furka Mountain Steam Railway are also featured. In total, over 130 historic narrow-gauge vehicles are presented, each on a dedicated page.
Where can these locomotives be found, and when are they in service?

This book is a comprehensive guide to operational historic rail vehicles built before 1950. It includes thoroughly researched information, numerous photos, and technical data.

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