Other formats

    TEI XML file   ePub eBook file  

Connect

    mail icontwitter iconBlogspot iconrss icon

The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 2, Issue 3 (July 1, 1927)

Swiss Railways

Swiss Railways.

No European country occupies a more important part in trans-continental transport than Switzerland. In introducing new and powerful electric locomotives on the St. Gothard trans-Alpine route linking Switzerland with Italy, the Swiss Federal Railways have opened up a new era in European long-distance travel. These massive engines weigh 215,000lbs., and work on the single-phase alternating system, with current supplied by overhead conductor. Electrification of the St. Gothard line, which includes a nine-mile long tunnel beneath the Alps, has revolutionised operating conditions, and enabled fast through runs of five and three quarter hours to be accomplished in the international services between Lucerne and Milan (169 miles).

It has been said with truth that Napoleon's much-lauded road-building exploits in the rugged Alps were really simple achievements as compared with the efforts of the builders of the St. Gothard Railway. Commenced in 1872, the St. Gothard line includes a nine-mile-long double-track tunnel beneath the Alps, 63 smaller tunnels, and 65 bridges and viaducts. At either end of the St. Gothard tunnel, unique spirals provide means of increasing the elevation of the tracks, the line at the northern end of the tunnel rising 580 feet in the course of one-and-a-half miles. During the winter months snow and avalanches present constant danger on this unique railway. Immense rotary ploughs are utilised for clearing the track of snow. These are of steel construction, run on eight wheels, weigh sixty page break
Aerial View, Southampton Docks, England. Southampton Docks are owned by the Southern Railway, and cover 200 acres. Direct rail connection is given with London, 78 miles distant, fast limited trains operating in connection with the steamship movements.

Aerial View, Southampton Docks, England.
Southampton Docks are owned by the Southern Railway, and cover 200 acres. Direct rail connection is given with London, 78 miles
distant, fast limited trains operating in connection with the steamship movements.

page 20 tons, and carry an immense rotary fan nine feet nine inches in diameter operating at 140 revolutions per minute.