A Leader in Electrification.

Switzerland is a leader in the electrification field, and, during the present year, the Swiss Government railways are spending some four million odd francs on electric traction. The routes from Sargans to Coire and from Winterthur to Rorschach, via Romanshorn, were opened to electric traction in May last, while the route from Oerlikon to Schaffhausen was completely electrified towards the close of 1928. This concluded the first stage in the throughout electrification of the Swiss Government railways. Before work is begun on the second stage of the electrification, it is thought desirable to wait a year or two. In the meantime, this year's work includes the important task of replacing the three-phase system of electric traction on the Simplon tunnel and other sections, by the single-phase system. During the present year the Swiss authorities intend to place orders for the supply of eighteen fast electric passenger locomotives, four heavy mountain type electric locomotives; four electric shunting locomotives, and two electric tractors. At the close page 40 of the year the Swiss Government railways will be operating some 500 electric locomotives and motor cars.

In addition to the electrification programme, the Swiss railways have this year set themselves the task of replacing the hand brakes on all goods wagons by automatic compressed air brakes of the “Drolshammer” pattern. The introduction of this equipment will enable freight traffic working to be considerably speeded up, afford increased safety, and eliminate the necessity for employing special brakesmen on freight trains.