Montbovon Zweisimmen Railway (MOB)The Montreux Oberland Bernois RailwayThe Montreux–Oberland Bernois railway (French: Chemin de fer Montreux–Oberland Bernois, German: Montreux–Berner Oberland-Bahn, abbreviated MOB), is a railway operating in southwest Switzerland, one of the oldest electric railways in the country; its main line, 62.4 km (38.8 mi) in length, built to 1,000 mm (3 ft 3 3⁄8 in) gauge, connects Montreux, Gstaad, and Zweisimmen, where passengers can transfer to the BLS AG owned, and standard gauge, Zweisimmen to Spiez line. There is also a 12.9 km (8.0 mi) branch-line from Zweisimmen to Lenk. The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway History and Route The main line of the MOB was opened in stages, the first, from Montreux to Les Avants (10.9 km or 6.8 mi) on 17 December 1901, followed by the Les Avants to Montbovon (11.2 km or 7.0 mi) section on 1 October 1903. The next stages from Montbovon to Château-d'Œx (10.6 km or 6.6 mi) and then Gstaad (13.1 km or 8.1 mi) followed on 19 August 1904 and 20 December 1904 respectively, the final 16.6 km (10.3 mi) of the line reaching Zweisimmen on 6 July 1905. The spur line to Lenk was opened in 1912. From the very start, the MOB had the character of a mainline railway and, at an early stage, through trains with dining and saloon coaches were introduced. The creation of the Golden Mountain Pullman Express in 1931 was unfortunately at a time of world economic crisis and this accounted for its lack of success. The saloon coaches 103–106 built for this train by Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits (CIWL) were sold to the Rhaetian Railway in 1939, where they are still in use (As 1141–44). Two of the original (1913–14 built) coaches have been restored by the MOB and are used for "Chocolate train" services in the summer months, but still regularly find work on the main line "Classic train" services on Sundays throughout the year. The modern successor of this luxury train is the Golden Pass Panoramic Express, which for the past few years has aroused growing enthusiasm. The MOB begins its journey in Montreux, departing trains normally making use of platform 5 and arrivals platform 6, between the Swiss Federal Railway platforms and those of the rack and pinion railway to the Rochers de Naye. Winding its way up through the vineyards above Lake Geneva via Chamby, as far as Les Avants, the line passes through the crown tunnel under the Col de Jaman to reach the Saane Valley. In Montbovon there is a connection to the Transports Publics Fribourgeois (TPF; previously GFM) network. Following the Saane upstream, passing the famous hot-air ballooning centre of Château-d'Oex, it leaves the French-speaking canton of Vaud near Rougemont and enters the German-speaking canton of Berne. After Saanen the planners would have liked a direct ascent of the Sannenmöser Pass but without the aid of a rack and pinion system this was impossible and the line was diverted to loop around the village of Gstaad, adding greatly to the development and prosperity of the community. Beyond Gstaad railway station it begins the climb to the head of Saanenmöser Pass, the highest point on the line at 1270 m (3937 ft). On the other side it descends the Simmen Valley to Zweisimmen, where there is a connection to the standard gauge line of the BLS to Spiez. Over the years, while passenger traffic boomed, freight traffic diminished with 2006 seeing the end of cement transport between Montreux and Saanen and the transport of standard gauge wagons on transporter bogies between Zweisimmen and stations to Rougemont and Lenk. By the end of the year the MOB was a passenger only operation, however in Spring 2007 the company purchased nine gravel (hopper) wagons and two surplus locomotives from the TPF. The MOB now operates this transport from Grandvillard (on the TPF line) to Saanen. The Lenk branch retraces this route for a very short distance before continuing on its own trackbed. Because of its poor state of repair, this line was closed on 14 June 1975, however, it was fully modernized between 1977 and 1979, having new tracks and overhead lines, reopening on 27 September 1979. New rolling stock was purchased (* in the list below) to operate this line together with the weekdays school service between Zweisimmen and Saanen. Since reopening it has been included in the regular operating schedule of the MOB with timetabled connections to the main line services. To celebrate the centenary of the opening of the Lenk line (June 2012), the MOB arranged a week of festivities with a dinner, special fares and operation and display of rolling stock usually to be found on museum lines, particularly that at Blonay-Chamby. (Source: Journal du Pays D'Enhault, published 24 May 2012) The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Modernisation Program In Spring 2008 the MOB announced a four-year plan to modernise the railway infrastructure and rebuild stations to bring them all into the 21st century. This programme began with the demolition of little used facilities; the goods shed in Gstaad and the shed in Château-d'Œx, this latter structure being replaced by a free-standing shelter, for example. During 2008 much work took place on the overhead line equipment with replacement supports being positioned along the line although not brought into use they stand ready for the new wiring. It is expected that this work will continue, up to 4 nights per week through to December 2009, subject to weather conditions. New deeper ballasting has taken place along many sections of the line and this will be continued until the line has all been done. The work at Gstaad consisted of a complete rebuilding of the platforms to full height and simplification of the track layout. After almost 100 years the station got platform canopies and passenger operated lifts linked by a pedestrian underpass. During this rebuilding the station was reduced to a single line. The canopy is of wooden construction supported on metal uprights. The new layout gives the original platform as No.1 with the new island platform being Nos. 2 and 3. This work was officially opened, if not fully finished, on 13 June 2009. At Saanenmöser station a straightforward relaying and alignment took place through late 2008 / early 2009 which maintained the passing and siding facility at that location. During the early part of 2010, by the end of May, the stations underwent a rebranding along with those of other lines which come under the "Golden Pass" banner. All were fitted with signs bearing the new "Golden Pass" logo and name alongside the station nameboards, which were retained in their original colours. One of the smallest stations / halts, Les Combes, between Château-d'Œx and Rougemont, was given a new, raised platform during Autumn 2011 leaving only the waiting shelter as original, quite a lot of money spent for so few passengers. Work commenced on the rebuilding of Château-d'Œx station in mid - September 2013 and plans were published in the local newspaper with details of the work which is carried out in three phases and completed by the end of 2014. Throughout the work the passing loop facility was maintained and raised platforms constructed reached by subways from the station front. Construction work was delayed and the station officially reopened on 28 November 2015. (Source : 24 heures, Vaud edition, various dates in April/May 2009) (Source : Journal du Pays d'Enhaut, 1 October 2009) (Source : Journal du Pays d'Enhaut, 12 September 2013) (Source : Journal du Pays d'Enhaut, 26 November 2015) The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Timetables and Train Formations From the beginning of 2011 timetable there are two Golden Pass Panoramic services, with VIP seating (domed end cars), departing Montreux at 09h45 (Train 3118) and 15h45,(Train Nos 2128), the Lenk branch ceases to be served, the "through" working only lasting one year (2010). It is normally made up in the following formation and operate in the "push–pull" mode : Ast / Brs / As / Locomotive / BDs / Bs* / Arst* : This is the length limit of the train due to platform lengths. Trains may be shorter off-season. There are other Golden Pass trains without VIP seating (dome end cars) and these depart Montreux at 07h45, 11h49, 14h47 and 17h45 (Trains 2112, 2124, 2228 and 2134) and from Zweisimmen at 08h26, 10h26, 14h26 and 17h05 (Trains 2111, 3115, 3123 and 2229). These trains are locomotive hauled and use stock not required for the trains with VIP seating. The formation, which is flexible, is usually as follows : Locomotive / As / As / BDs / Bs / Bs This leaves a surplus of one domed observation car (two in use on the Golden Pass panorama and one on the "Chocolate Train") Golden Pass Classic trains operate daily departing Montreux at 08h47 and 13h45 (Trains 2216 and 3126), returning from Zweisimmen at 11h09 and 16h26 (Trains 2217 and 2127) and are made up in the following formation : Locomotive / As / As / Brs / Bs / Non-Classic Type BD (to provide cycle / luggage space) The Golden Pass "Chocolate Train" operates in June, September and October every Monday, Wednesday and Friday and in July and August Monday to Friday, departing Montreux at 09h12 (Train 2118) but no return working is shown in the timetable. Until the end of the 2008 season it was made up in the following formation which ran throughout between Montreux and Broc Fabrique:
Other trains Montreux–Zweisimmen may be pulled by a The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Class: Ge 4/4, The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Class: GDe 4/4 or an The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Class: ABDe 8/8 and they can have up to five coaches. Local services operate connecting Montreux to Fontanivent (Mon – Fri ), Chernex, Sonzier and Les Avants, operated by Be 2/6 7001–7004 and from Château-d'Oex, Saanen or Gstaad to Zweisimmen. The branch-line from Zweisimmen to Lenk offers a regular service timetabled to connect into and out of the MOB main line services. These trains are operated by The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: Be 4/4 5001–5004. The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: 3 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Class: Tm 2/2 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Manufacturer: KHD The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Works No./Date Built: 55736-1955 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Notes: Ex- V22, Euskirchener Kreisbahnen, Germany: Sold 1966 to VGH (Germany) V121. The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: 34 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Class: Tm 2/2 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Works No./Date Built: 1934 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Notes: Ex-Rhätische Bahn 9913 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: 35 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Name: Béa The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Class: Tm 2/2 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Manufacturer: Kaelble-Gmeinder The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Works No./Date Built: 5553-1976 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Notes: 2007 ex-Benkler 25 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: 36 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Name: Elsbeth The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Class: Tm 2/2 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Manufacturer: Kaelble-Gmeinder The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Works No./Date Built: 5586-1980 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Notes: 2007 ex-Benkler 26 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: 37 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Class: Tm 2/2 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Works No./Date Built: 1950 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Notes: Ex-Rhätische Bahn 9914 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: 328 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Class: De 4/4 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Manufacturer: SIG/BBC The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Works No./Date Built: 1924 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Notes: Engineers Dept. Out of use, Fontaviant (8.13) The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: 31001 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Name: Montreux The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: Be 4/4 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Manufacturer: ACMV/SWS/MFO/BBC The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Works No./Date Built: 1955 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Notes: Ex-Lugano–Cadro–Dino railway. Sold to MOB and rebuilt 1973. Repainted in Black/White locomotive livery with small "MOB Golden Pass" in black (on white) in Autumn 2015, Nameplates removed. The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: 31002 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Name: Saanen The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: Be 4/4 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Manufacturer: SWS/SAAS The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Works No./Date Built: 1951 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Notes: Ex-Biasca–Acquarossa railway 4, reserve in Zweisimmen The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: 31003 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: Be 4/4 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Manufacturer: SWS/SAAS The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Works No./Date Built: 1958 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Notes: Ex-Lugano–Ponte Tresa railway 5. Brought by MOB 1981, reserve in Saanen (July 2009) The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: 31006 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Class: Be4/4 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Manufacturer: R+J The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Works No./Date Built: 1997 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Notes: Seen in Chernex, June 2013 sporting orange/grey livery. The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: 31007 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Class: Be4/4 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Manufacturer: R+J The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Works No./Date Built: 1997 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Notes: Seen in Montreux, June 2013 sporting orange/grey livery. The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: 32003 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Name: Montbovon The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Class: Gm 4/4 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Manufacturer: Moyse/CFD*/Poyaud The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Works No./Date Built: 1976 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Notes: Spring 2009 to Chernex works. The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: 32004 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Name: Albeuve The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Class: Gm 4/4 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Manufacturer: Moyse/CFD*/Poyaud The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Works No./Date Built: 1982 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Notes: *Ateliers de Montmirail, Chassis No. BB825 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: 33001 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Name: Rougemont The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Class: BDe 4/4 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Manufacturer: SIG/BBC The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Works No./Date Built: 1944 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Notes: Ex-2nd/Brake,now Engineers Dept. use. Retained blue/cream livery until scrapped in December 2009. The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: 33002 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Name: Château-d'Œx The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Class: BDe 4/4 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Manufacturer: SIG/BBC The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Works No./Date Built: 1944 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Notes: Ex-2nd/Brake,At 7.2009 being stripped out, Chernex Works. Moved to Vevey for asbestos removal and at 6.2010 awaits further attention at Chernex. The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: 33004 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Class: BDe 4/4 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Manufacturer: SIG/BBC The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Works No./Date Built: 1944 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Notes: Ex-2nd/Brake,now Engineers Dept. use, all over dark blue livery (2006), repainted Vevey, 2009. The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: 33005 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Class: BDe 4/4 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Manufacturer: SIG/BBC The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Works No./Date Built: 1946 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Notes: Ex-2nd/Brake,now Engineers Dept. use, all over dark blue livery. The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: 33006 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Class: BDe 4/4 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Manufacturer: SIG/BBC The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Works No./Date Built: 1946 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Notes: Ex-2nd/Brake,now Engineers Dept. use, all over dark blue livery. The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: 34001 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Name: Suisse The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Class: ABDe 8/8 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Manufacturer: SIG/BBC/SAAS The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Works No./Date Built: 1968 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: 34002 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Name: Vaud The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Class: ABDe 8/8 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Manufacturer: SIG/BBC/SAAS The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Works No./Date Built: 1968 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: 34003 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Name: Bern The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Class: ABDe 8/8 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Manufacturer: SIG/BBC/SAAS The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Works No./Date Built: 1968 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: 34004 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Name: Fribourg The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Class: ABDe 8/8 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Manufacturer: SIG/BBC/SAAS The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Works No./Date Built: 1968 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: 3*5001 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: Be 4/4 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Manufacturer: SIG/SAAS The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Works No./Date Built: 1976 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Notes: Note 1. Rebuilt Raility/MOB Chernex, left works 7 July 2009 - Originally named "Montreux" before rebuild. The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: 3*5002 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: Be 4/4 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Manufacturer: SIG/SAAS The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Works No./Date Built: 1976 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Notes: Note 1. Rebuilt Raility/MOB Chernex, left works 20 August 2008 - Originally named "Zweisimmen" before rebuild. The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: 3*5003 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: Be 4/4 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Manufacturer: SIG/SAAS The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Works No./Date Built: 1976 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Notes: Note 1. Rebuilt R+J/MOB Chernex, 2004 - Originally named "Lenk" before rebuild. The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: 3*5004 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: Be 4/4 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Manufacturer: SIG/SAAS The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Works No./Date Built: 1976 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Notes: Note 1. Rebuilt R+J/MOB Chernex, 200. - Originally named "St Stephan" before rebuild. The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: 36001 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Name: Vevey The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Class: GDe 4/4 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Manufacturer: SLM/BBC The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Works No./Date Built: 1983 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: 36002 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Name: Isabelle von Siebenthal The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Class: GDe 4/4 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Manufacturer: SLM/BBC The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Works No./Date Built: 1983 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Notes: Originally named "Rossiniere" The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: 36003 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Name: Saanen The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Class: GDe 4/4 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Manufacturer: SLM/BBC The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Works No./Date Built: 1983 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Notes: In 1983 this locomotive broke the record for Swiss narrow gauge trains with a speed of 110 km/h. From April 2009 in "Chocolate Train" livery. The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: 36004 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Name: Interlaken The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Class: GDe 4/4 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Manufacturer: SLM/BBC The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Works No./Date Built: 1983 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: 36005 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Class: GDe 4/4 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Manufacturer: SLM/BBC The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Works No./Date Built: 1983 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Notes: Ex-TPF (GFM) No.101 Ville de Bulle, Sold to MOB April 2007, Name removed March 2008. Repainted in "Golden Pass" livery, May 2011. The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: 36006 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Class: GDe 4/4 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Manufacturer: SLM/BBC The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Works No./Date Built: 1983 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Notes: Ex-TPF (GFM) No.102 Neirivue, Sold to MOB April 2007, Name removed June 2009. From Summer 2015 carries livery of Badoux Vins with the sides showing their most popular brand of red wine. The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: 38001 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Class: Ge 4/4 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Manufacturer: SLM/ABB The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Works No./Date Built: 1994 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Notes: Livery: Gstaad Mountain Rides. The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: 38002 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Class: Ge 4/4 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Manufacturer: SLM/ABB The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Works No./Date Built: 1994 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Notes: Livery: Golden Pass Line livery. The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: 38003 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Class: Ge 4/4 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Manufacturer: SLM/ABB The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Works No./Date Built: 1994 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Notes: Livery: Menuhin Festival Gstaad. The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Number: 38004 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Class: Ge 4/4 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Manufacturer: SLM/ABB The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Works No./Date Built: 1994 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Notes: Livery: Golden Pass Line livery. The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Number: 1 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Class: Tm 2/2 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Manufacturer: O&K, Berlin The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Date of Manufacturer: 1930 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Notes: Chemin de fer-musee Blonay-Chamby, 2006. The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Number: 2 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Name: Heinrich II The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Class: Tm 2/2 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Manufacturer: KHD The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Date of Manufacturer: 1953 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Notes: Ex-Juist Island (Germany); to Chemin de Fer de la Somme. The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Number: 11 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Class: BCFe 4/4 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Manufacturer: SIG/Alioth The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Date of Manufacturer: 1905 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Notes: Chemin de fer-musee Blonay-Chamby, 1999. The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Number: 26 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Class: BFZe 4/4 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Manufacturer: SIG/Alioth The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Date of Manufacturer: 1914 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Notes: 1995 to Modellbahngruppe Obersimmental-Sannenland, stabled on line at Saanen. Repainted blue/cream livery, May 2008 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Number: 27 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Class: De 4/4 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Manufacturer: SIG/BBC The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Date of Manufacturer: 1924 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Notes: Engineers Dept., scrapped July 2002 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Number: 36 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Class: BDe 4/4 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Manufacturer: SIG/SWS/VBW/MFO The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Date of Manufacturer: 1913 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Notes: Rebuilt 1951, 2007 handed over to association "Ds Blaue Bähnli" who plan to return it to Bern – Worb. The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Number: 37 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Locomotives and Motor Coaches Class: BDe 4/4 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Manufacturer: SIG/SWS/VBW/MFO The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Date of Manufacturer: 1913 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Notes: Rebuilt 1958, scrapped July 2000 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Number: 61 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Class: B4 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Manufacturer: SIG The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Date of Manufacturer: 1906 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Notes: Pre-1956 Second Class saloon coach, 1979 to Modellbahngruppe Obersimmental-Sannenland, stabled on line at Saanen. Repainted blue/cream livery, May 2008 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Number: 529 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Class: K (Gk) The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Manufacturer: Busch, Bautzen The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Date of Manufacturer: 1905 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Notes: 1995 to Modellbahngruppe Obersimmental-Sannenland, stabled on line at Saanen. The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Number: 1004 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Notes: Scrapped 1996 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Number: 1005 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Notes: Scrapped 1996 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Number: 1006 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Manufacturer: SWS/SAAS The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Notes: Preserved at VBW The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Number: 2002 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Class: DZe 6/6 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Manufacturer: SIG/BBC The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Date of Manufacturer: 1932 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Notes: Works No.3702., to Blonay-Chamby The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Number: 2008 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Number: 3003 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Class: BDe 4/4 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Manufacturer: SIG/BBC The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Notes: Scrapped 1996 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Number: 3004 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Class: Be 4/4 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Manufacturer: SWS/SAAS The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Date of Manufacturer: 1944 The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Withdrawn and Preserved Items Notes: Built and painted special livery for the Super Panorama Express. Note 1: Class Be 4/4 after rebuild operate as the centre-car (non driving motor) of a three-car set made up as Bt – BDe4/4 – ABt. The Bt vehicles are numbered 241 – 244 and the ABt vehicles 341 – 344. Bt242 carries R+J Builders plate 70671 – 2005. Note 2: Class Be 2/6, No's 7001 to 7004, are listed under the stock owned by the Chemins de fer électriques Veveysans (CEV) but they also work short journeys over the MOB from Montreux to Fontanivent, Sonzier and Les Avents. The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Abbreviations
The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Livery In 2009 a decision was made to change the livery on all rolling stock except for the Golden Pass Panorama and Golden Pass Classic trains. This was to include the various railways and funiculars marketed under the "Golden Pass" banner and the buses operated by the company. The colour scheme is to be a gold (lower portion) and white (upper portion) with all stock being rebranded "Golden Pass". The new colours will be applied to the stock as it passes through works, although the "Golden Pass" logo will be applied as soon as practicable. The first vehicle to be reliveried, First / Second Composite Coach AB307, appeared in traffic on 27 August 2010. (Source : Journal de Pays d'Enhaut, 1 October 2009) (Source : Journal de Pays d'Enhaut, 26 August 2010) The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Passenger Rolling Stock The passenger carrying rolling stock can be divided into the categories: "Classic", "Panoramic", "Ordinary" and "Saanenland". The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Classic Stock "Classic" stock are six Pullman type coaches, two from 1914 and four rebuilt in 2004–06 on structures from 1964. Details are as follows:
The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Panoramic stock "Panoramic" stock is that used on the Golden Pass Panoramic services and includes the observation vehicles used at each end of train when the locomotive is centrally situated. Most "panoramic" coaching stock has been built by the former Biel-based coach work builder Ramseier+Jenzer. All coaches are air conditioned. These include: R+J As 110 As 111 As 112 As 114 Ars 115 Ast 116 Ast 117 As 118 As 119 1976 1979 1982 1983 now 228 1985 1986 1992 1993 Breda Arst 151 Arst 152 As 153 As 154 1993 1993 now 251 now 252 R+J BDs 220 Brs 221 Bs 222 Bs 223 BDs 224 BDs 225 BDs 226 BDs 227 BDs 228 1979 (a) 1979 1982 1982 1982 1983 1989 1990 1985/95 Breda Bs 251 Bs 252 1993 1993
Note (a). BDs No.220 was outshopped from Chernex in late June 2010, following a press demonstration the previous month, as the first vehicle to be fitted on axle-less, dual gauge bogies to be tested in readyness for the through running to Interlaken. The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Ordinary Stock The "Ordinary" stock is used on all services not operated by the Panoramic and Classic coaches. These are painted in a light blue and cream livery and can be hauled by locomotives or railcars. They also include driving trailers (Voiture pilote). These are
"Saanenland" stock is specially liveried for work over the Zweissimmen to Lenk line and local services between Zweissimmen and Saanen. The stock works in conjunction with motor vehicles of type Be 4/4, Nos. 5001–4 and these sets are usually worked as fixed formations of Bt-Be 4/4-ABt, the first being ready for traffic in 2004 was 243-5003-343. 244-5004-344 followed in 2006 and 242-5002-342 left Chernex works for traffic on 20 August 2008. The final unit, No. 241 – 5001 – 341 left Chernex on 7 July 2009 and was seen in Zweissimann two days later having worked a service from Montreux. The driving trailers that replaced ABt 5301-04 are:
The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway New Stock on Order On 22 June 2007 the MOB gave details to the press that it had placed orders with Raility of Biel for eight new air-conditioned coaches with large panoramic windows and low-floor access and seating. The coaches will have standard-level seating at the vestibule ends, with a central section of low-floor seating containing the access doors which will assist those with restricted mobility. They will also contain handicapped-accessible toilets. The coaches will be fitted with a new type of bogie "Centro 1000" incorporating air suspension, produced by Alstom. The first of these, number Bs230, was delivered from Chernex works into traffic during mid-May 2010. The livery is all over white with the lettering in gold showing the new "golden pass" symbol and lettered Transgoldenpass. The blue lettering "bls" is also featured. the second of the coaches is expected to be ready for traffic in June 2010. Four of the new coaches will be put between the two halves of ABDe 8/8 4001–4004, forming three-car-EMUs. The first of these to enter full revenue – earning service did so in mid-December 2010 when 231 and 232 were formed as a regular part of the "Golden Pass Panorama" trains 3118/2119/2128/2131 Source : MOB/Raility press release together with personal observation. The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Variable Gauge Bogies On 18 May 2010, MOB invited press and officials to demonstrate the first Panoramic coach (BDs 220) fitted with variable gauge bogies to allow through running across the 1,000 mm (3 ft 3 3⁄8 in) / 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) break-of-gauge. The axle-less bogie was developed by MOB and engineered by Prose of Winterthur. Some components were designed for the Centro 1000 bogie and built by Alstom. Apart from changing the gauge, the bogies also adjust the height of the coaches to suit the different platform heights on the two gauges. MOB announced commercial service with variable gauge trains for 2015. The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Overview The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Track Gauge: 1,000 mm (3 ft 3 3⁄8 in) The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Electrification: 850 V DC Overhead line The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Highest Elevation: 1,269 m (4,163 ft) The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Maximum Incline: 7.3% The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway Rack System: None | |||||
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